There can be misunderstandings about an interior designer’s role. It may sound technical to define its role and perhaps obvious when planning a project. However, I believe the information is useful as I’ve been contacted by people wasting time and resources for a certain type of project and others trying to achieve a goal efficiently with an unconventional project team.
So what is an interior designer expected to deliver? I usually explain to my client that “we’re responsible to design areas under a roof, but not undertaking any responsibility for the design or modification of any structural, heating, air-conditioning, plumbing, and electrical, ventilation or other mechanical systems installed or to be installed at a project”. We still make suggestions on these items and request engineers to come up with designs to execute those ideas to ensure that associated codes and regulations are met.
Every project has five phases – programming, schematic design, design development, contract document, and contract administration in chronological order. Ideally you want to have an interior designer on board as early as possible, because you’ll have fewer design options as you go down the road due to structural limitations and other existing conditions. Typically it is in the programming stage of determining expected functions in a space, that people discover the untapped potential that they never even considered.
The misunderstandings about the role seem to come from under/over-expectations of performance. Some think an interior designer picks wall colors and furniture pieces, which can certainly be a part of the services. But we also custom design furniture and procure any products in a warehouse, as well as oversee the installation once the construction project is completed. However, an interior designer’s real added-value, in my opinion, is one’s true passion, interpretation and attention to detail for space designing. Such consciousness often extends to an understanding of materials, lighting and shades, colors, ventilation, etc. from the perspective of durability, reliability and impact on wellness, not merely their functionality. Traditionally, an interior designer works with an architect and is responsible for the design portion of a project. You also find architects being responsible for the design portion of a project, while outsourcing structural, heating, air-conditioning, plumbing, etc. to engineers. However, as expertise are increasingly becoming available remotely with technological advancement more clients simply hire a designer and have engineers to approve the plans so that they can move forward with a general contractor. On the other hand, I see more vendors such as cabinetry shops directly work with clients as visualization tools have become user-friendly and convenient.
Every project is unique and in need of a different expertise or approach. Having an accurate understanding and expectation of each party’s role allows one to successfully save time and resources. I would like to emphasize though that an interior designer is not expected to be responsible for the aforementioned areas such as structural, electrical and plumbing. With the evolution of technology and tools, it is fair to say that a project does not always need to be completed in a traditional manner. Finally, experience, coordination and adept interpretation are helpful characteristics in finding the right interior design partner for your unique project.