One of the most common questions we hear from potential clients and those beginning to think about a renovation project is, “Who do I hire first: a designer, a builder, or an architect?”
In my 19 years as an interior designer, I’ve seen many whole-home, kitchen, and bathroom remodels through from start to finish. Every project is different, and size and scope always play a role. Still, here are some important thoughts on project requirements and when to bring in each professional.
The short answer
For most renovations, hire your interior designer first. A designer defines the scope, layout and finishes so contractors can give accurate bids, and in California a CCIDC-certified designer like ASR Design Studio can prepare and submit drawings for many projects that don’t need an architect.
Do You Need an Architect?
Not all home remodeling or building projects require an architect. In many parts of the country, a licensed designer, rather than an architect, can draw single-family plans and submit them for a permit. Here is a general state-by-state list of where you need an architect to permit single-family construction. However, requirements sometimes vary by county. The best way to find out if you need a licensed architect for your home building or remodeling project is to call your city’s building department.
At ASR Design Studio, we hold a CCIDC license that enables us to stamp and submit drawings to the building department in California. If the project involves any load-bearing work, you need to engage a structural engineer or architect. Depending on the county and the scope of the work, we may also require a licensed plumber and a T24 consultant.
Why Not Hire a Contractor First?
When you’re remodeling your home or building a new one, you’ll definitely need a builder or contractor. They handle all the construction, like putting up walls, installing plumbing, wiring electricity, and more. This is why many homeowners think a general contractor should be the first person they hire. But actually, that’s not always the best idea—and we have seen situations where it has led to problems later.
Here’s why: If you hire a contractor first, they can give you a rough cost estimate for your project based on similar work they’ve done before. But at this point, you likely haven’t made all the big decisions about your home—like the layout, materials, millwork, cabinets, or lighting. Once you make those choices with the help of a designer or architect, the contractor often returns with a new, higher price based on the final plans. At that point, you may feel stuck because you’ve already hired them.
The truth is, in order to get an accurate estimate from a contractor, your design needs to come first. Without detailed plans, a contractor is just guessing.
That’s why it’s better to hire your design team—an architect and an interior designer—before you bring on a contractor.
When We Recommend Hiring an Architect First
If your area requires a licensed architect for single-family plans, I recommend hiring the architect first. The same goes if an architect isn’t required, but you want an architecturally unique and thoughtful home.
During the planning and design process, your architect can:
- address questions regarding load-bearing elements
- determine what is feasible and what will be cost effective
- research codes and zoning requirements
- help make material selections for siding, roofing, windows and doors
Once you are at the point of reviewing plans and making decisions about materials, this is the time to bring an interior designer on board. That way, they can guide those choices from the start.
Why We Recommend Hiring an Interior Designer Second
Your interior designer will collaborate with your architect to ensure all elements work seamlessly together. This creates a cohesive and beautiful finished home. Our main goal is for you to fall in love with where your life unfolds.
During the design process, we support our clients by:
- Working alongside the architects, structural engineers, contractor or builder, and any other trades needed to bring the space to life
- Drawing detailed cabinetry layouts for the kitchen, pantry, bathrooms, living room, and other spaces as needed
- Laying out tile on floors and walls in detail
- Creating a cohesive design that includes flooring, wall finishes, plumbing fixtures, and lighting fixtures
- Planning furniture layouts that show how traffic moves through the space, so we can flag awkward spots before anything is built
- Selecting material finishes and preparing installation details
- Developing the lighting plan, choosing fixtures, and placing switches and outlets to meet code and suit the furniture layout
As interior designers, we think through all the details. Our goal is to create a home that you love, where your life unfolds. We also make sure the plans are clear so the builder knows exactly what to do.
Finally, Hire a Builder or General Contractor
Once your plans are set and the design is resolved, it’s time to start the builder search. This is the next important step in your project, and you may invite more than one builder to bid. Each builder reviews the design plans and material selections your architect and designer prepared. Because every design detail is documented, they can prepare an accurate budget. The bid will also include allowances (estimated placeholders) for items you haven’t selected yet. In addition, the builder will develop a construction schedule.
Once the bids are in, you can make your final selection. We have great relationships with local builders and general contractors in San Diego, and we’re always happy to make recommendations once we’re hired onto a project. Most architects can also help you choose a reputable builder who does quality work.
How an Interior Designer Helps Your Project Go Smoothly
As interior designers, we collaborate with builders to troubleshoot issues and keep the process as smooth as possible for our clients. We also make sure the builder’s allowances match each client’s preferred level of refinement. We often see unrealistically low allowances, so we advise clients on what better fits their expected finishes. That way, there’s no financial surprise down the road.
Sometimes homeowners bring in interior designers late in the process or after they have already made key decisions. Interior designers certainly can still help at that stage, but your options may be more limited. Hiring a designer early on lets you plan everything to work together perfectly. We’ll help you make smart choices and figure out where to splurge. We’ll also think through details you might not even realize are important.
At ASR Design Studio, we’ve worked on new homes, remodels/large scale renovations, kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, and furnishing whole homes.
From challenge to solution
Who you call first sets the tone for the whole project. Here is why the order matters.
01 · THE CHALLENGE
Bids without a clear plan
Hiring a contractor first means estimates are based on guesses, and costs often climb once real selections are made.
02 · OUR APPROACH
Design first, then bid
We define the scope, layout and selections, prepare drawings, and bring in an architect or engineer only when the project needs one.
03 · THE RESULT
Accurate bids and fewer surprises
Contractors price the actual design, budgets stay realistic and construction starts with a complete plan.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, the designer. A complete design lets contractors bid accurately and reduces change orders during construction.
Not always. Structural changes, additions and new builds usually need an architect, while many interior remodels can be drawn by a licensed designer.
In California, a CCIDC-certified interior designer can prepare and submit drawings to the building department for many non-structural interior projects.
Keep reading
- 8 Designer Benefits During Construction
- The Difference Between an Interior Designer and a Decorator
- How to Ensure a Smooth Home Renovation: 4 Expert Tips
- Project Country Trails Reveal: A Bonita Whole Home Remodel
- Is Hiring an Interior Designer in San Diego Worth It?
Fall in love with where your life unfolds.
ASR Design Studio is a full-service residential interior design studio based in Escondido and serving San Diego County. We specialize in renovations, new builds, furnishing and thoughtful styling, blending our signature modern coastal style with the way you actually live. We take on a limited number of clients each year so every home gets our full creative attention.
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