3 Reasons Your Builder is Probably Not Your Interior Designer
If you are considering building a new home, you may have noticed the many different trades involved in the project: architects, interior designers, general contractors, builders, etc. Although we have already discussed each of these roles in depth, you may discover there is some overlap — both good and bad.
For example, you may find general contractors (GCs) who say they can help with the design, or you may find builders who consider themselves a “design-build” firm. It’s not for me to say whether these professionals are or aren’t capable of creating a design you’ll love (they might be!), but I do want to share some insight I’ve gained over the years, so you can make the most informed choice for your family’s goals.
Today, I’m sharing...
The typical differences between a builder / GC and an interior designer
How to know which of these professionals is right for your project
Some warning signs to keep an eye out for
Before you dive in, I just want to mention that I am not saying that any of these roles are unimportant to your project. Each has his/her role. Or multiple roles, in some cases. I simply want to share the potential of these professionals to be able to create an interior design that fits your lifestyle, looks stunning, and lasts. Come take a look...
What are the Differences Between a Builder / GC and an Interior Designer?
1. Different Roles
First off, their roles are typically very different. A builder is most concerned with the assembly of the home, and they are not involved in selecting the materials that go in it, such as flooring, countertops, windows, banisters, etc. In fact, many will not even give you quotes for their work until those materials have been selected. OR, they will execute and install whatever is easiest, to finish the project quickly. The same is true for a GC.
If the builder is running a design-build firm, they will help with the interior design, but I can’t say with 100% certainty that it will be the designer-level quality you’re looking for. Some are, some aren’t. You’ll want to double-check that the “design” half of their business is on par with your expectations. (See more tips below.)
Meanwhile, a designer looks at the fine details of your home, its transitions, and flow, along with the materials that are right for your lifestyle — not just what’s going to “work” or is trending. Details often add work (which is why most builders do not propose adding them in), but they are the finishing touches that make the difference between a good and great home design.
The interior design of this transitional kitchen in Pleasant Hill by Memmo Interiors determined necessary electrical (like over the sink), the amount of tile needed (more for open shelving), the transition from wall to ceiling (moulding), and other tiny yet crucial details.
2. Different Goals
When researching professionals, it’s also important to understand what their main motives are. Builders are all about speed and schedules. Of course, you also want a builder who cares about quality, but most are simply not interested in picking your finishes for you.
If you do ask them to select materials (and they respond), they will likely throw something out that comes to mind. Maybe it’s the latest trend, or perhaps what they’ve been doing for the last decade (and is on it’s way out). That’s not necessarily a bad thing, because you do want tried-and-true in some cases, but in other cases you want new, current, and design forward.
Designers care less about speed and more about quality, function, lifestyle, aesthetic, and longevity. We want a portfolio we’re proud of and clients who are so happy that they tell their friends about us.
Fortunately, these differing goals are quite complementary. Many builders will happily partner up with an interior designer, and vice versa, because we can create the design with our mutual client, order the materials they need (and order them precisely to avoid delays), and have it all ready to go on-site for the builder and their team. That’s efficiency!
More about new home build timelines and factors you can control here.
3. Different Tools
Designers have several tools that we use to help plan our clients’ homes down to the last detail. We also use photo-realistic renderings to show you what your completed space will look like, with every furnishing in place and the color palette clearly visible for you to see. We also share materials samples with you so you can feel them for yourself before we place any orders.
We also work with the architect to refine the architectural drawings with respect to the interior, and we help with construction documents, like the Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) and Electrical Schematic, so we can ensure you get that stunning chandelier you’ve always wanted over your dining table!
Most builders are not going to provide drawings, renderings, design plans, or color schemes for you. They usually do not have samples and swatches, or they may have some that are limited to what they have used in the past. They are typically not trying to follow the latest innovations in finishes and fixtures, but rather they spend their time following raw material costs or new installation methods.
Some design-build firms can do a great job with the design, but again, you’ll have to do your homework to find out if the company you’re considering is the right one for you. Which brings us to...
How Can You Tell if a Builder Will Give You Designer-Level Selections?
As I said, the insights I’ve shared so far apply to most builders and GCs, but definitely not all of them. Here’s how to gauge the expertise of your builder with respect to making designer-level selections:
If you ask what color your cabinets should be, and they say “white or gray,” they do not have designer-level knowledge. No designer will say this.
If they’re not asking you pointed questions, they are not going to give you a designer-level result. Questions should be around details like your lifestyle and cleaning habits, what kind of maintenance you want, your storage needs, or if you have kids / pets. As a designer, these questions are musts to be able to create a home that supports your family’s everyday life!
If your builder is telling you to come pick from a select number of finishes they have in a “showroom,” think tract or spec homes by large developers. Sure, you have a curated number of choices, but are they going to meet your needs functionally and aesthetically? Are they just the most generic, diluted set of choices that everyone will be okay with? (99% yes.) Or are they truly thoughtful, creative, and going to make a statement in your home? (Not likely.)
Last but not least, the best advice I can give is to look through your prospective builders’ portfolios to find the aesthetic you are drawn to. If a portfolio feels generic, it is highly, highly unlikely that you will get something different without bringing in your own interior designer to help.
So… Who Should You Hire?
Both designers and builders have important roles in creating a new home, and you need both roles for a successful project. They COULD be the same person / firm, but they might not be. You just have to do your due diligence to ensure the people involved are going to deliver on your expectations.
As far as the order of hiring goes, I think any of these scenarios could be great options:
Find a builder first but then research their design abilities (see section above) and decide if you would like to involve an interior designer.
Decide you need an interior designer who specializes in this area, and ask them to refer you to a builder.
Consider a design-led firm who can also build.
Whichever route you choose, look at their portfolios. If aesthetic matters to you, browsing the portfolios of the professionals you’re interviewing is a must!
I hope this has helped you get clearer on the process and who might be right for your project. As always, if you need an experienced designer (and you love our portfolio), I would be honored to discuss your project and see if we’re the right fit for each other. You can book a call with me here!
I can’t wait to help you design and build your dream home.
Talk soon,
Rosanna
