If you’re considering a new home build or contemplating a renovation, you’ve probably pondered the idea of engaging an interior designer. You might have dismissed the idea as an unnecessary luxury or something you could manage on your own. However, in any construction project, integrating interior design from the outset is crucial.

Not convinced? Imagine you’re planning to remove a wall between your kitchen and living room to create an open-concept space. All may seem well until you realize that your furniture exceeds the available wall space or that the lighting doesn’t work well in the new open space.

Here, we’ll explore why each phase of the process – interior design and space planning – are critical to your project, and why it’s important to address both simultaneously.

Advantages of Effective Interior Design

The right interior design can elevate a space. Many interior designers, including those at ARCH Design Studio, collaborate closely with their clients to develop a comprehensive plan for their space. This includes elements such as colors, materials, lighting, furniture, and more. They will then use this information to create a 3D rendering, a lifelike image of what the final space will look like.

Designers can incorporate real-life materials into their 3D renderings, such as the exact tile you want to use or the specific couch you desire. As a result, you get a complete visualization of your space and can make any necessary changes before actual construction commences.

Working with a designer who doesn’t provide a 3D rendering is akin to buying a product without seeing it first, according to David Malka, co-founder of ARCH Design Studio.

“Say you want to buy a new iPhone, you go to the Apple Store, you test it out, see if you like it, and then you spend $1500. You would never pay and then check how it is,” he says.

Thanks to advancements in software, more designers than ever can now provide 3D renderings for their clients. What was once considered a luxury is now within reach for many people and is something you should consider when working with an interior designer.

Benefits of Proper Planning

Space planning is integral to interior design. It involves the architectural and engineering aspects of your renovation or home build. You may work with an architect or engineer to design your floor plan, which will determine where your walls are, the dimensions and proportions of your room, and even where lights can be placed.

Architects and engineers can also use 3D renderings to help you visualize your project’s finished state ahead of time. This can save you money, as structural changes to your home can be expensive and time-consuming.

Seeing your space to scale can also help you understand exactly how much room you have. When designing your floor plan, professionals should take your personal needs into account. For example, a person in a wheelchair will need wide enough hallways and doorways to move around comfortably. A large family might want separate bedrooms for all their children. Or a couple that frequently hosts social gatherings will need a kitchen that can accommodate a certain number of guests.

Moreover, proper planning ensures your project is safe. Comprehensive planning for the entire project can also prevent any last-minute additions or changes that can be costly for the client.

The Advantage of Working with a Single Company

Often, designers and architects work with different companies. You might not think to engage an interior designer until your home build or renovation is complete. However, initiating your project with both a designer and an architect can ensure a seamless process throughout.

Interior design informs planning, just as planning informs interior design. Knowing how much space you’ll have in your kitchen will directly impact how many cabinets you can install, just as the type of couch you want will dictate the shape of your living room.

Therefore, collaborating with a company like ARCH Design Studio, which houses designers, architects, and engineers under one roof, can save you stress and money in the long run.

Some architects may not share their plans with other professionals until they’re finalized. But this can cause difficulties if the plan is incompatible with the interior design plan. Making changes to a finalized plan can be costly and time-consuming.

Ultimately, you want to ensure your professionals are speaking the same language and are on the same page. Too many moving parts in too many places can lead to confusion. But by working with a single firm or company, such as ARCH Design Studio, you can ensure your process is smooth from start to finish.