Ok, first things first, who’s who in a typical renovation project?
The short answer is – it depends on the project. It’s not necessarily a matter of size believe it or not, it depends on the scope. If the scope is large and involves changing the footprint of the house you may need the full design team. A full team consists of an Architect, Kitchen and Bath Designer, Interior Designer, Engineer, Contractor and Landscape Designer. Sounds like a lot of people to pay but, if you want it done right sometimes you need all hands on deck. Let’s breakdown who does what and when you really need them.
In this installment of Building the Team, we look at the role of the Architect:
The architect is part designer, part conductor, and part therapist. Let me explain… if you need to improve flow, open walls, enhance the natural light, and create a more indoor/outdoor feel that the Southern California climate affords us, you need an architect. Along with designing, the architect helps you choose the contractor and oversees the building process insuring that the contractor and subcontractors are on time and building according to the plans. Because a renovation project can be rather emotionally taxing, the architect must have a good bedside manner and be an excellent hand-holder. News flash! Sometimes couples don’t see eye to eye ☺. In order to keep the project moving, the architect must help her clients find common ground and come to mutual decisions. Easier said than done sometimes! That is why you must have excellent “chemistry” with you architect. It is a relationship like any other and you must “click” for the process to be fun and successful.
Not all architects are alike, however. Some perform only basic services while others can design your project down to the last little detail. Certain architects do nothing but space planning – determining where the rooms, hallways, doors and windows should be placed. Others will also design some of the details like the molding, paneling and ceiling treatments, doors and windows. Still other architects do all the Interior Architecture in addition to the above. The Interior Architecture includes all the details that you see in the finish product. This full service architect helps you pick the plumbing fixtures, the tile and stone, door and window hardware, the cabinet hardware and maybe even the lighting fixtures. At our firm, SLW Design Group, you can customize the design services you want. If you are a DIY designer and all you need is the general design, our fee will reflect that scope of work. On the other hand, if you know the look you want but haven’t a clue as to how to get it, we are thrilled to offer full service design.
When do you NOT need an architect?
While an architect can certainly work on any scope of work, you don’t necessarily need an architect on every job. If you are just redoing you kitchen, a Kitchen and Bath Designer may be all you need. If you are working with a very skilled Interior Designer on your furnishings, she or he may also be able to design your kitchen or bath - selecting tile, stone, cabinets, appliances, etc. Many interior designers are even adept at producing the CAD drawings that a contractor would need to get the project permitted and built. However, as a rule of thumb, if you have a very tricky design challenge, you should probably look for an architect.
In our next installment of Building the Team, we will go into detail about Kitchen and Bath Designers as well as Interior Designers. Until then…
SLW Design Group is an all-female Architecture and Design firm that specializes in restorations, renovations and sympathetic additions to bungalows and other traditional houses. For information about our services, you can contact us at 323.686.6158.
