Who Do You Need: An Interior Designer or an Architect?
If you’re planning a renovation or a new build, you might be wondering who to call first—an architect or an interior designer. It’s a common question, and I get a lot of enquiries from people who aren’t quite sure what I do, or whether they even need a designer. (Spoiler: you probably do—and yes, it’s a paid service, just like engaging an architect, engineer, or builder.)
Here’s a simple guide to help you figure out who does what, and when to involve them.
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
Interior designers focus on how your space looks, feels, and functions inside the home. We don’t just choose paint colours and cushions (though we’re good at that too). We work with the internal structure of a home—kitchens, bathrooms, layouts, lighting, materials, finishes, storage, and joinery.
A qualified interior designer can:
Reconfigure the layout of your home for better flow and function
Design kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries
Plan lighting and electrical layouts
Choose finishes like flooring, benchtops, tiles, paint, and cabinetry
Design custom joinery (think mudrooms, wardrobes, home offices)
Select furniture and window treatments
Collaborate with builders and trades to bring your vision to life
We often work with clients who are renovating an existing home or building a new one, helping them make hundreds of decisions with confidence, and ensuring the final result reflects their lifestyle, personality, and budget.
Mundaring Extension
What Does an Architect Do?
Architects are trained to work on the structure of your home. They’re essential for new homes, large-scale renovations, or projects that involve significant changes to the exterior or structural walls.
An architect can:
Design new homes or major additions/extensions
Navigate planning approvals and building codes
Prepare DA (development application) drawings
Work with engineers to ensure structural integrity
Collaborate with interior designers for cohesive inside-outside design
Can They Work Together?
Absolutely. In fact, on many projects—especially new builds or full renovations—you’ll get the best result when both work together from the start.
Architects are trained to think from the outside in; interior designers think from the inside out. When those two perspectives meet, you get a home that not only looks beautiful but works beautifully too.
With over 10 years of experience in interior design, major renovations, and residential construction—alongside a background in engineering and nearly completed qualifications in interior architecture—I bring a practical, knowledgeable, and design-focused approach to every project. My clients value clear advice, honest guidance, and the confidence that comes from working with someone who truly understands both the creative and technical sides of home design.
If you’re unsure whether your project is better suited to an architect, an interior designer, or both—we’re always happy to have an honest chat and point you in the right direction.
Get in touch today to arrange your discovery call.
