‘I Already Have a Builder. Do I Really Need an Interior Designer?’

By Michelle Lynne
President, ML Interiors Group

The short answer is yes! Read on to understand why investing in the input of a professional is probably one of the most inexpensive elements of your entire project.

It can be difficult to know exactly where to begin when it comes to new builds or renovations. And if you’ve had the privilege of securing a builder for your project, it may feel like the hard part is done – they’ll take care of the rest!

Unfortunately, that’s not quite the case. Builders are crucial to the success of any design project, but we would contest that interior designers are just as important (and we’re not just saying that because it’s our job!).

Could you take care of the design aspects of your project independently? Theoretically, yes. But this idea is usually the beginning of the end, as many homeowners find themselves almost immediately overwhelmed by the full extent of effort and time this kind of management requires. And you’ve got a whole other slew of things to do on the daily – imagine adding selecting furnishings and finishes, consistent communication and management of every step of the creative process, as well as managing procurement, the timeline of installation, returning endless calls and emails all while a team temporarily takes over your space. The list goes on.

In this article, we will define the differences between builders and interior designers – and why hiring a team of professionals is ultimately in your best interest. 

The Builder’s Role

• Liaising/ collaborating with the interior designer and architect to ensure the design is feasible in real life. As much as we love to dream big at ML Interiors Group, we need the dream to have solid footing, so to speak!
• Providing a quote for sub-trades work like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting.
• Providing a timeline of the scope of work done within the space (start and finish dates – super important if you want to know when a certain part of the home might not be accessible).
• Coordinating and managing sub-trades (who’s on-site and when, manage cost variations).
• Ordering building materials.

What is NOT the Builder’s Responsibility

• Providing material selection advice (fabric, wallpaper)
• Space planning or layout of furniture pieces
• Producing documents/drawings
• Making design decisions (lighting fixture height, paint colors, accessory staging, etc.)
• Arranging fittings/finishes to be on-site at the appropriate time for trades 

Now that we have a better understanding of the incredible services that a builder provides, let’s move on to the role of an interior designer – and why having this expert on your team makes a real difference.

The Role of an Interior Designer

• To have the overall vision realized (We take your musings of “I’d love a big kitchen for entertaining,” or “I need more comfortable seating for family gatherings,” and turn this into a reality!)
• To merge the client’s goals, lifestyle, and aesthetics with our management and execution expertise to end up with a final result that you love coming home to every day.
• Provide detailed drawings (floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings). This takes out the guesswork, considering the little details such as furniture layout and accessory configuration.
• Select finishes and fittings (especially where we might have access to suppliers unavailable to the public) to ensure cohesive consistency.
• To manage procurement (ordering, scheduling delivery, dealing with any defective items) and maintain routine meetings and check-ins with all parties involved in the project.
• Engage in a final walk-through with the builder, solidifying perfection (and allowing the designer to have any hard conversations that might be necessary, taking the pressure off of the homeowner).
• To design the look/style of the home’s interiors 
• To design backsplashes, select tile, flooring, lighting fixtures/placement, interior materials, finishes, hardware, furnishings, textiles, drapery/window treatments, paint color, wallpaper, and accents, just to name a few.

So, in conclusion (and in our experience), the most successful projects use a team of talented professionals who use collaboration and expertise to bring your vision to life. With clear roles and responsibilities and a succinct alignment of goals, your team can engage in their zone of genius. And that means extraordinary outcomes and a more beautiful and functional home for you! 

If you’re looking for an extraordinary outcome, ML Interiors Group would love to help you with your next project!

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Michelle Lynne began her interior design career after spending more than a decade working in corporate America. She has built a successful design firm, employing multiple talented designers and growing the services provided to include full-service residential, multifamily, and virtual design services.