We are so busy every day, overwhelmed with so much information, that when it comes to thinking about a house or apartment, we don’t really know where to start, what to pay attention to, or what to choose from a sea of possibilities. We have no one to talk to about it, and we often feel alone in our decisions.
A Multitude of Choices
Currently, Instagram, Pinterest, and AI offer us so many opportunities for “inspiration” that it can truly make your head spin. One photo pops up, then a second, a third… and a hundredth appear right next to it. And each one is amazing! Our inspiration folder is overflowing with beautiful photos and visualizations. At some point, you no longer know what’s in it or what you truly like.
Emotions
However, the question arises: do these images truly reflect who you are? Do they say anything about you, about your daily needs? Have you asked yourselves how you want to feel in a given interior? What needs do you have that it should fulfill?
This is the first aspect for which it is worth collaborating on an interior design project. Every project begins with getting to know you, examining your needs—visual, functional, and emotional. By meeting with you, talking, observing where you like to spend time, what calms you and what stimulates you, we are able to prepare a space where you will feel exactly as you wish. It’s sometimes difficult to notice all these nuances in yourself, and sometimes we push them into the background as less important. Yet, it might turn out that they are very important when creating an interior.
Decisions
A second reason might be assistance in making decisions. During a single realization, a single project, we often have to make thousands of decisions. From very large ones, like choosing the property itself, through decisions about the function and comfort of the space, to selecting all major and minor finishing materials. Collaboration with an architect does not relieve us of these decisions; however, firstly, we are not alone in them, because there is someone with us to whom we have communicated our needs. Secondly, they will explain all the pros and cons of a given decision, e.g., a specific material, so some decisions can be made more consciously. Thirdly, they will spread these decisions out over time, divide them into separate categories, and ensure they are made at the right moment.
Foresight
Another aspect is foresight, understood in many ways. There are people who don’t visualize spatially – we do. Even though we look at a flat plan, we see the space. We feel the space; we know if something will be comfortable or uncomfortable before walls are built or a sofa arrives. It’s safer to check on plans whether a given piece of furniture will fit or if it will be too large, rather than going to the store, buying it on impulse, and then wondering what to do with it because it took up half the room or, worse, couldn’t be brought inside at all. We also anticipate this during the design process.
Foresight is a key element of drawing work and technical development. By drawing, we solve on paper all potential problems that might arise during implementation. We address various technical, structural, and installation aspects. We identify potential connection conflicts. We ensure that floor levels meet at the same height. So that after an island is installed, there’s a way to connect an induction hob or countertop outlets to it. So that lights can be conveniently switched on, or even turn on “automatically”.
You might, however, conclude that the above aspects are not that important to you. You are resilient and have little time. After all, a contractor will come, advise, suggest, and essentially do the same thing as an architect, only faster and as a single service. So why hire a designer? We highly respect our contractors and their knowledge; without them, our designs would merely sit in a drawer. Generally, of course, it’s entirely possible to complete an interior without a design. Sometimes things won’t align, perhaps it will be more stressful, and sometimes you’ll have to pay extra, or the final result will fall short of your expectations. Below are a few noticeable differences that can be observed when working with a design versus without one.
Overall Scope
The architect is interested in the overall scope, which is why they often “complicate” matters, because they anticipate that subsequent teams will arrive for whom a good foundation for work needs to be prepared. Each contractor is interested in the final result of their part of the work.
Attention to Detail
There might be several possibilities or solutions for details at any given moment. When working with a design, we can ensure the resolution of the smallest details, so that the final visual effect is known from the outset. The contractor (most often) prioritizes efficient execution, so they will propose the quickest solution.
Flexibility
When working with a design, we have a wider selection of materials and time to wait for them, which makes us more flexible. During the finishing stage, the contractor can advise on which materials to buy, but you’ll have to choose from readily available materials, because work cannot stop and the contractor will not wait.
Budget
When designing, we are able to calculate the cost of implementation before work begins and even introduce certain modifications during the design phase to ensure the budget aligns in the end. When resolving details urgently on-site with the contractor, you have to decide on a solution then and there, which is often neither the cheapest nor accounted for in the budget.
To summarize. Design is planning, it’s foresight, it’s solving problems before they can even arise during implementation. But design is also about shared conversations, a joint search for solutions and materials. An interior architect accompanies you throughout this entire process. They not only propose solutions and show possibilities but also support you daily in often difficult decisions. I wish you success with your projects!
Best regards,
Malwina
