Are you dreaming of transforming your space but worried that you’ll hire the wrong expert and end up making costly mistakes? It’s easy to get lost when trying to make sense of architects’ plans, the role of an interior designer, and the added value of a decorator. If you want your project to be a success and get the most for your money, you need to understand where one professional’s job ends and the other’s begins. We’ve put together a practical guide to help you choose the right expert to transform your space and optimize your return on investment.
Who does what?
Although these professionals share a common aesthetic sensibility, each has a unique role, skillset, and responsibility when it comes to renovations.
The architect: Creates structure and volume
Architects are professionals of structure and volume. They work on major projects involving new construction and modifications that affect the building envelope and safety. They mainly work on exteriors and on substantial structural changes to foundations, load-bearing walls, framing, and extensions.
Their role is to draw up plans for new constructions, extensions, or modifications to buildings, homes, or public buildings, taking into account the aesthetic and technical aspects as well as your needs and budget.
These professionals are also responsible for assessing feasibility, providing technical direction, and coordinating work with the various parties involved. They have a global vision that enables them to support and advise you at every stage of your project, from design to completion.
In Quebec, architects are regulated by theOrdre des architectes du Québec (OAQ). They are required to take ongoing training and are governed by a code of ethics.
The interior designer: Creates the space
Interior designers, sometimes called interior architects, focus on the design and planning of interior spaces, emphasizing functionality, efficiency, and ergonomics and optimizing space, while ensuring the comfort and safety of occupants.
They are skilled at working with materials, light, colour, furniture, and fittings. They can change the layout of partition walls, open up a space, and play with levels to improve flow and function, without touching the load-bearing structures.
Interior designers prepare quotes, draw up detailed plans, and can create 3D models and work in collaboration with contractors to keep the project on track and in compliance with building design and construction codes, standards, and regulations.
While certification isn’t mandatory, professionals who want to use the title of certified interior designer must be members of the Association professionnelle des designers d’intérieur du Québec (APDIQ).
The decorator: Creates the ambience
Decorators provide advice and decorating solutions without ever touching load-bearing walls, building structure, or room layout.
Their role is to finish a space by selecting and arranging furniture, materials, colours, fabrics and textiles, wall coverings, and accessories. They harmonize colours and textures to create a coherent atmosphere. A decorator is the person to call for help with home staging.
How to choose the right professional
The right professional depends on the scope and nature of the work you’re planning.
If you need plans for a new construction, major extension, or modification to the load-bearing structure, you need an architect.
If you want to completely rethink the layout of a space, optimize ergonomics, move non load-bearing walls, or create detailed plans, call in an interior designer.
If you’re mainly looking for advice on the choice of colours, furniture, accessories, and finishings to decorate your interior space, a decorator is the right choice.
| Professionnal | Typical Project | Impact on structure | Area of Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | New construction, extensions, load-bearing walls. | Yes (essential) | Structure and safety |
| Interior designer | Space reorganization, non-load-bearing walls, optimization | No (except coordination) | Functionality and ergonomics |
| Decorator | Finishing touches, colour selection, home staging | No | Aesthetics and ambience |
Increase the resale value of your home
Hiring an expert to design a space is more than an expense; it’s an investment. A professionally designed interior space can increase the value of your property.
A functional space, optimized to its full potential, is a major selling point. An up-to-date design can also appeal to potential buyers and help them imagine themselves living in the space. Lastly, major renovations are improvements that can increase the overall value of your property when it’s time to sell and help you get a higher appraisal when refinancing your mortgage.
Costs vary according to the complexity of the project and professional’s level of experience. In general, professional fees are based on either an hourly rate, a flat fee for a specific service, or a percentage of the total cost of the work. Whatever your budget, working with an architect, interior designer, or decorator will help you avoid costly mistakes, optimize the use of materials, and enhance the value of your asset.
Key takeaways
- Although these professionals share a common aesthetic sensibility, each has a unique role, skillset, and responsibility when it comes to renovations.
- Choose your professional based on the scope and nature of the work you’re planning.
- A professionally designed interior space can increase the value of your property.