Building a Home Renovating Design Dilemma

Interior design/architect or structural engineer?

6 years ago

Hi, I am working on a project as an interior designer and renovating inside a house, with a small extension. I can create scaled floor plans, but who do I need to pass these plans onto before it reaches the builders, as I gather in order to do the design, I will need to get building regulations or what materials the builders are to use or a structural engineer? Who is the first point of call, when the design has been finalised by the client, to then see if it can actually be achieved before it is submitted for approval? Thank you

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Comments (5)

PRO
OnePlan
6 years ago
Hi - might be a bit better if you asked for this thread to be moved to the pro to pro thread rather than the public threads ?
Kidd Interiors thanked OnePlan
arc3d
6 years ago
Hi,

You would pass them to an architect. He/she will be able to tell you whether a planning application is required. They would also be able to turn your plans into construction drawings, work out electrical and plumbing, make sure everything is building regs approved and tell you whether structural calculations are required.

But it all depends on what type/amount of work is being done. If it's fairly simple extension not requiring major structural change then some very experienced and reputable builders may be able to tell you what needs to be done, although that's a slightly riskier route.

An architect takes the liability off your shoulders.
Kidd Interiors thanked arc3d
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Definitely hire an architect or architectural technologist. You will save you money and time if you employ a good one plus they will think of things you won't have done. Ask to see their portfolio and speak to past clients. A structural engineer may be required but let the architect / technologist coordinate as they should understand what works best and will also help you appoint an engineer who they've worked with who they know is good. The architect / technologist should be able to do the interior design aspect also but if the interior design is exceptionally important yes hire an interior designer. If you hire both it'll obviously cost more money. Ideally use a qualified professional, ARB, MCIAT, BIID, IStructE, etc. Not just planning and building regulations but other legislation to consider such as party wall act and shared drains. Whoever you hire should know what to do here and advise you accordingly.. Most of all hire someone who listens to you and delivers what you want. Hope it goes well.
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I guess there may be different opinions on this one. An architect is a no for me. I don’t think they’re into the design and space saving issues. In fact I’ve seen kitchen plans done by architects that have left a lot to be desired. Very poor. Interior Designer and Custom Cabinet Maker would be the route I’d go down but if you’re restricted on budget the Interior Design IMO is the one who is going to be the most expensive for ideas. A quote from the cabinet maker may be free. I would do a huge amount of homework first. You need to look around, specifically online and see what you like. No use someone else saying this fits if you don’t even like it. Are we talking about all the rooms here or just a specific room?
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I’m not sure you need either tbh. Ultimately you need to think how you want to use the space ie do you want an office area in there or perhaps a separate reading area or play area if you have kids. Do you have existing furniture you need to use? There are people on here whom can provide layout ideas but if you’re working with existing pieces would obviously need dimensions plus details of how many people you want to seat, whether you have a tv etc (and size!)
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Comments (2)
Hi Emma, It sounds like a really exciting project that you have an understandly it can be confusing as to who and what you need to achieve what you're looking for. Architects are perfect for extension designs, overall look of the extension from the external and like Suzy has said structural engineers are the best people to really get involved when it comes to figuring out which walls can be knocked down and where. Interior Designers are all very different and will offer different packages etc. You will find as well that an interior designer will look more at the flow of the space and making sure that the new layout would work for you and your specific needs, as well as making sure that the finished look is what you are happy with! Happy to answer any questions or offer any advice or help if required! Feel free to email me: pearl-interiors@outlook.com Thanks & Good Luck! Dani Pearl Interiors
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PRO
Dual Designs
6 years ago
Hi, The first thing would be to get a structural engineer as they will be able to give you all of the technical details that you will require - calculations etc. You can then submit the drawings to the local council for planning permission. The structural engineer will supply drawings to support your design with their finding and should also liaise with the council.

Hope that helps :))
Kidd Interiors thanked Dual Designs
PRO
B & E Partnership
6 years ago
The advice given by Arc3d is correct. You should contact an Architect who will advise you if you will need a Structural Engineer involves in the design and calculations of structural beams and columns. You may need a Party Wall Surveyor, if any of the work will affect the Party Walls to adjoining neighbours. An Architect is better suited to specify the right materials which will comply with the current Building Regulations. He will make the Planning Application as well as the Building Control Application and supervise the Project based on the condition of his Engagement.

Regards

Alain B
May Anderson
5 years ago
As for me, the most important thing is the civil engineer. He needs to make all calculations for technical changes, taking into account the likely load and the use of specific materials. He may also suggest making changes that can make the project cheaper or more expensive. Honestly, I always thought that it would be easier to look for such a specialist through the architect's office, even if you already have a finished design project. I know that these companies only hire employees with a good resume like this example - https://resumewritinglab.com/construction-resume-writing-service.html There are no random people without experience. And it also gives you additional guarantees on the quality of the work performed.

Interior design/architect or structural engineer?

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