Who to hire architect or designer?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Hello fellow design enthusiasts,

We bought a small 2 bedroom English cottage, in the Cheltenham, Glos, UK area, it is 826 sq feet on two floors and is ripe for a total renovation within the existing exterior walls. It is structurally sound however space is at a premium and I don’t know who to turn to to get the best space saving options. Built-ins are key to getting the maximum storage and functionality out of the space, accordingly, multifunctional furniture also rates high in importance. No structural changes or extensions can be done. Who are the best people to hire to maximize the space and are skilled in small space design? Architect? Interior designer? Custom cabinet maker? A combination of all three? Budget is limited so value is important. Your thoughts are most appreciate.

Comments (5)

Daisy England
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
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?
Sonia
3 years ago
You need George Clark, he does it all! Seriously though, I would go for a good interior designer (get recommendations and read reviews). A good designer will have contacts like decorators, carpenters etc to help with the refurb.
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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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Architects aren’t only useful in terms of drawings. You may know what layout you want but what does this mean in terms of planning? Could you get it within your permitted development rights? Will you need planning permission? Hiring an architect gives you a professional able to answer all these questions. Not only that, any potential planning will be covered by the architect. Saving you time and money (planning permission appeals can get costly, very quickly). They'll also be able to assess your space and recommend how to get the most out of it - meaning you get the most for your money. They’ll also be able to advise on what other professionals / next steps you might need to look into, and put you in touch with the best ones, such as structural engineers and party wall surveyors. Without these, you may be looking at huge expenses in the future, if you’re project isn’t managed correctly. If you’re worried about unreasonable architecture fees, you might consider our services. We offer one transparent fee after giving you a free consultation. You can also get an idea of what the industry in general charges with this blog: https://resi.co.uk/advice/cost-and-planning/how-much-do-architects-charge
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Hi - thanks for taking the time out and providing an interesting response. I think its great that you are confident in your own style enough to implement them in your interiors. A lot of the clients I come across don't necessarily know what their style is and tend to stick to safe items and colours. Basically whites and IKEA! I totally agree with you on having items which appeal to you and I proactively practice this in my designs, that they need to be about you. Collecting items, art, memorabilia are all things I take into consideration and give ideas to my clients as how and where to buy them if they don't have them already. For example, a recent client of mine was French however his home had no French art work whatsoever, in my designs I suggested a few French prints and where to get them from. I too wouldn't like it if someone were to tell me what to buy especially if it was not to my taste. I always provide my client with at least 2-3 floor layout options, so the choice is always theres - my job is to use my design skills to create the best design that suits them and their lifestyle. Not to mention the 3D renderings which I love to create and are loved by my clients. They give ideas how a room can look and never forced upon. I always provide several furniture options sometimes 4 if I get carried away and again the point of it is to give the client the ideas to help achieve their goal, not to dictate to them. Plus I get up to 20% off trade stores like John Lewis, West Elm, Habitat even on paint! So clients see the huge savings they are making just by hiring a designer who provides them with not only designs but trade discounts too! Thank you so much for your question, it's so interesting to see how other people view Interior Designers.
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PRO
Nest Estimating Ltd
3 years ago
Hi Monica, once you have decided on a layout, we can provide you with a budget cost estimate. The budget cost estimate provides a detailed breakdown of works and expenses as well as highlighting potential areas where you can save money. If this is something of interest please send the plans and photos to hello@nestestimating.co.uk and we can provide you with a quote
PRO
CJ Interiors
3 years ago
Hi Monica,

CJ Interiors runs a low cost service called e-design. Great when you are working around a budget. Prices start from £300 and offers can be put into place for multiple rooms, plus and extra 10% off as a deal I am running at the moment.

There are so many ways to maximize and safe space.

https://cj-interiors.wixsite.com/website/services My website as more details for you and if you have anymore questions feel free to email me cj-interiors@hotmail.com

Thank you for your time
PRO
Garden Design Guru
3 years ago
This is tricky one. When I was trying to get to design for my kitchen the most useful comments came from a guy who was looking at doing the fitting! He new the products and had fitted a lot of kitchens. I used some of his suggestions.

Architect seems an unlikely title for the right person. Even if you decide to move walls an architect would defer to a builder or structural engineer for the specifications. Someone in interiors or someone who works across disciplines but it could be a tradesman with plenty of experience. I think you have to get a few different people to look and give you feedback to get a feel for it.

Who to hire architect or designer?

Comments (5)

Daisy England

Sonia

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