When Should You Engage an Interior Designer for Your Project?

By Julianne Johnson

A critical question must be addressed when embarking on a development project: “When should I involve an interior designer?” The best answer is as soon as possible, specifically during the Schematic Design (SD) and Design Development (DD) phases. It’s during these phases that architects focus on finalizing building layouts and structures, precisely when an interior designer should be brought into the equation. This timing is essential because the interior designer plays a pivotal role in shaping the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space.

Before: Elevator Lobby – A blank canvas ready for transformation.

Here’s why:

1. Establish Standards and Preferences Early

While architects manage the broader design elements, interior designers focus on the details—finishes, materials, and overall aesthetics. It is crucial to communicate any specific company or personal standards upfront, including preferences for plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, color schemes, and materials. Without establishing standards, you risk wasting time and resources and potentially straying from your vision as the design evolves.

2. Define Your Aesthetic Preferences

If you haven’t established your design standards yet, don’t worry. An early meeting with your interior designer during the Design Development phase is vital. The designer will help you articulate and refine your tastes, guiding you to select elements that align with your vision. Prepare to answer questions from your interior designer, such as:

• Do you prefer grays or tans in your color palette?
• Are there colors you want to avoid (e.g., orange or red)?
• Would you prefer luxury vinyl tile (LVT) throughout residential units, or is carpet preferable in the bedrooms?
• How do you feel about carpet tiles in common areas?
• What level of durability do you expect from materials?

Your interior designer is there to navigate these choices with you, ensuring the final design not only meets your vision but also fulfills the practical requirements of the space.

3. Making Material Choices: What’s Right for Your Project?

The choice of materials is crucial to the success of your design. Here are examples of materials options and the selections your interior designer will help you navigate.

• Countertops: There is plastic laminate, solid surface, quarts, or granite. Each option has its own benefits depending on need and budget.
• LVT Wear Layer: Do you need or prefer a 12mil or 20mil wear layer for durability?
• Flooring and Baseboards: What is your preferred or required floor material and baseboard finish?

Your interior designer will outline the pros and cons of each material, enabling you to make informed decisions that align with your preferences, the project requirements, and your budget.

4. Understanding Regulatory Requirements

It’s imperative to know the local and state regulations that may determine which materials can be used. This is particularly important for affordable housing developers working on projects with low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) and/or a HAP contract, for example. Here are a few other, more specific examples.

• Universal Design (UD): Expect requirements for contrasting colors on countertops and cabinets to aid visibility.
• Virginia Housing (VH): Wood bases are typically required in all rooms, except mechanical spaces (where vinyl or rubber bases), as well as specific base materials in bathrooms.
• Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA): IHDA has rules prohibiting the use of flexible PVC with phthalates in flooring, necessitating PVC-free options
• Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA): OHFA requires carpets to be made of solution-dyed nylon, and there are restrictions on where carpets can be used in common areas.

5. The Review Process

Once your interior designer has gathered sufficient information about your preferences, they will create a presentation of your proposed finishes. This digital or physical presentation is for your review and feedback. This collaborative review process ensures that your vision is fully realized. It’s preferred that these selections be finalized by the end of the Design Development (DD) phase. Once finalized, your interior designer will compile the interior design section of the construction documents, creating a comprehensive blueprint for your project.

 Proposed Plan: Elevator Lobby – A modern, welcoming space designed for both functionality and style.

Conclusion: Why You Need an Interior Designer

An interior designer’s role is not just about color and material selection. It’s about ensuring every detail aligns for a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. From the initial meeting in the SD phase to the completion of construction documents, an interior designer is essential in keeping your project on track and meeting your expectations. Whether managing standards, refining your style, or navigating material choices and regulations, the input of an interior designer is vital in crafting a space that truly works for you.

So, when planning your next project, engage an interior designer early on. It’s a decision that will save you time, money, and stress, ultimately enhancing your project’s success and peace of mind.