Whether you’re remodeling, adding on, or building something new, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
Who do I hire first — the interior designer, the architect, or the contractor?
The short answer is that all three play important roles.
The more helpful answer is understanding when each one should be involved — and why the order matters more than people expect.
Think of your project team as an A-team. Each professional brings a different skill set, and when they’re brought in at the right time, the process is smoother, clearer, and far less stressful.
An interior designer brings a unique perspective to a project because design starts from the inside out.
Before walls are drawn or plans are finalized, a designer helps define:
Is doing yoga in your shower important to you?
Are you 6’7” and need custom shower heights?
Do you sit or stand when putting on makeup?
These details shape the layout long before construction begins.
When an interior designer is involved early, the space is planned around your life, not just square footage. Working alongside an architect, the designer helps ensure the interior layout supports how you move through the home — from lighting and sightlines to circulation and privacy (like not seeing the powder bath toilet from the sofa).
If you’re curious what working with an interior designer actually looks like day to day, beyond the finished photos, this post walks through the process in a very real, behind-the-scenes way.
An architect is responsible for designing the structure and ensuring the home is safe, sound, and code-compliant.
They typically start with the exterior form and overall layout, then work inward — collaborating with the interior designer to make sure the space functions as intended.
Architects also:
When designers and architects collaborate early, the result is a home that’s both beautiful and well planned — inside and out.
Once the design and drawings are finalized, the contractor steps in to bring the project to life.
A contractor:
When a contractor receives clear drawings, elevations, and specifications, the build process runs more smoothly. This is especially true in kitchens, where small planning gaps can quietly turn into expensive changes later. An interior designer often acts as a liaison during construction — answering questions, addressing changes in real time, and protecting the original design intent so small issues don’t turn into costly mistakes.
While every project is different, starting with design often provides the clarity needed for everything that follows.
When the interior layout, functionality, and aesthetic direction are thoughtfully planned:
Hiring the right people — in the right order — helps ensure your project is not only built well, but truly designed for how you want to live.
Understanding the roles and timing is the first step. Clarity early on can save time, stress, and costly revisions later.
"Ashley was great to work with for our house project! She was so patient and explained everything in detail. She really took the time to understand what we wanted and how to make it fit with some existing pieces. She is very creative and always quick with responses. Highly recommend!"
"During the process of building our home, Ashley was a true lifesaver. With our busy schedules, we found it overwhelming to select colors and finishes. However, Ashley took care of everything from start to finish, including handling all communication with our contractor. This allowed my wife and I to focus on our daily lives without any added stress. Ashley's impeccable design sense was evident in every detail, from selecting finishes to coordinating materials. Her expertise and hands-on guidance made a world of difference, and the end result exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for a top-notch, approachable interior designer who gets things done, Ashley is the perfect choice. To sum it up, Ashley's involvement was a game-changer, giving us not just amazing design but also peace of mind during the construction process. We highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a stress-free and satisfying home building experience."
“If you need help with making a room function to its fullest and look amazing at the same time, Ashley is your girl! She has a keen eye for organizing everything so that each piece in a space feels purposeful and special."
"If you are looking for the most amazing Interior Designer, then your search is over! Ashley met and exceeded all my expectations for the remodel of my kitchen, bar, living room, and bathroom. Ashley designed the layout and walked me through every step of the way with picking out paint colors, tile, countertops, cabinet pulls, lighting, and even appliances. Ashley listened to all of my ideas, and with her guidance the final product is so much more than I could have ever dreamed! Ashley is so fun to work with and really takes the time to get to know not only the design features you like, but also what will be functional for you and your family."
"Ashley did an amazing job. She got a good feeling for our style right away and selected high quality pieces within our price range. Super easy to work with and was super patient with us as this was our first time hiring an Interior decorator!"
"Ashley was an absolute delight to work with! She was so patient with me and listed to all my likes and dislikes before we began. The entire remodel process was such a great experience and something I’ll never forget.”
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