Interior Design - Portland, Oregon
The Team: Designer, Architect & General Contractor
Who Do You Hire First?
A Guide for Homeowners Planning
to Remodel or Build a Home
If you’re building or remodeling a home, one of the first questions that comes up is:
“Who do I hire first? The interior designer, the contractor, or the architect?”
It’s a great question, and the right answer can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the key players on your design and build team:
What each professional actually does
When to hire them in the process
How they work together to bring your project to life
Whether you’re starting a kitchen remodel, planning an ADU, or building a new home from the ground up, understanding the difference between an interior designer, contractor, and architect will help you build the right team from the start.
What we do:
Interior designers are responsible for how your home feels and functions on the inside. We create the vision and detailed design plans for interior spaces including layout, materials, lighting, cabinetry, furniture, and all the visual and functional details that bring a home to life.
When to hire:
As early as possible - even if your project isn’t happening until next year.
Interior designers help shape the foundation of your project well before construction begins. We collaborate closely with your architect (if needed) and general contractor to ensure the design vision is clear, realistic, and beautifully executed from start to finish.
Every project starts with a plan and your interior designer is the one who helps define the scope of work so your general contractor can begin putting together accurate pricing.
Interior Designer
What They Do
Contractors manage the actual construction work. They coordinate all the trades - like electricians, plumbers, framers, and tile installers - handle scheduling, oversee permits and inspections, and make sure everything is built to code and completed on time. In short: they execute the plan.
When to Hire
While construction doesn’t begin until plans are in place, it’s smart to bring your general contractor in early. They can be part of the pre-planning process to make sure what’s being designed is realistic, buildable, and aligns with your budget. Early collaboration between your contractor, designer, and architect helps avoid surprises and keeps the project running smoothly from the start.
General Contractor
What they do:
Architects design the structure of the home from the outside walls to the roofline and everything in between. They’re essential when you’re adding an addition or building from the ground up. They create the construction drawings needed for permits and engineering.
When to hire:
When your project calls for an architect - like a new build, addition, or major structural change - the project will begin with an architect.
But here’s where things really come together: bringing your interior designer in at the same time allows for true collaboration. While the architect is designing the structure, the interior designer is already thinking about how each space will be used - furniture placement, lighting flow, storage needs, and everyday function.
Architects
Not Sure Where to Start? Start Here.
If you’re unsure who to call first - call your interior designer (👋 that’s us!). We’ll help assess the scope of your project, determine whether an architect is needed, and connect you with trusted contractors and collaborators.
The reality is: the best results happen when the right team is in place from the start and everyone is aligned before the first hammer swings.