House designers vs. Architects


In this DIY world, an architect is often seen as a luxury—and can be a costly one at that. You can certainly complete a masterful remodel or build—even a large one—without an architect’s help. A talented house designer will guide you through the design process using your vision for  your house design, at a fraction of the cost of an architect. Like architects, architectural (house) designers (sometimes just called designers) have studied and practiced architectural design—some for many years—but are not licensed. They may work on their own or in association with a licensed architect.

 

Do I need a Designer


  • You’re uncomfortable making building choices on your own. A major remodel is an intensive, costly process that requires you to make a lot of decisions on things you may have little knowledge about. A good designer serves as an intermediary and adviser who can help guide your project toward the best results.
  • You feel squeezed, but don’t want an addition. Before adding to your house, a good designer will ensure you are making the most of all existing space. Even the smallest houses often have underutilized areas that can be reconfigured and brought back into daily use. Sometimes what seems like a square-footage shortage is really a circulation problem that can be solved with a few alterations.