Embarking on a home renovation or a brand new build can be one of the most exciting (yet overwhelming) journeys you’ll take as a homeowner. Whether you’re redesigning a single room or starting from scratch with construction plans, one thing is for certain: bringing on an interior designer early in the process is key.

Many people assume their first call should be to an architect and while we believe they can be integral to the process, the best first step is contacting a designer. Why? Because we don’t just help you define your vision—we ensure that every functional and aesthetic decision supports how you actually want to live in your space.

As someone currently designing and building my own home, this topic is incredibly close to my heart. Our build is a great example of how the process can work. I sketched the layout by hand, outlining the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces we wanted. From there, we worked with our builder, who brought in a technical designer to draft the plan to code. After months of back and forth revisions, our construction team sent it to an engineer to ensure everything was structurally sound. The best part? We didn’t need an architect—saving us thousands of dollars.

That said, we absolutely value the role of architects and believe in bringing them in when the scope or complexity of a home requires their expertise. But if your needs are more straightforward and you’re working with a designer who can clearly translate your vision, there may be alternative routes that save both time and budget.

Let’s break down exactly why hiring an interior designer is so important—especially early on in a build or renovation.

Why having an Interior Designer is important

Making your vision a reality. Interior Designers are your creative partner. We take your Pinterest boards, mental notes, and lifestyle needs and turn them into a cohesive plan. Often when people hire an architect first, the form and layout of the home is created without a clear understanding of how the space will actually be used. As designers, we advocate for functionality first, creating opportunities for smart storage, custom design moments, and better everyday living.
Expertise and Industry Knowledge. We’ve designed our fair share of homes by now—from renovations to full-home furnishing projects—and bring that experience into every project. We stay on top of trends, materials, and sourcing strategies so you don’t have to. From space planning and finishes to lighting and furniture, we make decisions that align with your vision while supporting your budget.
Budgeting and Cost Efficiency. Interior Designers help avoid the dreaded backtracking. We think through all the details early so you’re not stuck with costly change orders or rushed decisions later on. With a clear vision and plan in place, your construction team can move forward more efficiently—and your wallet stays happier.
Personalized, Functional Design. Every home comes with its quirks and possibilities. Whether you're building new or renovating, we create solutions that make the most of your space. From open-concept layouts to tucked-away storage, every detail is tailored to your lifestyle.
Time-Saving and Stress Reduction. Managing a large-scale project is basically a full-time job. Our team takes on that role so you can focus on your life. We work alongside builders, contractors, engineers, and—if needed—architects, to ensure everything runs smoothly. You’ll always know what’s happening next and have a trusted guide from start to finish.

Interior Designer vs. Architect: What you need to know

You may be surprised to learn that not every new build or renovation requires an architect. In our case, we saved significantly by outlining the design ourselves and working with a technical designer + engineer, guided by the same principles we use with our clients.

When is an architect needed? If the layout is complex, the lot is unusual, or the home design requires custom architectural elements or engineering beyond typical residential needs, we’ll absolutely recommend bringing one in. And when we do, we work as a team—designing hand in hand with the architect to make sure the layout, flow, and final look of the home are cohesive.

The takeaway? Don’t assume the first step in your build or reno needs to be an architect. If you know what you want or you want help figuring it out, start with an interior designer to clarify the vision and build the right team around you.

Curious about working together? Here’s what we offer

FULL-SERVICE DESIGN: Our team is here to guide you through an otherwise overwhelming process. As your trusted design partners, we provide expert-level guidance and hands-on project management to ensure your vision is executed seamlessly from concept to completion.

What’s included:

Kick-off Meeting in collaboration with your construction team
Comprehensive Space Planning & Functional Layouts
Custom Design Concepts for Built-ins & Millwork
Hard Finish Selections (Tile, Flooring, Paint, Plumbing, Lighting, Hardware, etc.)
Procurement of Select Finishes (Lighting, Mirrors, Hardware, etc.)
Site Visits & Project Oversight to ensure seamless execution
Final Styling & Finishing Touches (if applicable)

Email hello@styledoutwest.com or visit our services page to learn more.

Client love from a new build experience:

“We were introduced to Jenna through a mutual friend a couple years ago. At our first meeting, I knew this was the person that could help bring balance and style to the home we were about to build. From the beginning, our house project was met with delay after delay due to the new pandemic and the unknowns that came along with that. Jenna’s patience and determination to see the project through never wavered. She is very task focused, flexible and enthusiastic about sharing new and fun ideas. She helped bring our vision to life and made our house feel so warm and welcoming. We are truly happy with the professionalism, communication and creations from the team at Styled Out West.” — M’LYNDA, SEWARD PARK NEW BUILD

You can find out more about this project here.

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