When I was a kid, whenever my cousin and I got together we made an office under his pool table or a dining room table, got out the colored pencils, and drew houses and buildings for hours – I still have some of these drawings. Even then, we both “knew” that we wanted to be architects when we grew up. Upon graduating high school and returning from Air Force basic training, I started architectural drafting classes at the local community college with the intent of transferring to a college architecture program. My cousin enrolled in the University of Arkansas School of Architecture. He became a successful architect in the Dallas area. I turned out to be a civil service employee and served in the Air National Guard for over 34 years. But between 1983 and 2005, using what I learned in drafting classes and my passion for building and construction, I produced hundreds of residential house plans (new construction, remodels, and additions) for builders and individuals in the area. I also was a licensed residential builder from 2005 to 2008 (probably one of the worst times to be building houses). Since 2005, I have contracted 12 houses for others and myself. Although I didn’t pursue my planned career path, I’ve pursued my passion and it has led me to what I now enjoy doing on a full-time basis – Residential Design and Consulting.
Mom wouldn’t let me hire an interior designer.
So who should you hire to design your new home, addition, or remodel?
This post is a comparison between the services and fees of an architect, interior designer, and residential designer. I associate skill sets, clients, services, and fees with regard to a single-family residential project and provide a summary chart at the end of this post.
The Architect
– Is specifically trained and licensed to work on the planning and design of buildings. They are professionals who lead the process of creating functional spaces, from concept and design to a full realization of those designs. As a leader of various projects, from something as small as an addition to someone’s home, to something as large as a hospital, college campus, or an entire neighborhood, the role of an architect is to bring together the creative ideas and visions of the client and keep in mind the needs of those that will be using the new space. Architects are not just involved in the design of a building. As a licensed professional they are also responsible for public safety and overseeing of projects. – from CareerExplorer.com
Home Advisor members who hire an architect for a residential project report the average cost to be between $2,000 and $8,500 reflecting only initial plans, small projects, or partial services. Plans alone will cost $2,500 to $8,000 and typically does not include extra revisions, project management services, or construction help. Cost per square foot is anywhere from $2 to $15 depending on the client’s requirements. Typically, an architect’s fee is a percentage of the total project cost. Most architects report charging 5% to 15% for residential services, depending on the budget and project type. Remodels and additions tend to cost 12% to 20% of the total project due to unknowns and usually having more hands-on work on the project.
The Interior Designer
– Completes professional training and works with clients to create aesthetic rooms and spaces for completed homes, renovations, or remodels. Interior decorators focus on furnishings and colors and do not change the layout of permanent structures. An interior designer can help communicate your plan to the contractors doing the work. Their work can improve your resale value by confirming that the work meets current building trends. No matter the size, every interior designer works to create spaces that are attractive yet functional. – from CareerExplorer.com
Home Advisor members report that hiring an interior designer costs $1,900 to $11,000. For large spaces, most residential designers charge $50 to $200 per hour (not including shopping or materials) or $5 to $15 per square foot (not including furnishings or installation). The initial design consultation (typically 2 to 3 hours) costs $150 to $500 depending on the length and complication. These rates also apply to freelance interior designers. If you are working with a small budget, make sure you actually need a professional for the project. You may be able to limit the professional’s tasks to the most relevant items.
The Freelance Residential Designer (Drafter)
– Uses their knowledge of residential construction and design to convert a client’s ideas into a working plan set. This plan set is then used by a builder or the individual to construct the home, addition, or remodel. Unless they have an engineering background, a designer will not perform services such as complex load calculations. The residential designer’s responsibility usually ends with the completion of the plan set. Some may offer to be available for client or builder questions or follow up on the project.
Home Advisor reports the average cost to hire a draftsperson for basic plans to be $800 to $2800. Most residential designers offer a basic set of plans that meet the requirements for permitting and for builders to construct the dwelling. Residential designers can also produce plans for electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, and more so the client can communicate to the builder or sub-contractor precisely what they want in their home. These additional plans are usually in addition to the base fee.
Before you hire a freelance residential designer, be sure to check with your local building department to see if your area requires an architect to design and manage your project. Most states do not. AZCAD.com provides some good information on this topic.
No matter whom you decide to hire, always get referrals, read reviews, and do your homework. If someone offers free consultations, this is a great way to find out how they relate to your project. This also goes for the builder that you hire to construct and manage your project. Building a new home is a big undertaking – even remodels and additions can be taxing. Make sure you start with a good DESIGN FOUNDATION!
Here are topics planned for upcoming posts:
- Which Should Come First – The Land or The Plan?
- A Guide for Reading Home Plan Drawings
- What Plans do I Need to Construct a Home?
- Cabinets: Custom or Pre-made?
And some of my own project discussions:
- Lessons Learned from developing a 7-acre building site
- Constructing a pole barn
- Homeowner Decisions Before and During Construction
Please stay tuned and feel free to comment and contribute!