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Do You Need an Architect or an Interior Designer for Your Kitchen Remodel?
There are a few different kinds of professionals that you can work with when you’re remodeling your kitchen. Contractors, usually either general contractors or renovation specialists, are necessary for the build process. But what about your new design? Architects and designers can help with this—though sometimes it isn’t always clear which type of professional you should choose.
Which is Right For Your Remodel?
Let’s start by understanding the differences between architects and designers. Designers are typically hired for aesthetic upgrades. They can help with color and material selection, and they have the knowledge to pull an interior design together. Some designers are also able to help your architect with larger remodels that may involve moving walls or adding square footage. However, interior designers typically operate in a somewhat different area with experience in the aesthetic aspects of design rather than the structural and architectural elements.
An architecture firm, on the other hand, is capable of a lot more in terms of structural changes. For example, if you want to enlarge your kitchen by moving walls—even exterior walls—an architect can draft structurally sound plans to help you do this. Architects also have experience with local building codes where a designer does not.
This means that if you plan to rearrange key fixtures, like your lighting system, the location of your stove, or plumbing, an architect will be your best bet to make sure everything flows and is up to code.
Another key part of an architect’s training is design theory. With knowledge in design theory, architects are capable of putting together a kitchen design that not only suits the floor plan you have in mind, but also has an efficient traffic design that makes navigating your kitchen easier.
Should You Choose an Architect or Designer?
The choice comes down to the scope of your kitchen remodel. If your renovation will be a big one including structural changes or moving key elements like plumbing and electrical, then look for an architecture firm that has the expertise you need to make these changes. An architect can also help you with things like securing permits and helping recommend a builder to complete the work, which is an added advantage.
If, however, you simply want to update your kitchen aesthetically, then a designer may be the better option. These professionals are typically well versed in colors, materials, textures and know what works well together. Plus, they may even be able to help you source the materials, which can save you time and money.
What if I Want Both?
Your kitchen remodel may need both an architect and a designer. This is the best of both worlds, giving you access to expertise in structural design as well as a professional with an eye for style. Drafting Cafe Architects has professionals in both areas, as well as architectural and interior design packages to help you make the most of your renovation.
We even offer our Design-to-Build package that provides both an architect and a designer, plus recommendations for established local contractors, plus a personal project manager that visits the jobsite regularly and keeps you informed.
Ready to get an estimate for your kitchen remodel? Drafting Cafe Architects offers a free online instant estimate tool! Just answer a few questions about your project—which you can do in less than a minute—and we’ll send you budget information free of cost.
Practical Home Office and Home Schooling Solutions
There is little question that the coming academic school year and work environment are going to continue to look different this fall. With more and more school districts committing to virtual learning plans and most businesses asking their employees to continue to work from home to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, we’re all likely to be confined to our homes until a widespread treatment or vaccine is available. There is a good chance that you’ve come to know your home a little too well over the past several months, especially when it comes to what it’s lacking in terms of a quiet workspace or work area. The good news is that there are a variety of practical solutions you can enact now – both large and small – to make things more manageable in the foreseeable future for yourself and your children as we navigate the new normal. Here’s a look:
Quick Fixes
Don’t have a dedicated home office or study area? Don’t fret, there are a few things that you can do to create a makeshift area for either purpose. Here are some ideas, and we can help with further interior design:
- Put a desk in your master bedroom: This is an area that likely receives little activity during the day, which would make for a good environment to focus in without disrupting the rest of your household.
- Turn your dining room into a makeshift school space: Put your dining room finery in storage for the near-term and turn this room into a temporary school area. Have a desk for each of your children to work at for individual assignments and place a monitor or laptop at the front of the “classroom” to stream the teacher’s lessons.
- Create the ideal environment: Make sure where your kids are learning, or you are working is receiving a good amount of natural daylight. Daylight is proven to boost productivity and elevate mood, something we all need – especially now.
ADU
If you’re looking for more of a permanent fix, an ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, can make for a great addition to your property. These units are most popular as in-law suites, pool houses or guest accommodations, but they can make for ideal home offices or classrooms as well. What’s nice about ADUs is that they’re versatile. So, while they may be housing virtual learning or serving as a temporary office for now, when the pandemic ends they can easily be converted into a guest room or apartment that you can rent out to supplement your income. Contact us today to learn more about ADU house plans and services.
Below-Grade Expansions
If you can’t build out, why not build under? A basement, or below-grade expansion, is one way to add space to your existing home when there’s limited room in your yard and you’re unable to add another story to the home. These areas can then be easily converted into a study or home office.
Contact Us Today
For more information on the little and big things that you can do to add functionality to your property and better accommodate at-home learning and work, contact us today to learn about our architectural design services.