Your Architect, Contractor, and Designer: Why You Need the Holy Trinity for Your New Build
Remember those dreaded group projects in college where someone inevitably didn’t pull their weight and the whole team suffered? That’s not a risk you want to take in building your custom home. As with anything, the better the team you have, the better your results will be. Interior designers work closely with architects, contractors, and other experts to ensure that every detail is addressed and executed correctly. This coordination reduces the risk of errors and rework — and, in the end, saves you precious resources.
The Role of the Architect
Architects are highly trained to design buildings. They focus on functional aspects of building — ensuring the home is structurally sound and safe to live in. They understand building codes, zoning laws, and regulations set by your locality (Northern Virginia) to ensure that your design is compliant and safe. Architects are responsible for developing plans and blueprints for your home’s layout and structure. They may influence some building materials.
The Role of the General Contractor
A general contractor is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of construction. They work closely with the interior designer and architect to ensure that construction results adhere strictly to their plans - often having regular touch points. General contractors design and maintain your construction schedule, ensuring all sub-contractors show up on time and complete the job to quality standards and design specifications. They are responsible for purchasing all construction materials, renting or supplying construction equipment, and delivering supplies. The general contractor also ensures the job site is kept organized and tidy. The general contractor plays a critical role in ensuring that projects are delivered to the client’s satisfaction.
The Role of the Interior Designer
Julia Rose Interiors Project in Arlington, VA. Photographer: Ian Michelman
The role of the interior designer is critical to ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and functional space. They do crucial space planning, ensuring your architect’s layout works for how you and your family will actually use the space. If you love to entertain, an interior designer will ensure you have adequate space and flow to be able to do so. If you are an avid baker, an interior design firm will ensure that you have plenty of counter, pantry, and oven space. This also heavily influences lighting design, ensuring that you have proper positioning of all lighting in your home, well in advance of construction saving you valuable time and money.
An interior designer will select all materials, finishes, fixtures, and furnishings for your space — and ensure that they will actually work with your layout. They pick hardware finishes, and ensure they’re cohesive throughout your home. They select all of your lighting. They consider durability and maintenance of all materials, and those materials suitability for you. Through communication with your contractor, they assist in keeping your construction schedule and budget on track.
Whatever your project may be, the team you choose to execute it makes all the difference.
Julia Rose Interiors is Northern Virginia’s trusted firm for interior design and decorating, crafting elevated custom interiors through precise and efficient processes. Driven by the belief that every home should serve as a profound reflection of its inhabitants, we meticulously craft spaces that encapsulate the essence of our clients' identities - seamlessly blending their unique tastes, life experiences, and cultural influences. At Julia Rose Interiors, we don't just design rooms; we curate narratives, weaving together a tapestry of personal stories and aspirations that resonate throughout every corner of the home.
Reach out to info@juliaroseinteriors.com to kick-off your project today.
