Redesigning layout

[Tatapie]

Hi I think I want to knock down a walk to open up the kitchen, its load bearing but also I need help to rethink the whole layout of downstairs.
Do I start with an architect to do a plan or do I need an interior designer first? then do I get a builder who gets building regs after the work or do I apply before work is done?

I thought interior designers did matching sofas, wallpaper and curtains?!

We got a structural engineer in to do drawings and calculations about load bearing stuff. Then can use the drawings to get quotes from builders. We are doing this slightly back-to-front so approached a builder with a good reputation and are using his recommended structural engineer.

Lol I don't know what the right profession is to redesign the layout, architect?
Thanks good idea to ask builder for contacts / recommendations

I'd ask a builder first for recommendations and if you can get one in to walk around - ours has some really good ideas for layout as we're reconfiguring. Builder did a basic floor layout for us to work with, then we approached the structural engineer he works with.

You'll get lots of good ideas here if you post a floorplan (hopeful!)

We got a designer in to design different options for layout.
Once we'd decided what to go for, she drew up plans and submitted them for planning (you're unlikely to need this) and then recommended a structural engineer for all the steel calculations etc.

Then we passed it onto the builder to get in with it.

Hi, what sort of designer did you use to provide layout options? Architectural, interior etc? Thanks

We talked potential designs through with the builder, then got a structural engineer to draw up the plans which went for building regs.