Architect/interior designer - power struggle

[Bluebell247]

We have a big project on and have an architect and interior designer.

Our interior designer is great but we know through a friend who's an architect (not ours) that she chews up architects and tends to takes over.

We need our new windows designing (how they open, where the bars go etc) which we've talked to both about just in general terms.

There's been a series of emails between our architect and interiors designer where she's says she's designing the windows and the architect has emailed to say that's his job. We haven't instructed either to do anything specific re the windows. We know broadly what we want (sash) and have discussed this with both.

Who would usually do this? Architect or interiors designer?

The architect will have structural reasons which should come before the designer.

If the architect doesn’t have structural reasons then go for whichever you like best?

Architect, every time. They will know more about building regs than an interior designer.

Architect would have done this for us, and I think would be better positioned to do the drawings/ instructions for the joiner.

Plus one for architect.

So the openings have already been decided. We've got a verbal OK from planning and just waiting for the paperwork. I think the permission will be granted but subject to seeing the specific designs before installation, which is the part they both seem to want!

The interior is designer is super quick at drawing up designs and sending them over whereas the architect is project managing too so juggling lots more and not at the stage of sending window designs.

Architect every time.

Architect all the way. An interior designer would do the window treatment and make it look beautiful ONCE the architect has designed where and how the windows will be built, following structural and building regs.

The interior designer is overstepping the mark as well as their skill set.

Thanks for all the feedback, this is useful.

The interior designer is a proper designer, not an interior decorator, so has provided useful suggestions which has led to us altering the plans from the architect (not just minor amends).

The whole dynamic is a bit painful but I do think we're reaching the best decisions by having both involved.

It depends on the skill set of the interior designer involved. Ideally they should collaborate. Could they both submit a design proposal and you decide on that basis?

Other than that: Who do you trust more?

Architect should do it, the windows are a major part of the appearance of a building, whilst by the very name 'interior design' is to do with how it is 'dressed' inside.

My view is interior design relates to personal taste and consequently is changeable with fashions etc. but windows are part of the fabric of the building and consequently more permanent.

Architect.

Bottom line is whose insurance would cover the issue if something went wrong? It’ll be in their contracts…as will what their responsibilities are…

If you don't mind paying twice for the work let them both have a say and pick what you like best. But be aware you will be paying twice if you let them both do it!

Absolutely the architect for windows, they hold the house up structurally. There was a house , we know the owners, cracks started appearing. It was condemned by a surveyor because of the interior designer. Load bearing walls etc. they had to move out for nearly a year while structural repairs were made.

I sacked an interior designer on a commercial project we did and hired another.

Another interior designer my son used was caught out loading invoices from suppliers way beyond the industry norm on another big commercial project, She was also suspended from Instagram for using others pictures.

Follow the guy who spent years on the job and is well insured.

After listening to each of them you should choose which one does the job - and the other should collaborate and approve the design - if they are incapable of collaborating on your project you need to sort out the team dynamics and set expectations. If they work together you'll get the best outcome - they sound like a couple of kids bickering, do not allow it!

Don't know what your budget is but designers making changes like this costs rise. More steel for the windows to support the property. You have to weigh it up. You could be waiting weeks and weeks for the steels. Steel has trebled in price it was £3k a metre at one stage.

If you're not working to a budget and have the money then no worries.

More posts, thank you all!

The window openings, and hence the structural elements, are all fixed and in place.

We're speaking to both but are leaning towards the design from the interior designer. Her proposal fits with the period and interior feel of the house whereas the architect was going all architecty with big modern openings.

Well get quotes for the one that you prefer. Ask how much light, will you lose. Will the alterations have to go back to planning, if so how long before your windows are approved .
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I get what you're going through with the whole architect vs. interior designer thing—it can feel like a tug-of-war sometimes! Honestly, though, I think it all comes down to communication. Architects usually have the big picture in mind, focusing on structure, safety, and regulations, while interior designers are all about creating a beautiful, functional space for everyday living.

If they can get on the same page early on, it can make a world of difference. Maybe get everyone together and talk through your vision. If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas on balancing both perspectives, check out https://victoriaribeiro.com.br/ —there’s a lot of helpful stuff on working with both sides.