Get Go Nuts Design Before You Get Those Permits
Building your dream house or remodeling your home is an exciting journey, but it’s also a complex process. As someone with over 25 years of experience as an interior designer, I’ve seen countless projects where the order of steps caused unnecessary compromises—and ultimately missed opportunities to create a truly cohesive and functional design.
The Common Approach
Typically, homeowners start by hiring an architect to create the layout and then proceed to secure permits from the city. Once that’s done, they bring in an interior designer to finalize finishes, furniture placement, and aesthetic details. While this process might seem logical, it often leads to significant challenges down the line.
Architects are skilled professionals who design spaces to meet codes and regulations. I have immense respect for their work, but in 90% of the cases I’ve encountered, the layouts they create are unfinished and focus heavily on compliance rather than the homeowner’s unique needs and lifestyle. This results in interiors that require significant adjustments, such as moving furniture and finishes around rigid structures, often feeling more like “fixing” rather than truly designing.
Why Early Collaboration Matters
To avoid these compromises, it’s best to involve an interior designer from the very beginning of the project—even during the concept phase. Here’s why:
A Holistic Vision: An interior designer can work alongside the architect to ensure that the structure, finishes, windows, and other elements align with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. This holistic approach eliminates the need for major changes later.
Code and Creativity Balance: While architects focus on meeting building codes, interior designers bring in the expertise to make the space functional, beautiful, and tailored to your needs. Together, they can strike the perfect balance between compliance and creativity.
Efficient Use of Budget: Early input from an interior designer helps optimize your budget by aligning structural decisions with the desired finishes and furnishings, avoiding costly revisions or compromises.
Healthy Living Spaces: A designer’s perspective emphasizes creating spaces that promote well-being. From natural light placement to flow and functionality, every decision revolves around enhancing the living experience.
Designing Without Compromises
When interior designers are involved from the start, the result is a space that feels intentional and harmonious. Every detail—from structural elements to the final touches—works together seamlessly, without the need for retrofitting or settling for less.
So, whether you’re building a new house or remodeling, consider reaching out to an interior designer as soon as possible. Together with your architect, they’ll ensure that your home is not just code-compliant but also a true reflection of your dream living space.
At Go Nuts Design, we’re passionate about creating homes that combine practicality, artistry, and the experience of healthy living. Let us help you design a space that’s as beautiful as it is functional, right from the start.
