Home Renovation Guide: Stage 1 Consultation – Designer or Architect?

Standing in a bare new apartment or facing an outdated home you’ve lived in for years, you excitedly open your search engine and type in ‘interior design.’ Instantly, a flood of information from design firms, independent designers, and even architectural offices appears, leaving you overwhelmed. This isn’t just about choosing who draws the plans; it’s a strategic decision that will shape your home’s future appearance, construction quality, and even legal compliance.

In the past, homeowners often relied on intuition or budget to select a professional, only to realize later they’d made the wrong choice – perhaps a designer couldn’t handle structural changes, or an architect’s quote far exceeded expectations. Today, professional renovation consultants guide clients to screen partners based on the ‘essence of the project.’ Getting this step right acts like precise navigation for the rest of the process, effectively avoiding detours and potential risks.

This article will serve as your renovation starting consultant, deeply analyzing the core task of Stage 1: Consultation and Evaluation. We’ll tackle the crucial question: Should I hire an interior designer or an architect? Through clear comparisons and practical guidance, we’ll help you find the most suitable navigator for your dream home.

Debunking Renovation Myths: Why Budget Shouldn’t Be the Sole Deciding Factor

‘My budget is limited, so I’ll start by talking to a designer.’ This is a common initial reaction. However, using budget as the only selection criterion can lead to greater cost risks and construction hurdles down the line.

Case Study Reflection: The Cost of Misjudging Professional Scope

Ms. Li, who purchased a 30-year-old apartment in Taipei, dreamed of an open-plan kitchen and dining area. Based on her budget, she hired an interior designer known for creating stylish spaces. Midway through construction, as workers began removing what they thought was a kitchen partition wall, they discovered it was a structural wall also involving gas line relocation. The designer couldn’t certify such work, bringing the project to a complete halt. They had to urgently hire an architect to handle the necessary applications, significantly exceeding the budget and delaying the project by three months. This case highlights that during the consultation phase, accurately identifying the ‘professional qualifications’ required for the project is far more critical than ‘design aesthetics.’

The Trap of Old Thinking: A Paradigm Shift from ‘Finding a Style’ to ‘Defining Specifications’

The traditional approach is, ‘I’ll go with whoever’s work I like the style of.’ A smarter strategy is to first ‘examine’ your project and define its ‘specifications’: Will it involve structural work, fire safety, or utility lines? These specifications will directly determine which professional license is needed to safeguard your home.

Designer vs. Architect: Making the Right Choice Based on Your Renovation ‘Specifications’

The key to selection isn’t the title, but whether their legal scope of practice matches your project’s requirements. The following table provides a clear decision-making path.

• Core Expertise
  • Interior Designer: Space planning, flow, style creation, furniture arrangement, material and color coordination, lighting design.
  • Architect: Building structure, regulations (Building Act, Fire Safety Act), architectural plans, structural safety certification.
• Suitable Project Types
  • Interior Designer: Renovations for new homes (no structural changes), updates for older homes (no structural wall modifications), interior design for commercial spaces (e.g., shops, offices).
  • Architect: Renovations for older homes (involving changes to structural walls, floors, balcony extensions, etc.), construction of lofts, additions (e.g., rooftop extensions), modifications to the building’s main structure or fire compartments.
• Legal Qualifications and Certification Authority
  • Interior Designer: Technicians holding an ‘Interior Decoration Business Registration Certificate’ can handle ‘Interior Decoration Review.’ However, they cannot certify structural safety or building fire and evacuation facilities.
  • Architect: According to the ‘Architectural Act,’ they can perform building design and supervision and are the sole professionals authorized to certify structural safety and building fire and evacuation facilities.
• Fee Structure Reference
  • Interior Designer: Typically charged as a percentage of the total project cost (e.g., 5%-10%) or by a per-square-foot rate.
  • Architect: Usually calculated as a fixed percentage of the total construction cost (as legally stipulated) or a separate design and supervision fee, generally higher than a designer’s fee.

Quick Decision Guide: One Question to Determine Who You Need

Ask yourself one crucial question: ‘Does my renovation require a ‘Building Permit’ or ‘Change of Use Permit’ beyond the standard ‘Interior Decoration Review Application’?’

• If the answer is ‘No,’ and your project primarily involves interior updates, then a skilled interior designer is likely your best choice.
• If the answer is ‘Yes’ or ‘Unsure’ (e.g., you want to remove a wall but aren’t sure if it’s structural, or you plan to convert a residence into a studio), you should prioritize seeking a professional assessment from an architect during the consultation phase.

The most reliable approach is to consult an architect or a professional design firm during the initial conceptual stage. They can help determine the nature of your project.

Beyond the Dichotomy: Integrated Service Models in Modern Renovation Consulting

You now understand the basic distinction. However, the market has evolved to offer more nuanced service models to meet complex needs.

Model 1: Collaborative Alliances Between Design Firms and Architectural Offices

Many large or medium-sized design firms maintain long-term partnerships with architectural offices. When your project requires structural certification, the design firm acts as the primary point of contact, handling style and space planning while managing the subsequent architectural certification process. This model offers a seamless experience, but it’s essential to clearly define responsibilities and cost-sharing in the contract.

Model 2: One-Stop Service from Integrated Firms

Some firms are founded by architects or employ both architects and designers within their teams. They can provide end-to-end services, from structural regulations to soft furnishings, making them particularly suitable for large or complex residential renovations. The advantage of this model lies in unified communication and clear accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Consultation and Evaluation’

Can I talk to a designer first before deciding if I need an architect?

Absolutely, and this is a recommended approach! Many designers can provide a preliminary professional assessment during an initial consultation based on your property’s existing plans (property deed, original floor plan) and your needs. An honest designer, upon discovering your project involves structural changes, will proactively inform you and suggest collaborating with an architect, rather than taking on the project themselves.

How can I determine if a designer or architect is reliable?

During the consultation, beyond reviewing their portfolio, you should proactively ask the following questions:

• License Verification: ‘Do you hold the relevant professional licenses (e.g., Interior Decoration Technician Registration Certificate, Architect’s Practice Certificate)?’
• Experience with Similar Cases: ‘Have you handled cases similar to mine (e.g., same age of property, similar layout issues) that I could review?’
• Process Transparency: ‘What will the entire application process involve? How will you assist me in communicating with the homeowners’ association or government agencies?’

Observing their willingness to answer these ‘non-aesthetic’ practical questions is key to judging their professionalism and reliability.

Conclusion: Equipping Your Renovation Journey with Precise Navigation

The core value of Stage 1, ‘Consultation and Evaluation,’ lies in ‘direction.’ Instead of getting caught up in the labels of ‘designer or architect,’ return to the essence of the question: What kind of professional support does your dream home require? Through the analysis in this article, you’ve gained a scientific decision-making tool based on project specifications. Making the right initial choice not only helps you avoid subsequent regulatory pitfalls and cost risks but also ensures your budget and effort are precisely invested in realizing your dream. You can now confidently take the first step in your renovation journey.