How Do You Know Who You Need on Your Renovation Team?

This photo is from a recent small-but-beautiful kitchen project where we worked alongside our good friend and architect Joe Morizzo (Morizzo & Co). A perfect example of how thoughtful collaboration can make even the smallest spaces feel special.

One of the most common questions we get at Kinder Design is: “Do I need an architect or an interior designer for my project?” And the truth is, the answer isn’t always straightforward - it depends on your plans, your budget, and how much support you want along the way.

So let’s break it down.

🏗️ If you’re making structural changes...

Think extensions, loft conversions, basement digs, or moving load-bearing walls - then you’ll need an architect. They’ll handle the necessary drawings and permissions, and help you navigate the structural complexity of your build.

🛋️ If you’re reworking the internal layout...

Maybe you want to improve flow, add built-in storage, renovation, or refresh the look and feel of your home. In that case, an interior designer is probably all you need. We can support you with spatial planning, finishes, joinery design, lighting, furniture sourcing and more — without involving heavy architectural input.

🧩 The ideal sequence

There’s a natural flow to most projects:

Architect → Interior Designer → Contractor

But for lighter refurbishments, it’s often:

Interior Designer → Contractor

The dream team is often both architect and interior designer, collaborating to bring both structural and decorative design expertise to the table. But the reality is, not every project has the budget to stretch to that — and that’s completely okay.

✏️ Our flexible approach at Kinder Design

This is where design consultancy comes in. At Kinder Design, we regularly offer short, focused support to help clients solve specific design problems - whether that’s choosing layouts, resolving awkward corners, or finalising material palettes.

You might bring in an architect for early-stage work (up to something like RIBA Stage 4), and then work with us to make the interior decisions that really shape how your home feels. That’s a really smart way to use your budget well while still getting expert input.

🤝 Still not sure what you need?

Drop us a message. We’re always happy to help you work out what kind of support your project needs - whether that’s a full design service, a quick one-off consultation, or a collaboration with your architect.

Whether you're starting from scratch or mid-project and feeling a little stuck, we're here to help. From full design services to focused consultancy sessions, we’ll guide you through the process and help you make confident, creative decisions.

Get in touch to chat about your project - we’d love to hear from you!