At Su Casa we realize when people come to us it is quite possibly to help them achieve one of the largest investments they will make. We want to facilitate in creating the best design expertise for their greatest investment. Designing the home is just one facet of the project design. Interior design is arguably the most important of all aspects – and yet the least attention and monetary considerations initially considered for. It is often not until the thick of it that one realizes the magnitude of every single decision. 

We asked our interior design team a few questions regarding their department and what we came away with was considerable amounts of stories of how they have truly made huge differences in the process of building a home for many people and just how vital their role is. 

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

They are the ultimate problem solvers with incredible spatial awareness (we swear that’s one of their superpowers). They can manipulate spaces to be beautiful, functional, expressive, and reflective of the clients they work for. Interior designers are the liaison between contractor and client and ensuring the clients’ needs are always heard and met through the course of construction.

Their department maintains valuable guidance throughout the whole process as they assist in making decision after decision using their talents and experience to create beautiful, well-planned homes. They take the decision-fatigue out of the equation for the clients, as there are thousands (no exaggeration) of decisions to be made, therefore making the course less stressful. 

At What Stage Should You be Working with an Interior Designer?

Ultimately the beginning is when you should start with interior design to get your greatest desires and wish lists for your home achieved. At this stage, we can already be working with the architect and contractor to get the look and feel you want. Our involvement can look limited at first, but we are there to start offering practical suggestions and give options that can help fulfill the client's list of must haves. A real benefit at Su Casa is that we offer both house design and interior design "in house" and therefore the interior designer can start to collaborate and oversee right from the beginning.

* This also allows the designer to start ordering supplies right away – especially since lead times for everything is incredibly long right now and you don’t want your contractors sitting around waiting on supplies. 

What is Expected From the Client?

Often a dream list or Pinterest board is a great jumping off point to have from the client to see what the look and feel of the home they are desiring.  The more the designer knows from the client in the beginning the better the final design will be for that client. As for time commitments, it can vary depending on what the client has to offer. They often work with clients that are too busy to contribute much time, so hiring a team to oversee the interior department is crucial. This is where the designer helps narrow down selections in a succinct way, and the clients can offer feedback and make decisions in an efficient manner.  

On the flipside, they work with clients who do have the time and want to be more involved with the decision-making process, and they welcome their input and contributions as it helps give guidance to the feel they are going for. 

Really, the only expectation a designer asks of a client is clear communication and timely responses. If the designer understands the clients’ wants and needs at the outset (and not left guessing for the client) they can provide appropriate, well-planned solutions that best fit those needs. The client should be prepared to be open and honest with their designer on what their project goals are, budget expectations, and any specific needs that the final design should accommodate.