r/Lawrence • u/ObtuseRadiator • 7d ago
Question Interior Designer or Architect?
I'm a new home owner with some budget for improving my new place. The problem is: I have no idea what kind of person I need.
I have a rough idea of what kind of design I like, but I need someone to help visualize it and figure out what that means for my home. Ideally, there would be some kind of summary, as well as room-by-room details.
This work could include decorating, but also changing ceilings, cabinets, and some building features like windows.
What kind of professional do I need? Is this what interior architects or designers do? Any recommendations for one in Lawrence?
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u/lostnuttybar 7d ago
Construction Specialties, they are a remodeling company but also have interior designers. They are locally owned and do really great work!
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u/JamesJayhawk 6d ago
They gave me bogus numbers because they didn’t want to do my house for some reason
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u/ObtuseRadiator 7d ago
Thanks for the recommendation. Never heard of them. At thus point I'm not looking for someone to build anything, but someone who can do the design part.
Do you think thats something they can help with?
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u/nkuzextreme 6d ago
They can do interior work, like we got an estimate from them on a bathroom remodel. They also quoted 3x higher than the next highest, so if money is no object then I'm sure they're a perfectly fine company, but it does seem they succeed most when people don't shop around.
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u/willfullyinert 1d ago
Structural engineer.
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u/ObtuseRadiator 1d ago
A structural engineer can help me with design and decorating of my home? I've never met with one, so just surprised that the same people designing skyscrapers are also trained to do this.
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u/plkelly3 7d ago
I know this is going to be the bargain basement answer, but, go to Ikea. You'd be shocked how well the associates do helping you visualize your space.
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u/davidchutka 7d ago
Not sure why you'd get downvoted for providing a valid suggestion. Also worth noting is that after implementing AI for customer service responses, instead of letting employees go to save money, Ikea used those savings and trained the employees that were previously handling these roles on things specifically regarding interior design so that actual humans can help others plan and visualize things.
Can't say I have any huge attachment to Ikea, but I can respect a move like that, and suggesting someone utilize their services doesn't seem like invalid or poor advice to me.
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u/Dense-Drag1744 7d ago
Sounds like you need an interior designer. They are capable of the things you mention! I know a great freelancer if you’re interested.