Remodeling home...consult architect or interior designer first?

[jecky]

DH & I are planning on remodeling our very tiny galley kitchen and adjoining family room by expanding out about 8 feet. The problem is, neither one of us has an eye for what goes together. We both know what we like/don't like when we see it, but just aren't creative enough to coordinate things on our own.

So, are we better off getting an interior designer's perspective first, or hiring an architect? Are architects trained in any way to help people decide on things like what countertop color looks best with a particular cabinetry color? On the flip side, would an interior designer be aware of things like plumbing & electrical requirements/codes? This is the home we plan on staying in for at least the next 15 years, until our children finish school, so we'd like to make it very much "ours".

Can anyone help? TIA!

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[RickH]

Architect, you are a LONG way from even thinking of the countertop color. Get the expansion and gutting done with a local architect or design/build firm familiar with your town. A good architect can get you more sqare footage at less overall cost and do it right, an interior designer should not be involved at all at this point IMHO.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

An architect probably does not give a damn what color countertops you should have with the harvest gold appliances, but they certainly know what is required for the 8' expansion. Depending on local laws, you may need signed drawings to get a permit.

Ad for the designer, that also depends on state laws. in the newspaper (Hartford Courant) just yesterday there was an article about licensing for Interior Designers versus someone that calls themselves Designer of Interiors. To get a license for the Interior Designer, you take a two day test and you have to know quite a bit of the plumbing and electrical codes. The extension though, is exterior so they don't qualify for your building portion. You may need both. A good kitchen shop may be of great help too as some come up with amazing designs and layouts.

[Tony Hwang]

Hi, Architect costs quite a bit of money. Interior designer? You said you know what you like and don't. Why can't design yourself?(customize) Look into magazines, visit show homes, etc., etc. Over our life time we have

5 houses and one cabin built and one renovation done from our original plans and schemes. First thing is to know whether what you are trying to do is possible. Structural engineer may have to take a look.