Is it worth hiring an architect? Advantages of working with an interior designer
When decorating or renovating an apartment, many of us ask ourselves: Will I be able to do it well on my own? If we are not sure, we can probably assume that the effect will not be satisfactory. Functional planning of the layout and arrangement of space, especially when we want to make the best use of each square meter, is a difficult task, so it is worth deciding to cooperate with an interior designer - architects Krystyna and Ida Mikołajskie, founders of MIKOŁAJSKAstudio, talk about its benefits.
What is the first stage of cooperation with an interior designer?
Arch. Krystyna Mikołajska: Most clients believe that they come to an architect only to have him choose colors for individual interiors and match ready-made furniture and accessories - in reality it looks completely different! We start working on a given project with an interview that allows us to learn about the client's key expectations regarding the functional layout of the apartment. We need to know exactly how many household members there are and what the needs of each of them are. Thanks to this, the client receives a very well-developed, individually tailored function plan.
Arch. Ida Mikołajska: When we inform the client that we have to start with this, we often hear in response that he already knows where everything will be. During the interview, it usually turns out that these are only preliminary decisions and not fully thought-out ideas. Our task is to work out everything in detail, taking into account the specific dimensions of the various elements that we need to fit into the preliminary drawing. It is also important to match the fabric - the building in which the space we are designing is located. The functional system is the basis for all further activities.
Arch. Krystyna Mikołajska: Analyzing the functions is not a long step, but it is of great importance. It is worth taking into account the fact that while changing a sofa that will become damaged or boring one day is not a big problem, moving walls or installations requires a lot of intervention and is not easy.
Once we have the foundation - an apartment plan with a developed layout of functions - it's time for the conceptual - visual part.
Arch. Krystyna Mikołajska: We also create the concept based on conversations with the client, so it is important that he shows us his inspirations - what he likes, what colors, forms, style. This is a much longer stage that is equally important - we add a third dimension to the function established at the beginning and visualize it.
Arch. Ida Mikołajska: Investors often come to us with an initial idea, but they cannot imagine what the interior will look like in reality. Our task is to read these expectations and illustrate them with realistic visualizations.
Arch. Krystyna Mikołajska: By cooperating with MIKOŁAJSKAstudio, the client can be sure that by finishing the interior in accordance with the design, he will achieve the same effect as in the visualizations he approved.
The client receives a developed functional layout and visual concept from you. Something else?
Arch. Krystyna Mikołajska: Our projects are not only beautiful visualizations, but above all, very well-prepared and detailed technical drawings and a list of materials. On this basis, the client can make a quote with the contractor and implement the project.
Arch. Ida Mikołajska: They can also hire us to provide the "From design to residence" service, or, as clients like to call it, "turnkey++". As part of this service, we are responsible for purchasing materials, organizing their delivery, transport and assembly, coordinating contractors and author's supervision. We cooperate with proven professionals, teams and carpenters who, among others: they make furniture according to our designs. Thanks to this, the client has a guarantee that the project will be implemented as planned. When we hand over the keys to investments completed as part of the "From design to residence" service, we provide our clients with ready-made, fully finished and furnished interiors that they can move into immediately.
