THE VALUE OF HIRING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

When planning the redesign of your home or business, the decision about whether to hire an interior designer or tackle the project yourself can be daunting. To provide some clarity, we asked our founder Rosa Roig-Fiol to share her insights on the most common questions we have received from clients as they navigate this process.

Q: How can an interior designer add value to a project?

Rosa Roig-Fiol: The value of an interior designer goes far beyond choosing furniture or paint colours. While those elements are certainly important, a designer’s role is to consider the entire space—from layout and spatial planning to fixtures and finishes—ensuring that each element works in harmony. We take a holistic approach to design, blending interior architecture with function and aesthetics. This means we not only create beautiful spaces, but we also focus on making them work seamlessly for the people who inhabit them. 

We also help simplify what can be a pretty overwhelming process. With experience managing design decisions and navigating the various stages of a project, we save our clients time, help avoid missteps, and often spot opportunities to elevate a space in ways they might not have considered.

Q: Is it worth hiring a designer if I already have a clear vision for my space?

Rosa: It’s fantastic to have a vision for your space, but working with an interior designer can take your ideas to the next level. Drawing on years of experience, our role as interior designers is to refine and elevate your vision, ensuring every detail has been thoughtfully considered and is realised in the most cohesive and effective way. And if you don’t have a clear vision, that’s not a problem! We are well-versed in helping clients discover what truly suits their personality and needs. Our clients often find it a really eye-opening process.

Q: Could I just hire an architect? What is the difference between an interior designer and an architect?

Rosa: Architects and interior designers both play key roles in shaping spaces, but their focuses are distinct. Architects are concerned with the building's structure—its framework, layout, and overall integrity. Interior designers focus on the finer details that make a space functional and beautiful, including lighting, furnishings, finishes, and décor. At our studio, we also consider interior architecture as part of our design process, ensuring layouts, flow and technical details are optimised for a harmonious space. Not all interior design studios take this approach, but it’s something we believe adds significant value.

For projects involving major structural work, we always recommend bringing an architect on board. We regularly collaborate with architects and love working as part of a wider team to ensure that everything, from the structure to the interiors, comes together seamlessly. That said, not every project requires an architect, and we’re equally comfortable leading the design when structural changes aren’t needed.

Q: Is it necessary to have a large budget?

Rosa: Budget is always an important factor, but having a large one isn’t essential to create a beautiful and functional space. While our studio prioritises high-quality materials and finishes, we’re still happy to work within tighter budgets. Smaller budgets often call for a bit more ingenuity—knowing where to invest, where to pare back, and how to make the most impact with the resources available. Careful planning can go a long way!

We also focus on timeless, durable design. While this might involve spending a little more in some areas upfront, it usually proves more cost-effective in the long run. A well-designed space should stand the test of time and adapt as your needs evolve, rather than needing to be redone a few years down the line.

Q: Will working with an interior designer reduce my workload?

Rosa: Absolutely! Interior design involves so much more than what you see on the surface. Behind every colour palette or piece of furniture is a long list of moving parts—coordinating trades, managing timelines, overseeing installations, and handling any unexpected challenges that inevitably come up (because, let’s be honest, every project has its surprises!).

One of the biggest advantages of working with a designer is the peace of mind it provides. We handle all the hard work, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, and leaving you free to enjoy the process without the stress.

Q: What is the difference between working with a smaller interior design studio and a larger one?

Rosa: Working with a smaller studio like ours offers the unique advantage of a more personal, hands-on approach. As the founder of our studio, I’m directly involved in every aspect of your project—from the initial concept to the final installation. You’ll have direct access to me throughout the process, ensuring that your vision is always a priority and that decisions are made quickly and thoughtfully.

In larger studios, you may work with a team, but often without the same level of personal connection. 

If you would like to discuss a potential project, we’d love to hear from you.

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