The Interior Designer’s Role During Construction: Why It Matters More Than You Think
The Interior Designer’s Role During Construction: Why It Matters More Than You Think
If you're planning a major renovation or building a new home, or even a smaller kitchen renovation or custom cabinetry installation, you might wonder: "I have a general contractor and architect —do I really need an interior designer during construction?" Or, do you only need the designer for the design aspect, and once construction is underway, you’ll be off to the races? The answer is YES, you should absolutely have an interior designer on your team, for the length of the entire project!!!
While contractors are essential for execution, an interior designer ensures that the project maintains its design integrity, functionality, and aesthetic flow—so that the final result is exactly what you envisioned.
Yes, as an interior designer, we are able to interpret your aesthetic and style and bring it to life through beautiful finishes and furnishings.
But we also have to know a great deal about construction methods; the impacts of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and structural systems on interior components; residential building codes; interior finish materials and appropriate installation methods; cabinetry and millwork fabrication; maintenance requirements for products and materials and necessary sequencing for the installation of plumbing, electrical, and other building and finish systems. [Yes, we do a bit more than pick paint colors]
We’re the only people who can see the BIG picture (oftentimes even more than our clients can - which is what makes us so good at our job!) and know how construction activities may impact proper execution of the approved design.
At C. DePina Kitchens + Interiors, we don’t just design your space and walk away. We remain involved during construction to ensure every design decision is implemented correctly and to troubleshoot any issues before they become expensive mistakes. Here’s how we support our clients during the construction phase of a project, either while making site visits, or while continuing to monitor installation progress and coordinate details via other communication channels:
1 | We Are the Point of Contact for Design-Related Questions
Your contractor and tradespeople are highly skilled, but they work with blueprints and installation instructions, not the overall vision. We act as the bridge between design and construction, ensuring that every detail aligns with the intended aesthetic and functionality. Whether it’s tile layout, cabinetry and hardware installation, or kitchen lighting placement, we help the team execute correctly the first time.
2 | We Ensure Cabinetry and Built-Ins Are Installed to Specification
Once the design is approved by our clients, we provide thorough documentation of the design via plans, elevation drawings, detail drawings, and specification sheets. Our clients are always amazed when they see the size of their spec books that include details on every single thing chosen for their project, plus drawings for installation, when applicable. No detail goes unturned!
But even with these detailed documents provided, questions of interpretation or intention do still arise. Relying on the installers to guess at the designer’s intent is NOT the way to go. We WANT to be consulted throughout construction to make sure any changes that need to happen in field are aligned with our client’s overall vision for their home.
As a kitchen showroom and dealer for Showplace and Fabuwood cabinetry, we have deep expertise in cabinetry installation. We know how cabinetry should align with walls, flooring, and countertops to prevent costly misalignments. We ensure all custom kitchen cabinets and built-ins fit perfectly into your space, avoiding delays or expensive corrections.
3 | We Help Resolve Unforeseen Construction Challenges
No construction project is without surprises. Plumbing lines in unexpected places, uneven walls, or structural changes can all impact the design. We problem-solve in real-time, providing alternative solutions that maintain the integrity of the design while keeping the project moving forward.
4 | We Make Design-Driven Adjustments as Needed
Sometimes, materials look different once installed, or a certain element needs a slight tweak. Without a designer, these decisions might be rushed or left to chance. We provide on-the-spot guidance to ensure any necessary changes align with the overall kitchen design and home renovation goals.
5 | We Oversee Finish and Material Installation
From countertop slab layouts to backsplash tile selections and hardware placement, the smallest details make a big impact. We confirm that materials are installed in a way that enhances their beauty and functionality, avoiding improper cuts, mismatched seams, or inconsistent finishes.
6 | We Advocate for Our Clients
We don’t just manage aesthetics—we advocate for our clients at every stage of construction. That means ensuring that every trade professional understands and follows the design plan, negotiating solutions when challenges arise, and speaking up when something isn’t executed correctly. We act as your voice on the job site, ensuring that every decision prioritizes your needs, style, and functionality goals.
7 | We Help Make On-the-Fly Decisions When It Comes to Changes
As much as we’d love to say that once the design is approved, nothing changes, in a large-scale construction project, adjustments are inevitable. Unexpected challenges arise, and when they do, we work alongside the construction team and our clients to assist with and review change orders.
A “change order” is an official document that details the approval of a change to any aspect of the project—whether it’s the design of a specific feature, the elimination of an element, or the addition of a detail not originally specified. You do NOT want to risk any change being forgotten, misinterpreted, or overlooked. Having this paper trail is SO important.
Because these change orders are official documents, if work is done incorrectly or charged incorrectly, we can refer back to the original plan documents and the change order to find a remedy. We’ve also seen instances where clients did NOT approve change orders or authorize additional expenses, but their contractor still attempted to collect. These change orders protect both our clients, the contractor, and us, ensuring that all changes being made are clearly documented and agreed upon.
8 | We Protect Your Investment
Your home renovation or new construction project is a major financial investment. Having an interior designer involved throughout construction ensures that your money is spent wisely and that the finished space is both stunning and functional. Our role is to safeguard your vision, minimize costly mistakes, and ensure a smooth execution.
8 | We Open Our Clients’ Eyes to What Is Possible
When our clients are building a home or undertaking a large-scale renovation, they want to ensure they are making the best decisions for both their present and future needs. We help them explore possibilities they might not have considered—from optimizing kitchen layouts for better workflow to selecting timeless materials that increase resale value. Our expertise allows us to suggest smart investments that enhance functionality, beauty, and long-term satisfaction.
The Bottom Line
Hiring an interior designer isn’t just about picking kitchen finishes or home decor; it’s about making sure the design is fully realized through construction. Without professional oversight, even the best designs can fall victim to miscommunication, incorrect installation, or last-minute decisions that compromise the final outcome.
Having an interior designer involved during the construction phase of your project ensures you won’t live with regret that something wasn’t executed exactly to your liking, or that you missed an opportunity to make your home truly unique and perfect for your needs. With over 18 years of experience, we have saved our clients hundreds of hours of time and years of stress simply by being there from start to finish.
If you're planning a kitchen remodel, full home renovation or building a new home and want expert guidance from concept through completion, let’s connect. We ensure your project stays on track, aligns with your vision, and results in a space you love for years to come. Click below to fill out our inquiry form and get started today!
