interior designer vs. contractor
One of the biggest misconceptions we see during renovations and custom builds is the assumption that the designer and contractor are responsible for the same things.
While we work very closely together throughout a project, our roles are actually quite different.
The contractor is responsible for building the project.
The designer is responsible for designing it.
Simple enough on paper, but understanding the distinction can completely change how a renovation unfolds.
Because before anything can be built, someone needs to create the roadmap.
candace plotz design
creating the roadmap
When people think about interior design, they often picture furniture selections, paint colours, and the finishing touches that make a home feel complete.
But those decisions come much later in the process.
Long before construction begins, we're developing floor plans, solving functional challenges, and making hundreds of decisions that will ultimately shape how your home looks, feels, and functions.
We're creating custom millwork drawings, electrical plans, elevations, specifications, and all of the detailed documentation that contractors and trades rely on to accurately price and execute the project.
This is where the foundation of a successful renovation is built.
Because the more decisions that are made before construction begins, the fewer surprises, delays, and costly changes happen once construction is underway.
It's not always the glamorous side of design, but it's often the difference between a renovation that feels organized and intentional and one that feels reactive from start to finish.
clarity before construction
Once the design has been developed, it goes out to contractors and trades for pricing.
This is one of the most important stages of the project because it's where the vision gets tested against reality.
Not rough estimates, not assumptions, but real numbers based on actual drawings and actual design decisions.
This step is incredibly valuable because it allows us to make informed decisions before construction begins, when changes are easier and far less expensive to make.
It's where we ensure the project aligns not only with the vision, but with the investment required to bring it to life.
This is where thoughtful planning pays off. By making decisions early and pricing them accurately, we can move into construction with greater clarity and fewer surprises.
protecting the vision
Once construction begins, the contractor takes the lead in managing the build.
They're coordinating trades, overseeing schedules, and ensuring the work is completed properly and safely.
At the same time, we're continuing to work alongside them.
We're attending site meetings, conducting walkthroughs, reviewing details, answering questions, and helping navigate the countless decisions that arise throughout construction.
Because even the best drawings can't predict every situation that will come up once walls are opened and work begins.
Our role during construction is to ensure the project stays aligned with the original vision and that the countless details that were thoughtfully planned are implemented as intended.
Because while the contractor is building the home, we're protecting the vision behind it.
The best projects aren't the result of one person doing everything.
They're the result of talented professionals working together, each bringing their own expertise to the table.
And when that collaboration happens well, that's when a renovation becomes something truly exceptional.
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