If you’re asking this question, then honestly, the answer is now.

It’s often assumed that interior design is a final step in the building process, after the walls are up and it’s time to pick finishes. The truth? The most successful projects are the ones where design is involved from the very beginning.

Whether you’re building new, remodeling, or somewhere in between, bringing an interior designer in early can save time, money, and a whole lot of decision fatigue (no one wants to choose tile for the 47th time).

Let’s break down when to hire a designer and how we support you at every phase of the process!

Why Hiring a Designer Early Matters

Interior design isn’t just about how a space looks; it’s equally about how it functions. When design decisions are made too late, we often see issues like:

Awkward layouts that don’t reflect how the home is actually lived in
Electrical and lighting plans that don’t support the furniture or fixtures
Missed opportunities for architectural detail or built-ins
Budget blowouts caused by late plan changes

When an interior designer is involved early, those decisions are made with intention, not as afterthoughts.

Phase 1: Before Construction Begins (The Ideal Time)

This is where design truly shines.

Whether you’re working on new construction or a major renovation, bringing a designer in during the planning phase allows us to collaborate on:

Layouts and spatial flow
Room proportions and functionality
Architectural details that support the overall vision
Window placement, ceiling heights, and sightlines
Early decisions on finishes that help inform the building process

By being involved early, we help ensure the “bones” of the home are just as thoughtful as the pretty finishes. This is also where our architectural and interior design services work together, keeping the vision clear from day one.

The earlier you involve an interior designer, the smoother the process will be!

Phase 2: Construction in Process

Already building your home? Don’t worry, you’re not too late!

During the construction phase, we step in to help guide decisions that still have a major impact on the finished home, including:

Finish selections that make sense with the architectural layout
Lighting & fixture placement
Millwork design & cabinetry details
Material coordination to avoid costly mismatches
On-site guidance & collaboration with your build team

Stepping in during this part of the process will allow us to help everything stay on the same page, keep the timeline moving, and help prevent overwhelm.

Phase 3: Renovations & Remodels

Remodels benefit immensely from early interior design involvement. From just needing a single-room update to needing a full-home renovation, we can:

Reconfigure layouts instead of working with old ones
Figure out what’s worth changing (and what’s not)
Balance function, aesthetics, & budget
Avoid making one-off decisions that don’t work well together

We help translate what your goals are into a clear plan, that way your remodel feels intentional, not randomly put together or rushed.

Phase 4: Finishes, Furnishings, and Final Steps

Yes, we’re here for this part too (the earlier the better, but alsooo it’s never too late!)

Even though you may be close to the finish line, we help with:

Final selections of finishes
Furniture selection, space planning, and decor styling
Creating a home that feels lived-in but still elevated & uniquely you!

It’s truly never too late to bring in an interior designer. We step in to refine, edit, and pull everything together so the end result feels all meant to be.

**So… When Should You Hire a Designer?**

Dreaming, planning, building…no matter where you are in the process, now is the time to bring an interior designer into the conversation. We aren’t just here to make things pretty. We’re here to guide, problem-solve, and help you create a home that supports the way you actually live.

If you’re nodding along right now and want a team that can guide you through it, that’s your cue. Hi, hello… It's us! Let’s start planning together.

When Should You Hire a Designer in the Building Process?