Do I Need an Interior Designer or an Architect?

How These Two Experts Work Together to Create Exceptional Homes

When planning a major renovation or new home build, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Do I need an interior designer or an architect?”

The short answer? You likely need both—and the earlier each is involved, the better.

At Joe McGuire Design, we’ve partnered with exceptional architects and builders on projects throughout Aspen, Boulder, and beyond. Our most successful, harmonious homes are always the result of a collaborative process between client, architect, designer, and builder. Each professional brings a unique lens, and when working together from the start, the result is a seamless, inspired, and highly personalized home.

In this article, we’ll clarify the distinct roles of an architect and an interior designer, explain how we collaborate throughout a project, and offer insight into the best time to bring each onto your team.

Understanding the Roles

While there’s overlap between the disciplines, architects and interior designers focus on different but complementary aspects of your home.

What an Architect Does

Architects are responsible for the overall structure and exterior envelope of your home. They:

• Create the building’s form, layout, and structure

• Plan the rooflines, windows, doors, and exterior materials

• Develop permit drawings and construction documents

• Address structural and code-related considerations

• Coordinate with engineers and consultants

An architect ensures your home meets safety standards, flows spatially, and functions well at a macro level.

What an Interior Designer Does

Interior designers work from the inside out, shaping how you will live and feel within the space. At Joe McGuire Design, our scope includes:

• Interior architecture: ceilings, lighting, millwork, built-ins

• Space planning for furniture, art, and everyday flow

• Selection of all materials, finishes, and color palettes

• Custom furnishings, lighting, and window treatments

• Full procurement, project management, and final styling

We focus on how each room will be experienced, how the design supports your lifestyle, and how all the elements work in harmony—functionally, visually, and energetically.

Why You Don’t Need to Choose Just One

While architects and designers are both highly trained, they are not interchangeable. Rather than viewing this as a choice, we encourage clients to see it as a strategic collaboration.

An architect ensures your home is structurally sound, spatially efficient, and well-integrated with the site. A designer ensures it’s comfortable, cohesive, and soulful.

Too often, clients bring in an interior designer after construction has begun—only to find that key opportunities were missed early on. For example:

• A lighting layout that doesn’t support furniture placement

• A kitchen that looks sleek but lacks intuitive workflow

• Ceiling heights or window placements that limit art and furniture choices

When we’re involved from the beginning, we can help you avoid these pitfalls and bring a level of detail that enhances the architectural design.

How We Collaborate With Architects and Builders

At Joe McGuire Design, we’ve worked alongside some of the top architectural firms and custom builders in the region. These long-standing relationships allow for smooth coordination and mutual respect across all teams.

Our collaboration typically includes:

• Reviewing architectural plans for design opportunities or refinements

• Coordinating ceiling and lighting plans to align with furnishings and focal points

• Ensuring millwork, built-ins, and finishes integrate beautifully with the architecture

• Attending site meetings and walkthroughs to ensure alignment as construction progresses

• Providing clients with a unified design experience, rather than siloed decision-making

We also work closely with specialists like lighting designers, art consultants, and landscape architects to ensure that every aspect of the home feels cohesive and complete.

When to Bring Each Professional Onto Your Team

Ideally, you should hire your interior designer at the same time as your architect, or shortly after.

Bringing your designer in early allows us to:

• Influence spatial flow and floorplans

• Prevent costly change orders down the line

• Align finishes, lighting, and details with your lifestyle

• Begin furnishing plans early to meet long lead times

In one recent project in Aspen, we were brought in during the architectural concept phase. Our involvement allowed us to recommend subtle layout shifts, increase natural light in living spaces, and ensure the furniture plan supported the family’s desire for both entertaining and retreat. The result was a home that felt as good as it looked—and functioned beautifully from day one.

Case Study: Collaborative Success in Boulder

A recent client was building a new residence in Boulder and had already engaged a modernist architectural firm. They brought us in just after initial plans were drafted. By collaborating with the architect early, we were able to:

• Integrate layered lighting for mood and functionality

• Customize built-ins that blended with structural elements

• Select flooring and millwork that enhanced the home’s clean, serene design

• Develop a holistic material palette that supported the architecture while softening its edges

This level of collaboration not only streamlined the build but created a truly livable and emotionally resonant home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do architects offer interior design services?
Some architectural firms do offer limited interior services, but their focus is generally structural. For a fully integrated, layered interior, a dedicated design team brings a deeper level of refinement and curation.

What if I already hired an architect—can I still bring you in?
Absolutely. We’re happy to join your existing team at any stage. The earlier the better, but we’re skilled at integrating into projects midstream.

Can you recommend architects and builders?
Yes. We’ve built trusted relationships with some of the region’s most talented professionals and are happy to make recommendations based on your needs, style, and project scope.

Do you design both interiors and exteriors?
While our primary focus is interior architecture and furnishings, outdoor living areas are an important feature of most homes. We design outdoor seating, dining, wellness and entertainment areas. We also consult on exterior finishes and lighting, and collaborate with architects and landscape designers to ensure a cohesive indoor-outdoor experience.

The Most Successful Homes Begin With the Right Team

You don’t need to choose between an architect or an interior designer. You need both—working in harmony, with clear communication and a shared vision.

At Joe McGuire Design, we’re proud to be that kind of collaborative partner. We know how to bridge the gap between technical excellence and soulful living. If you’re ready to build or transform your home, we’d love to hear more and help you assemble the ideal team to bring it to life.

Reach out today to begin a conversation.

Read the rest of the Guide to Interior Design here —>

Common Myths About Hiring an Interior Designer

Why Interior Design Is About Far More Than Fabric Swatches

There’s a widespread misunderstanding of what interior designers actually do—and more importantly, the kind of value we provide. At Joe McGuire Design, we often find ourselves dispelling the same myths for new clients who are sophisticated, successful, and well-versed in managing their homes—yet still surprised by the depth of what full-service interior design entails.

If you’re considering working with a designer for your luxury residence or second home, this article will walk you through the most common misconceptions we encounter and provide clarity on what it’s really like to work with an experienced, holistic design team.

Hiring an interior designer is not an indulgence—it’s a strategic decision that adds value, reduces stress, and transforms your environment in ways you might not expect.

Myth #1: “Interior designers just pick furniture and colors.”

This is perhaps the most persistent myth—and the most inaccurate.

A professional designer, especially one who offers full-service design, does far more than select sofas or suggest paint colors. We work at the intersection of architecture, spatial planning, lifestyle design, and visual storytelling. From the flow of natural light to the psychological effect of a material, every element we select is intentional and integrated.

At Joe McGuire Design, our work begins with detailed floor planning and coordination with architects and builders. We refine lighting plans, source custom furniture, and ensure that every layer—from flooring to finishes to the art on the wall—works together to create a cohesive, elevated space.

What clients often say after install day: “We had no idea how much thought went into every detail.”

Myth #2: “I can do it myself with Pinterest and a good contractor.”

While inspiration platforms can be helpful for honing your personal aesthetic, they’re no substitute for a professionally trained designer with decades of experience and project management expertise.

DIY efforts often lead to decision fatigue, costly mistakes, and design choices that look good on a screen but don’t function well in real life. A contractor may be excellent at executing your remodel, but they are not trained to make the design and furnishing decisions that create a truly holistic home.

We’ve worked with many clients who started out managing their own project, only to bring us in midway when the overwhelm set in. Our advice: bring a designer on from the start. It’s more efficient, and you’ll end up with a far more refined result.

Myth #3: “Designers are too expensive.”

This myth often stems from misunderstanding how designers charge and what’s included in the scope of services. In truth, hiring a skilled designer can actually save you money—by avoiding costly errors, leveraging trade relationships, and managing the process to stay on time and within budget.

At Joe McGuire Design, we use a time billing structure that provides clarity and flexibility, paired with detailed estimates at the outset so you can plan appropriately. We’re also transparent about costs for custom furnishings, materials, and contractor coordination.

More importantly, high-end design is an investment in the value, comfort, and longevity of your home. Beautiful, intentional design enhances resale value, elevates your day-to-day experience, and minimizes the need for future renovations.

Myth #4: “Interior designers will push their style on me.”

The best designers don’t impose a look—they uncover your vision and elevate it. While every designer brings a point of view, the final result should feel uniquely and unmistakably yours.

At Joe McGuire Design, our holistic approach begins with listening. We ask deep questions about how you live, what makes you feel at home, and the emotional tone you want your space to evoke. Whether your taste leans toward rustic modern, soft minimalism, or eclectic sophistication, our role is to help bring it to life with beauty, harmony, and integrity.

One client recently said, “I see myself in every corner of this house—but better.” That’s the goal.

Myth #5: “I only need a designer if I’m building a new home.”

Not true. In fact, many of our clients come to us for:

• Full-home furnishing after a purchase

• A phased renovation plan over several years

• Refreshing or reimagining a second home

• Curating and styling a finished space for better flow

Designers bring value at any stage—and often can help you prioritize which elements to address first. Whether you're planning a new build or want to transform your existing space, our team brings the same level of care and creativity.

Case Insight: Turning Misconception into Masterpiece

A recent client in Boulder originally contacted us for help “finishing off” their home. They had already purchased most of their furniture and were hoping for simple styling assistance. After a walkthrough, we uncovered multiple pain points: poor flow in the main living area, lighting that felt cold, and rooms that lacked cohesion.

They allowed us to rework the layout, suggest new lighting and soft goods, and introduce a few custom pieces that brought everything into balance. The transformation was dramatic—not just visually, but emotionally.

Afterward, the homeowner said, “I didn’t realize how uncomfortable I had been in my own home until you made it feel right.”

Myth #6: “Interior design is just about aesthetics.”

Design has the power to improve your wellness, enhance your relationships, and support how you live each day. At Joe McGuire Design, we believe your home is a sacred space—one that should support your energy, creativity, and calm.

This is why we incorporate:

• Non-toxic and sustainable materials

• Principles of biophilic and intuitive design

• Layouts that promote both privacy and connection

• Sensory experiences through color, texture, and sound

Design isn't just about how things look. It's about how they feel, and how you feel in them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I bring a designer into my project?
Ideally, at the very beginning. We can collaborate with your architect and builder to ensure a seamless integration of structure and interiors.

Do you work with clients who have already started their design process?
Yes. While early involvement is best, we’re happy to step in mid-process to refine, reimagine, or complete your project.

What if I don’t know my style?
That’s okay. Our job is to help you discover it—and then interpret it into something beautiful, balanced, and enduring.

Is your work limited to Aspen and Boulder?
Not at all. While we’re deeply rooted in Colorado, many of our clients have second homes across the country, and we offer both in-person and remote design services.

What is your design philosophy in one sentence?
We design homes that feel as beautiful as they look—places that promote wellness, harmony, and joy.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

If you’ve hesitated to hire a designer because of any of the myths above, we invite you to connect with us. Our process is collaborative, clear, and refreshingly human. We’d be honored to support your journey and help create a home that truly reflects who you are.

Ready to begin? Schedule a conversation with us today. Let’s explore what’s possible.

Read the rest of the Guide to Interior Design here —>