Architecture Vs Interior Design: Who Does What?

In the same day, I had two conversations, one with an architect (let’s call him Zach) and another one with an interior designer (we’ll call her Deanne) about the very same project. What unfolded was a classic example of miscommunication with consequences that rippled through their work, affecting even the homeowner.

Deanne, with a keen eye for ambiance and functionality, decided to reposition several lighting fixtures in her designs to better capture the aesthetic she envisioned for the living spaces. Enthusiastic about her refined vision, she made these adjustments on her digital layouts, but crucially, she did not communicate these changes to Zach. As such, Zach, operating under the original specifications, did not update the electrical plans accordingly.

This oversight became apparent when the construction phase was underway, and it was discovered that the wiring points were all prepared for the original light fixture locations. The mismatch necessitated a series of change orders which, not only delayed the project but also significantly increased the costs. This led to palpable frustration from the homeowner, who was displeased with both the unexpected financial burden and the project's delay.

Zach was taken aback by the homeowner’s dissatisfaction. From his perspective, he had followed the specifications he was given. He felt it was unfair to be held accountable for issues stemming from changes he was never informed about. After all, he pondered, how could he incorporate changes he wasn't aware of?

Meanwhile, Deanne's frustration was twofold. She was irritated that the initial lighting plan had been drafted without her input, which she believed should have been sought given her role as the interior designer. Moreover, her planning was further hampered by Zach's delayed delivery of critical architectural documents. She had repeatedly requested the reflective ceiling plans and elevations, which arrived much later than promised, forcing her to rush through her design process to stay on schedule.

As many builders will tell you, sometimes these situations are expensive, and it is up to the builder to break this news to affected homeowners and receive the brunt of the response. This is not a building problem; this is an information management problem.

What if we lived in a world where the architects work upon floor plan and massing development was a live model? What if, in this utopian world, once floor plans and elevations were approved by the customer and value engineering concluded, the interior designer received copies of all interior elevations, the Reflective Ceiling Plan (RCP) and the floor plans, and a list of all required selections to begin their work?

What if in this new world, as the interior designer made selections, they went into the same model as the architectural, civil and structural work, and informs Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) work? Not only would the interior designer be able to see their work, simulate spaces, and provide options to their clients, but also generate from this 3D body of work, interior design elevations, floor plans and RCP models.

What if we live in that world? Where there was a singular version of the truth that all professionals put their work into, and generate their documents from, thereby setting up clients and their builders for success?

To live in this world, we will need to stop thinking about this as a construction problem, that requires more brute force (more micromanagement, more emails, texts, phone calls) to solve, and start looking at how BIM principles and cross functional processes can make everyone's performance better, lives better and drive superior outcomes.