What Each One Does
- General contractor (GC): builds the project, hires subs, schedules, and pulls permits. They execute a plan; they are not usually the designer.
- Architect: designs structure and layout, produces drawings, and often helps with permits for complex or structural work.
- Interior designer: plans finishes, fixtures, cabinetry layout, and aesthetics — sometimes certified (NCIDQ) for larger jobs.
When You Need Each
| Project | Best lead |
|---|---|
| Paint, flooring, fixture swap | Contractor only |
| Kitchen/bath remodel (no structure) | Designer + contractor |
| Addition, load-bearing wall, layout change | Architect + contractor |
| Whole-house reconfiguration | Architect + designer + contractor |
What They Cost
As planning ranges: architects commonly charge a percentage of construction cost (often in the low-teens to twenty percent for full services) or an hourly rate; interior designers range from hourly fees to a percentage of purchases or a flat design fee; a GC’s fee is usually a markup (commonly in the mid-teens to twenty-five percent) over sub and material costs, or a fixed price. These are ranges — get specifics in writing.
Avoiding Gaps and Overlap
Confusion arises when no one owns the design-to-build handoff. Define who produces the drawings, who approves them, and who is accountable for the result. A design-build contractor can fold design and build into one contract, which simplifies communication for many mid-complexity projects.