When should I appoint an interior designer?

Why early involvement makes all the difference

When planning a renovation or new-build project, the timeline of appointing professionals can feel like an overwhelming task. Many instinctively start with an architect or a contractor – but if you’re wondering when to bring in an interior designer, the answer is simple: as early as possible.

At Pfeiffer Design, we firmly believe the interior design team should be one of the very first professionals appointed – sometimes even before your architect. This ensures that your home is designed from the inside out, focused on how you live, what you value and the experience you want from your space. Rather than having to retrofit design into an established plan, we shape the architectural framework around you, your lifestyle and your ambitions.

Designing From the Inside Out

We often talk about designing from the inside out – but what does that really mean? Involving an interior designer early in your project allows us to influence the fundamental elements of your home before the building’s structure is finalised. From spatial planning and room flow to natural light direction and functionality, we ensure that your interior needs shape the architecture – not the other way around. This approach leads to fewer compromises later on, more tailored solutions and a home that works seamlessly for your lifestyle.

Think: feature lighting perfectly centred over key furniture pieces, bathrooms designed around optimal layouts rather than restricted by poorly placed soil stacks, or even adjusting wall positions to give key rooms more breathing space. These are the kinds of details that often get overlooked when interiors are treated as a finishing touch rather than an integral part of the design journey.

Where architects and structural professionals ensure your home stands beautifully and safely, we ensure it lives beautifully – enhancing everything from your morning routine to the way you host and unwind. It’s a human-centred approach that places your needs, habits and aspirations at the heart of the design process.

What is Interior Architecture – and Why Does It Matter?

Pfeiffer Design are not just interior designers, we’re specialists in interior architecture. So, what does that mean?

Interior architecture bridges the gap between the structure of a building and the finer details of interior design. It involves technical space planning, bespoke joinery design, interior detailing, lighting design, finishes specification and the coordination of how every element fits together.

This role is essential during the early stages of a renovation or new build because:

• We optimise internal layouts before they’re locked in.

• We coordinate technical design across trades and disciplines, ensuring joinery, lighting, finishes and spatial flow all work in harmony.

• We anticipate your lifestyle needs, so no design decision is made in isolation.

• We maintain design integrity, overseeing how the vision is executed on site, from architectural details to final finishes.

Put simply, we ensure that the interior isn’t an afterthought, but an integral part of your home’s structure and success.

Appointing the Right Professionals

Another major benefit of early engagement is our ability to help build your professional team. With nearly 30 years in the industry and a trusted network of architects, structural engineers, contractors, artisans and suppliers, we know exactly who to recommend for the level of design ambition, detail and finish you’re seeking. We know how they work, share a similar standard of care and quality and can collaborate with ease. This synergy between team members brings a cohesion to the process that is invaluable throughout a complex project.

Of course, we’re also happy to collaborate with your existing team. Whether reviewing architectural plans, breaking down scopes of work or helping assess quotes, we’ll always act in your best interest – ensuring the team around you is aligned, capable and committed to realising your vision.

Avoiding the Common Pitfalls

All too often, we’re brought into a project after key structural decisions have already been made – when plumbing is in, walls are up and the spatial layout is set. At that stage, our ability to influence the flow, lighting and overall functionality of the space is significantly reduced, and making changes becomes far more costly and disruptive.

For projects focused purely on furnishings and FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment), this isn’t an issue. But when design decisions intersect with architectural layouts – such as lighting positions, bathroom configurations or bespoke joinery – it’s far more effective, both creatively and financially, to involve us from the outset.

By appointing your interior designer early, you’re giving your project the strongest creative foundation. It allows for a truly integrated approach where every design decision supports your lifestyle and vision. While we’re always happy to join a project at any stage, involving us early helps avoid costly compromises, ensures cohesive design and results in a home that feels thoughtful, functional and deeply personal.

Ready to Get Started?

At Pfeiffer Design, we strongly believe that interior design shouldn’t be the final layer – it should be the foundation. If you’re planning a renovation or new-build and wondering when to bring your interior designer on board, the answer is: now. Let us help you shape your home from the very beginning. Get in touch to start your design journey – we’d love to hear about your project.