What Does an Interior Designer Actually Do? Roles, Responsibilities & More

May 23

Interior design blends creativity, technical skill, and project management to shape environments that function beautifully. At Studio Lea—Veteran & Women Owned, based in Denver, Colorado and Kīhei, Maui—our full-service team manages every step, from initial concept through final styling. Below, we explain what an interior designer does, the skills required, and how designers differ from decorators.

1. Understanding the Discovery & Programming Phase of an Interior Designer

An interior designer’s work begins by listening. We schedule a consultation—either via phone or an on-site visit—to review your goals, budget, and timeline. During this discovery phase, we:

Measure existing conditions and note structural elements.
Discuss lifestyle needs or brand identity, whether for a home, retail store, or hospitality venue.
Review any architectural drawings, if available, or coordinate with your architect to gather required documentation.

This programming step ensures a shared understanding of project parameters and sets the stage for a successful collaboration.

2. Concept Development & Space Planning

With foundational information in hand, the team moves into concept development. We create mood boards or inspiration boards that showcase color palettes, materials, and sample furnishings. These visuals help clients envision the style direction. Concurrently, we prepare space plans and construction documents:

Floor Plans & Elevations: Drawing layouts that optimize flow, furniture placement, and lighting zones.
Construction Documents: Detailed drawings—walls, doors, windows, and built-in cabinetry—that contractors rely on during bidding and construction.
Renderings (As Needed): Simple 3D or perspective renderings to illustrate key design elements, helping clients visualize spatial relationships.

At Studio Lea, we tailor these deliverables to each client. Whether working on a new build or a full-scale renovation, our goal is to blend form and function seamlessly.

3. Material, Finish & Fixture Selection

Selecting the right finishes and fixtures bridges design intent with practical performance. Designers specify:

Flooring & Tile: Balancing durability (such as water-resistant tile in bathrooms) with aesthetic preferences.
Paint & Wall Finishes: Choosing colors or textured plasters that complement natural light and room proportions.
Cabinetry & Millwork Details: Custom millwork options—moldings, built-ins, and joinery—crafted to match overall design.
Plumbing Fixtures & Appliances: Coordinating kitchens and baths with hardware and appliance selections that fit both style and budget.
Lighting & Electrical Plans: Recommending fixture styles, placement, and bulb types to create welcoming, well-lit spaces.

Studio Lea’s designers source materials and fixtures from trusted vendors. We present options that align with your project’s timeline and budget, allowing clients to make informed decisions.

4. Project Management & Construction Administration

During construction, designers transition into the role of project managers. Responsibilities include:

Vendor & Trade Collaboration: Coordinating with contractors, installers, and fabricators to schedule work and verify product deliveries.
Budget Development & Management: Refining cost estimates, approving invoices, and ensuring expenditures align with the approved budget.
On-Site Design Walkthroughs: Conducting site visits to confirm construction adheres to design documents—reviewing cabinetry installation, plumbing rough-ins, and tile layouts
Final Review: Identifying and resolving any outstanding issues before final handover, such as trim adjustments or paint touch-ups.

By acting as a single point of contact, interior designers at Studio Lea streamline communication, prevent misunderstandings, and keep projects on schedule.

5. Furnishings, Styling & Installation

Once construction wraps up, the focus shifts to furnishings and styling—traditionally thought of as “decorator” tasks. A Studio Lea designer:

Develops Furniture Plans: Creating layouts that confirm scale, circulation, and comfort.
Sources Art, Accessories & Soft Goods: Selecting rugs, pillows, draperies, and artwork that reinforce the design narrative
Coordinates Final Installation: Supervising delivery crews, arranging furniture, and styling surfaces to achieve the intended atmosphere.

Because our designers handle both technical and decorative responsibilities, clients enjoy a cohesive process: no separate decorator hire is needed. Every detail—from built-ins to throw pillows—reflects the same design vision.

6. Skills & Qualifications

Interior designers require a combination of education, technical skills, and interpersonal strengths:

Education & Certification: A bachelor’s degree in interior design or architecture is foundational. Certifications like NCIDQ demonstrate professional competency, and Studio Lea’s team members are registered in jurisdictions where required.
Technical Proficiency: Mastery of CAD software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp) and the ability to draft construction documents and interior architecture details.
Design Sensibility: A solid understanding of color theory, spatial composition, and material properties—ensuring selections balance aesthetics with functionality.
Communication & Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication to present ideas clearly, negotiate with vendors, and build trust with clients.
Organization & Time Management: Tracking budgets, procurement schedules, and installation timelines is essential to prevent delays and cost overruns.

Our designers at Studio Lea combine these skills to deliver tailored, timeless environments—whether residential, hospitality, commercial, or multi-family.

FAQ

What does an interior designer do that an interior decorator cannot?
Interior designers handle structural planning, code compliance, and construction documents, then transition seamlessly into styling and furnishings. Decorators typically focus only on furniture and accessories within an existing framework.

Can an interior designer help with a single room?
Yes. Whether it’s a small refresh or a full home renovation, designers adjust scope accordingly—offering consultation services for material and finish selection or full-service management from concept to installation.

How long does a typical project take?
Timelines vary based on scale. A single-room update might take 4–6 weeks, while a ground-up renovation usually spans 4–6 months. Studio Lea’s project managers maintain clear schedules to keep clients informed and on track.

Conclusion
Interior designers do more than “decorate.” They craft comprehensive solutions—space planning, technical documentation, material selection, project management, and final styling. At Studio Lea, our full-service approach eliminates the need for a separate decorator. From Denver to Maui, our Veteran & Women Owned team ensures each project runs smoothly, reflects client vision, and achieves lasting impact. Ready to transform your space? Connect with us to start your design journey.

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