Remodeling home...consult architect or interior designer first?

[jeckyjil]

DH & I are planning on remodeling our very tiny galley kitchen and adjoining family room by expanding out about 8 feet. The problem is, neither one of us has an eye for what goes together. We both know what we like/don't like when we see it, but just aren't creative enough to coordinate things on our own.

So, are we better off getting an interior designer's perspective first, or hiring an architect? Are architects trained in any way to help people decide on things like what countertop color looks best with a particular cabinetry color? On the flip side, would an interior designer be aware of things like plumbing & electrical requirements/codes? This is the home we plan on staying in for at least the next 15 years, until our children finish school, so we'd like to make it very much "ours".

Can anyone help? TIA!

[lisettelovebug]

I don't know if this will help, but you can try Smart DRaw 2008. http://www.smartdraw.com/
You can put the dimesions of your room and then place items in the room. They have I believe an 8 day free trial, but you have to be online when you are using it to access the objects (probably only because it's a trial)

We bought a program from Sam's Club that was $70 that does interior design, architecture, landscaping, etc. It even has a 3D view so you can see what it really looks like. I absolutely LOVE it!!. You may be able to get it somewhere else too. It's called Punch Home Design Platinum.

Lisa

[happydog]

If you are adding on, that means structural issues like foundation and making the new roofline. If it were me, I'd get an architect to design the expansion and safely deal with structural issues. They'd be able to help you with overall layout design/efficiency aspects. An interior designer is more for choosing color and finish materials, or placement of kitchen components. They don't do structural work.