The A-Team of Home Pros: Explained!

If you're planning a home renovation or building a new space, you've probably come across a wide range of professionals—interior designers, decorators, architects, general contractors, subcontractors, and drafters. While these roles can sometimes overlap, each one plays a unique and essential part in bringing a project to life. Here's a breakdown to help you understand who does what:

Interior Designers (That's Us!)

What They Do: Interior designers are trained professionals who plan, design, and coordinate the aesthetic and functional elements of interior spaces. They consider everything from space planning and flow to lighting, materials, furniture, color palettes, and code compliance.

When to Hire One: Hire an interior designer if you want to rework your space's layout, improve functionality, or need help choosing finishes and furnishings with a cohesive design vision.

Key Skills:

• Space planning

• Color theory

• Material and finish selection

• Furniture, lighting, and textile design

• Building code and local regulation knowledge

Architects

What They Do: Architects are licensed professionals who design buildings and large-scale renovations. They take into account structural integrity, safety, aesthetics, environmental impact, and client needs. Architects also produce technical drawings used for permits and construction.

When to Hire One: If you're building a new home, adding an addition, or making major structural changes, you'll want an architect on your team.

Key Skills:

• Building design

• Structural planning

• Code compliance

• Technical drawing

• Permitting and zoning knowledge

General Contractors

What They Do: General contractors (GCs) manage construction projects. They hire and coordinate subcontractors, obtain permits, schedule inspections, and ensure everything is completed on time and within budget.

When to Hire One: Any time you’re undertaking a renovation or construction project that requires multiple trades, inspections, or permit coordination, a GC is your go-to.

Key Skills:

• Project management

• Budget oversight

• Scheduling and logistics

• Building code understanding

• Hiring and supervising trades

Subcontractors

What They Do: Subcontractors are specialized professionals hired by a general contractor to complete specific tasks such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, drywall, painting, or tile work.

When to Hire One: Typically, you won’t hire a subcontractor directly unless you're managing your own project. They're brought in by the GC to execute their specific trade.

Key Skills (varies by trade):

• Technical expertise in one area

• Licensing and certification

• Precision and execution

Drafters

What They Do: Drafters, or CAD technicians, create the technical drawings and plans used by architects, interior designers, and contractors. They convert concepts into precise blueprints using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

When to Hire One: Drafters are often part of a design or architectural team. You might work directly with one if you need technical drawings for permits or construction but don't require full architectural services.

Key Skills:

• CAD proficiency

• Technical drawing

• Attention to detail

• Collaboration with designers and builders

Final Thoughts

Think of a design-build project like a theater production:

• The architect writes the script and sets the stage.

• The interior designer directs the cast while designing the costumes and sets.

• The general contractor produces the show and manages logistics.

• The subcontractors are the crew making everything run behind the scenes.

• The drafter turns the vision into a precise playbook everyone can follow.

Home projects are exciting—but we know they can also be overwhelming when you’re not sure who does what. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Smith Interior Design, we’re here to guide you through every step—connecting you with the right professionals, advocating for your vision, and designing spaces that truly feel like you. Need help getting started? Let’s chat. Whether you’re ready for a full renovation or just want help picking the perfect paint color, we’d love to be part of your journey!