Hi there, I relocated in summer and my company Architecta (You just inquired about one of my custom design sofas.) is now based in NYC. I'd be happy to discuss design work for a rental apartment. info@architecta-interiors.com www.architecta-interiors.com Best regards, Dorothee.

I agree! Where are the designers for the average joe? I contacted 2 landscape architects and one would not travel to me for a small yard and the other did not get back to me. I love the idea of previewing their portfolio of photos on here, to see if we have compatible styles but what good is it, If they only want high end work. I consider my purchases mid- range (I don't spend $20k for a dining table for sure) but really there seems to be more work available to designers if they want it.

My opinion is that you do need to hire An architect, a designer and a contractor,, A design-build firm may not be the best choice since they mostly specialize on the construction part ( Not all of them) and it is unlikely that hey are good at the 3 things. the architect will be needed for the mechanical and structural elements as you mentioned, but you do not want most architects to design the most complicated room in your house ( the kitchen) even though some of them are knowledgeable, the majority do not know the intricacies of a kitchen As for the contractor, you should do your homework and research a reputable firm with a proven track record and an extensive body of work. Some architectural firms will work in tandem with designer and/contractor but do not feel obligated to use them You do not want your designer to give you specific weight requirements for a load bearing wall nor do you want your architect to layout your kitchen and provide you with finish samples for furnishing, you also do not want your contractor designing the bathroom for you or giving you tile layouts or cabinetry details. There is a reason why there are specialties and to get it right, you need to get all parties involved your person to -go to will be a project manager that will coordinate all, in most cases working for the design firm I hope this helps

E-design is a great option when starting from scratch or once you have the house and your ideas a bit further along. You have so many different surfaces going on in your house, you need someone local who can see the true undertones in the existing surfaces, see how each surface touches another surface and make selections to coordinate with them from a local source. I do e-design for some projects and I have been doing material selections for over 30 years for homes, but this is a job for a local interior designer. The "free" designers at furniture stores SELL furniture. They will pick some finishes and paints to coordinate with what they are selling to you. Use a local Interior Designer or Decorator who will do a materials only selection package for you. One who is not trying to also sell you the materials.