Why Use an Architect and Interior Designer Together?
One vision, two disciplines, and a home that works beautifully from the inside out.
LET'S CONNECT
When planning a house extension, renovation or new build, most homeowners start by thinking about the architecture. The layout, the windows, the extra space. Interior design often comes later, once the building work is underway.
But what if both were considered from the very beginning?
At Felix Lewis Architects, we believe the best homes are designed from the inside out. By bringing architecture and interior design together, we create spaces where everything feels connected, from the shape of a room to the smallest finishing detail.
And it can make the whole process a lot easier, too.
1. A Home That Flows Beautifully
Great architecture isn't just about how a building looks from the outside. It's about how it feels to live in.
By working with an architect and interior designer together, you can consider everything at once. Where should the kitchen sit? How will furniture fit? Is there enough natural light? Where will all those shoes go?
These might seem like small questions, but they can have a big impact on the final design.
The result? A home that looks beautiful, feels comfortable and works for everyday life.
2. Fewer Expensive Surprises
Ever fallen in love with a kitchen island, only to discover there isn't enough room for it? Or realised the perfect wall for your sofa is covered in sockets?
These are the little frustrations that can happen when interior design is left until the end.
Planning architecture and interiors together means kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, furniture layouts and bespoke joinery can all be considered early.
This helps avoid last-minute changes, unnecessary costs and those dreaded "we wish we'd thought of that sooner" moments.
3. One Creative Vision, Inside and Out
Your home should feel like one complete design, not a collection of separate decisions.
When architecture and interiors are developed together, materials, colours, proportions and details can flow naturally throughout the building.
Perhaps the timber used on an extension continues into the kitchen joinery. Or a carefully positioned window frames the garden from your favourite armchair.
It's these thoughtful connections that make a home feel truly special.
4. A Simpler Design Process
Building or renovating a home involves plenty of decisions. Having your architect and interior designer working together can make those decisions much easier.
Rather than coordinating separate design teams, you benefit from a joined-up approach, with fewer gaps between the architectural drawings and interior details.
It also means the practical elements, from lighting positions to plumbing and built-in furniture, can be coordinated before construction begins.
Less confusion, better communication and a more enjoyable design journey.
5. Design That Makes the Most of Your Budget
Using an architect and interior designer together doesn't necessarily mean spending more.
In fact, considering both disciplines early can help you make better decisions about where to invest.
Perhaps a clever change to the layout removes the need for an expensive extension. Or a carefully designed kitchen makes a smaller space work harder.
By looking at the bigger picture, we can help prioritise the details that really matter and reduce the risk of costly changes later.
Architecture & Interiors at Felix Lewis Architects
We're an architecture and interior design studio working across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, London and the South East of England.
From contemporary house extensions and complete home renovations to listed buildings, country houses and new builds, we bring architecture and interiors together to create thoughtful, individual homes.
Our approach is simple: good design should look beautiful, work brilliantly and reflect the people who live there.
Whether you're planning a full architectural project or looking for interior design expertise, we can tailor our services to suit your home.
See our full list of Architectural services and Interior design services. If you have the time, check out our projects too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to use an architect and interior designer together?
Often, yes. Working with both from the beginning helps create a coordinated design, where layouts, lighting, materials and furniture are considered together. It can also reduce unexpected changes during construction.
Can an architect also design interiors?
Some architectural practices offer interior design services alongside architecture. At Felix Lewis Architects, we provide both, allowing us to consider the building and its interiors as one complete project.
Is it cheaper to use an architect and interior designer together?
Not always, but a coordinated approach can help avoid expensive design changes, improve budget planning and make better use of your available space.
When should I hire an interior designer for a renovation?
Ideally, at the same time as your architect. Early involvement allows important decisions about kitchens, bathrooms, lighting and furniture layouts to influence the architectural design.
Do I need an interior designer for a house extension?
Not necessarily, but interior design can help you get more from your extension, particularly when creating open-plan kitchens, living spaces or connecting new rooms with an existing home.
Can I use your interior design services without architectural services?
Yes. We offer interior design services independently, from individual rooms and colour consultations to complete home refurbishments.
Let's Design Something Brilliant
Planning a house renovation, extension or new build?
Why treat architecture and interiors as two separate projects when they could work beautifully together?
At Felix Lewis Architects, we can help you create a home that feels considered from the very first sketch to the finishing touches.
Looking for an Architect
or Interior Designer?
extension, new build home or complete interior refurbishment,
we would be delighted to discuss your project.
Contact Felix Lewis Architects to arrange an initial free
conversation about your architecture or interior design project.
