Diane.
without the proper lighting, neither the architect's translation nor the interior designer's interpretation will show their best features, day and night. U can visit
www.ncqlp.org for info on certified lighting designers in N. America; or check the website of the Illuminating Engineering Society (
www.iesna.org ) for local chapter info.
pb
>My brother and sister-in-law want to redo their kitchen, involving >making some structural changes (moving some walls, etc.). Should they >hire an architect or an interior designer?
Diane:
The answer is not necessarily an obvious one. Generally speaking, architects have training in structural changes, whereas interior designers usually don't. However, if the walls are relatively non-structural (which could be determined by a contractor), a contractor with an interior designer may be all that's needed. Personally, I would take someone who _specializes_ in residential kitchens (or at least does lots of them) over someone who doesn't. In other words, to my mind, an interior designer (or Certified Kitchen Designer) who does lots of kitchens is often better for this kind of project than an architect who doesn't, unless there is also a kitchen designer involved through the cabinet supplier. Of course, some architects do lots of kitchens, too. Bottom line for this kind of project, I think, is the track record of the individual, and the quality level desired by the client.
Depending on how 'high end' a kitchen you're looking for, collaboration between an architect and interior designer is sometimes quite feasible, which, with the right people, can give outstanding results.
