Designers don't all think the same way. It seems to me that there are three ways to approach a design problem:

• The Engineer is most concerned with the shape and massing of the structure, and with what holds the building together and stops it from falling down. These designers are often drawn to, and are best at, commercial construction projects.
  
  
• The Space Planner is most concerned with how people use space; which activities want to be adjacent to each other and which can be separate, and how the occupants will move from one activity area to another. These designers are very good at understanding the client's lifestyle.
  
  
• The Artist is most concerned with the beauty and grace of the space; with the amount of light and its source, with the view out the window, with the symmetry of the openings on the exterior of the building, with the profile of the moldings and the height of the ceilings. These designers are artistic, and they are best at creating spaces that please the eye.

In the ideal world, every designer would be equally good at art, psychology and engineering, but since these skills all require intensive training, it's unlikely that you'll find such a perfectly balanced designer. Although every good designer has mastered some of the skills in each approach, each designer is stronger in one than in the other two.

When you are determining what your remodeling challenges are, try to decide which point of view you want your designer to excel in, and then go looking for a designer that suits you. If you're building an addition, you may want someone with strong engineering skills. If you're changing the room layout on the first floor, you will want a good space planner, and if you're leaving the walls and windows as they are, but need to update the kitchen or brighten up the family room, look for an artist.

How can you tell what they're best at? As you look through their portfolio, ask them to tell you what were the most important parts of each project, and they'll use words from the vocabulary of one of these three specialties.

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to communicate with someone who thinks very differently from you? Working with a designer is no different. If you're after an artistic change in your environment, you'll get the most satisfaction working with the artistic designer, and the same goes for the other two types. Don't compromise. Get the skill-set you need if you want to get the finished product you're dreaming of.

MORE INFORMATION

You’ll find lots more information about the home remodeling process in Managing a Renovation: Staying in Charge and Out of Trouble, our friendly and comprehensive homeowner’s guide to remodeling project management. Download the table of contents and a sample chapter, or go to the order form to purchase it.

We offer ready-to-use construction forms, including a complete remodeling contract, in our Bookstore, as well. Have a look.

And, you may want to look at our list of More Resources for some great design ideas.

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