Inside Design-Build: How Our Interior Designers Shape Every Project

by Rachel White

When homeowners first get in touch about their renovation, they often know that we follow a design-build model. But they may not know the full depth and breadth of our design services. Over the past few years, we have strategically built our team to include two architects, Frank Dill and Bill Harper, and, more recently, two interior designers, Meg Bennett and Annie Chow.

Meg and Annie have been extraordinary additions to the team, enabling us to offer a comprehensive, integrated approach. I recently sat down with them to talk about their role, how they work with homeowners, and their perspective on design-build.

Defining Interior Design

Rachel: Let’s start with the basics: what is interior design?
Annie: Design happens at a range of scales, from the large scale of community and landscape through the building scale to the interior space of the building. Interior design is the most intimate of these. It’s tactile, comfort-focused, and human-centered. It deals with how we feel in the spaces we occupy.
Meg: Agreed. Interior design is about how people function day-to-day and how spaces support everyday life. Of course, aesthetics is part of it, but functionality is primary. We need to design for how people really live in their homes.
Rachel: People often think of interior design as finishes and furnishings, but you are describing something broader.
Meg: Interior design starts early and encompasses much more than product selections. If a couple loves to cook together, we might look to add a bit more counter space or a second prep sink. If someone regularly gets up at night to get a glass of water, we need to provide path lighting that will allow them to do that safely and return to sleep easily.

The Role of an Interior Designer

Rachel: What is your role on projects? And how do you work with Frank and Bill?
Meg: My role varies quite a bit depending on the project's scope. Sometimes I focus mostly on finishes and materials. Other times, especially on larger, more complex projects, I may work on kitchen and bath design alongside Frank or Bill. For projects with only slight changes to the structure or exterior, I may lead the entire process and get support as needed. I’ll have a vision for how something should function and feel, and Frank or Bill help confirm whether it’s structurally sound or makes sense for the exterior.
Annie: Like Meg, my role on a project can vary depending on scope. I often take the lead on both architectural and interior design, but I also depend on Frank and Bill for guidance on structure, building envelope, and code and zoning compliance.
Rachel: If interior design is about how people live, or would like to live, in their homes, how do you find out what matters to them?
Annie: Mostly through conversation. We ask a lot of questions and provide ample opportunities and avenues for feedback as the design evolves. We also ask our clients to fill out a questionnaire about how they live in their homes, what they like and don’t like, and what a successful outcome would look like.
Meg: We complement the questionnaire with mood boards where clients collect images of spaces and comment on them. This helps us understand their aesthetic preferences.

How We Guide Client Decision Making

Rachel: One of the most challenging aspects of the design process for many homeowners is the sheer number of decisions they have to make, especially during design development. How do you help people avoid decision fatigue?
Meg: I schedule multiple design meetings, each with a clear focus, about 90 minutes each. When we’re working on product selection, we tackle one category per meeting. I also tailor the experience based on personalities. If someone gets overwhelmed easily, we avoid showrooms and instead bring curated options to them. For others who enjoy being hands-on, we let them explore more freely.
Annie: I break decisions into smaller parts - sometimes I go room by room, sometimes I go by type of finish. If clients want to visit showrooms on their own, we set them up with a trusted vendor who understands our standards, will provide realistic options, and won’t oversell. Often, we’ll also share plans and a product list with the vendor in advance.
Rachel: You also want to make sure clients are making informed decisions. How do you ensure that clients understand and fully buy into their choices?
Annie: We’ve developed explainer sheets, which are visual reference guides to components like lighting types, switches, thresholds, and hardware. They act as a visual encyclopedia for clients, help set expectations, and allow us to talk through details that would otherwise feel abstract.
Meg: We’re also building a sample library of both interior and architectural finishes. It’s important that clients can touch and compare materials.

Prioritizing Sustainability 

Rachel: How do you guide clients towards products that are healthier for them and better for the environment?
Meg: A lot of it comes down to education. We keep a list of trusted, tried-and-true materials that meet our standards for durability and environmental performance. If a client expresses a desire for something that doesn’t meet our standards, I’ll offer an alternative and explain the pros and cons of each.
Annie: We narrow options early so the range aligns with our values and their budget. Cost is always a factor. Sustainable products can be more expensive, but we try to balance performance, longevity, and environmental impact. Clients often want zero maintenance, yet natural materials age and require care. We are honest about those tradeoffs.
Meg: Knowing that natural materials and those that minimize harm may cost more, we can craft a plan that balances investment in functionality, durability, performance, and healthy, low-impact materials.
Annie: If the first round of budgeting includes allowances that can accommodate healthy and sustainable selections, clients are far less likely to value-engineer them out later.

Our Role During Construction and the Value of Design-Build

Rachel: What’s your role during construction?
Annie: We visit the job site to confirm the design is being executed as intended and to address unexpected conditions that come up. We also work with the crew to find solutions that preserve the design intent.
Meg: We also coordinate materials and products, making sure they’re on-site when needed so the schedule stays on track.
Annie: Some people think designers finish their job once drawings are done, but that’s not true. Both architects and interior designers stay involved through construction to make sure clients get what they expect.
Rachel: You’ve both worked in other settings before. How does design-build compare, and what’s the benefit for clients?
Annie: The biggest advantage is that everyone is on the same team. It eliminates finger-pointing and keeps us focused on problem-solving, so clients see clear, coordinated solutions.
Rachel: And the feedback loop seems tighter.
Annie: Definitely. We get real-time feedback from the field on what materials hold up, what details are tricky, and what we should avoid next time.
Meg: Our “lessons learned” meetings and warranty reviews are invaluable. They make us better designers because we understand the practical side more deeply.

Advice for Homeowners

Rachel: As we wrap up, what advice would you have for homeowners?
Meg: There are no dumb questions. We’re here to help and guide you through every step.
Annie: I’d echo that. Communication and curiosity make the process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.