Introduction: Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Are you planning to build a new house, renovate your shop, or give your home a fresh look in Bhavnagar? If so, you might be feeling confused about who to hire. Should you call an architect, a civil engineer, or an interior designer? It’s a common question, and getting it right is the first step to a successful project.
My name is Sandip Senta, and I’m the Co-Founder and an interior designer here at Beyond Architect. Based on our team’s experience working on projects all over Bhavnagar, I’ve written this simple guide to help you understand what each expert does and who is the right person for your specific needs.
Understanding the Roles: Who Does What?
Let’s break down the main jobs of each professional in simple terms.
The Architect: The Master Planner
Think of an architect as the “master planner” of your project. Their main job is to design the building. They listen to your ideas and needs and turn them into a functional and beautiful plan (a blueprint). They focus on:
- The overall look and feel of the building.
- Making sure the space is used smartly.
- Planning the flow of rooms and how you will move through them.
- Considering local factors like Bhavnagar’s climate to make your home comfortable.
The Civil Engineer: The Safety and Strength Expert
A civil engineer is the “safety expert.” Their job is to make sure your building is strong, stable, and will last for generations. They work closely with the architect to:
- Calculate the strength needed for beams, columns, and the foundation.
- Choose the right construction materials like steel and concrete.
- Ensure the building follows all government safety rules and regulations.
- Guarantee the structure can handle challenges like heavy rain or heat.
The Interior Designer: The Style and Function Artist
As an interior designer, my job is to bring the inside of your home or shop to life. We are the “style artists” who focus on making your indoor spaces beautiful, comfortable, and practical. We help you with:
- Choosing colours, furniture, curtains, and lighting.
- Creating a layout that makes the most of every corner.
- Designing kitchens, wardrobes, and other custom furniture.
- Making your home feel like your home, ready for festivals and daily life.
Architect vs. Engineer vs. Designer: A Task Breakdown
This table makes it easy to see who is responsible for what.
Task / Responsibility | Architect | Civil Engineer | Interior Designer |
Initial Vision & Concept | ✓ | ||
Space Planning & Flow | ✓ | ✓ | |
Exterior Building Design | ✓ | ||
Structural Safety & Strength | ✓ | ||
Following Building Rules | ✓ | ✓ | |
Choosing Structural Materials | ✓ | ✓ | |
Choosing Decorative Finishes | ✓ | ✓ | |
Furniture Layout & Design | ✓ | ||
Lighting & Colour Schemes | ✓ | ||
Getting Municipal Permits | ✓ | ✓ | |
Supervising Construction | ✓ | ✓ | (Sometimes) |
The Project Journey: From Idea to Reality
Every project follows a few basic steps. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Your Idea & First Meeting: You meet with your chosen professional(s) to discuss your vision, budget, and needs.
- Design & Plans (Architecture): The architect creates detailed drawings and blueprints for your building.
- Strength & Structure (Engineering): The civil engineer reviews the plans to ensure they are safe and adds the structural details.
- Permits & Approvals: Your architect and engineer submit the plans to the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation to get the necessary permissions.
- Construction: The building work begins under the supervision of the engineer and architect.
- Interior Magic (Designing): Once the main structure is ready, the interior designer starts their work on colours, lighting, and furniture.
- Final Handover: You get the keys to your new, completed space!
Understanding Project Costs: A Quick Guide
“How much will it cost?” is the most important question. While every project is different, here is how professionals usually charge:
- Architects often charge a percentage of the total project cost (e.g., 3-5%) or a fixed fee for the design.
- Civil Engineers may have their fees included in the architect’s package or the contractor’s bill. For consultation, they charge a fixed fee.
- Interior Designers might charge per square foot, a percentage of the interior budget, or a fixed design fee.
Always ask for a clear quotation before starting work so there are no surprises. And If possible do legal agreement.
Local Tips for Your Bhavnagar Project
- Check for Permissions: Before any major renovation or new construction, confirm with your professional if you need a permit from the municipality.
- Use Local Materials: Consider using materials that are well-suited for Bhavnagar’s weather. This can save money and reduce maintenance.
A Happy Client in Bhavnagar
Beyond Architect designed our new house. The team was professional, and having the floor plan and exterior design handled by one firm made everything so easy. They understood exactly what we wanted.” – Ravi Sonagara
Why Choose a Team like Beyond Architect?
When you hire separate people, you have to manage them all. When the architect, engineer, and interior designer are part of one coordinated team, your project becomes much simpler.
At Beyond Architect, we blend architectural design with beautiful interiors and work with trusted civil engineers. This means:
- One Point of Contact: You only have to talk to one team.
- No Blame Games: The design and execution are perfectly matched.
- Less Stress for You: We handle the coordination from the first drawing to the final pillow, making the process smooth and worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need all three for a new house?
Yes. For a new house, an architect creates the vision, a civil engineer ensures it’s built safely, and an interior designer makes it a home. They are all essential.
Can an architect also do the interior design?
Some architects offer interior design services, but a dedicated interior designer has specialized skills in materials, lighting, and furniture that can make a huge difference.
Can I see your past projects in Bhavnagar?
Absolutely. We are proud of our work and invite you to see our portfolio. It’s the best way to see the quality we deliver.
Ready to Start Your Dream Project?
If you’re thinking about building, renovating, or decorating your house in Bhavnagar, let’s talk to Beyond Architect for a friendly conversation about your ideas. We’re here to help you create your space that is safe, beautiful, and uniquely yours.