Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly do you do? - Are you an interior design studio?
Yes - we do work on interior design projects, this is one of our core services - but we offer so much more than that. Our unique approach is that we can also offer you all the complimentary creative services from our collective team from architecture to branding and artworks to make sure your project is exactly how you want it - all without having to explain it to a secondary company.
What is the difference in role between an Interior Designer, Interior Architect and Architect, and when do I need them?
K+CO STUDIOS aim to take the stress out of this process and we work out for you what specific services your project will need. This allows us to provide and project manage all these services to you get a unified vision regardless of the scale of your project, so you don’t have to piece together the project yourself.
However, in order to understand and compare to other companies, it is useful to understand and break down several interior focused the the professional roles (UK) and their specialities.
Architect
Architects provide the overarching design of buildings. This may include the design and construction drawings of the exterior shell and envelope and interior spatial planning particular in regard to moving walls, along with the structural and mechanical co-ordination. They also sign off’ on documentation relating to building permits or permit applications. They often work in a collaborative team with the interior designer.
Interior Designer
Interior designers are involved in spatial planning of the internal parts of a building; circulation, layout of the space and rooms, particularly kitchens and bathrooms and can propose to move walls or deal with changes to plumbing/electrical services (in collaboration with a builder or architect). They also work on the design of joinery (cabinetry and shelving); and the selection of finishes, fixtures and fittings. In addition, an interior designer may also take on a decorating role that involves selecting furniture, accessories, and artwork.
Interior Decorator
An interior decorator personalises the interior space through selection and purchasing of decorative elements including paint colours, wallpaper, window and soft furnishings, artwork, furniture, floor rugs, lighting. Unlike and interior designer/architect they do not work on fundamental layout changes.
Interior Stylist
Think of styling as the ‘finishing touches’ in an already structurally complete space. An interior stylist works with the existing pieces belonging to the client, as well as sourcing loose furniture, homewares, art and lighting pieces, and artfully arranging these inside the home.
There are also specialised stylists such as ‘editorial stylists’ who source and arrange furnishings and decorative elements for the purposes of photography; and ‘property stylists’ who stage homes or show apartments for the purpose of selling a property. Stylist can also work on photoshoots for product branding and fashion working with the creative director, make up/ prop artists and photographer. This is particularly useful when you need to get high quality product shots for e-commerce websites. Find out more in services)
Terminology
The name ‘interior architect’ or ‘interior designer’ is often used interchangeably as it is not a protected term or has one set educational route, unlike the term ‘Architect’. Architect is the only profession listed above that is strictly protected, so only fully qualified experienced architects that are registered with the Architects registration board (ARB), can call themselves an ‘Architect’, However despite this other practitioners can offer ‘Architectural services’, but not under the term Architect. This means they will have a different educational background and approach, but may be able to offer some construction services.
At K+CO we collaborate to offer all of the above interior and architectural services (+ more!), with a fully qualified team, to create a seamless project experience
Does your work have a specific style?
Our aim is to always produce high quality design that is appropriate for the client and brief. Therefore we see our role working with different styles akin to film director, stepping into unique set for each client, so we can adapt and embody the aesthetic needed, across all creative mediums, pushing the boundaries.
Therefore each project is unique and is the best of the clients own style aspirations, rather than imposing our own house style.
Do you work on private homes?
Yes! We welcome residential projects of all scales and budgets, and work with you to uncover your unique style and how you live (or would like to live) in order to create a home that is truly in-keeping with you and your needs.
What is your commercial experience?
Katrina Hollis our creative director, has over 10 years professional experience. She has worked on and lead numerous high value large scale commercial projects, including hotels, for Hilton, Jumeirah and the The Langham Group . She recently lead the interior team for the Hilton Canopy London city (340 rooms), Hilton’s 1st Uk lifestyle hotel in East London. Recent restaurant work includes: (Penny squares, Honey & Co in Bloomsbury and Portabello Docks). Retails shops include work for John lewis, Selfridges, Wrightson & Platt and Diesel. She also has experience with workplace and Gym design. She has strong proven experience delivering projects and working in a fast paced commercial environment with leading design studios, brands and developers. For any specific queries just get in touch
What if I already have a builder or specific supplier in mind - can you work with them?
In principle yes, but we would have to meet with them and understand how they work or what they produce and what they are proposing, and the quality, to ensure it works well with us and is best for the project. Any key decisions will be discussed with you so you are in the loop.
Do you work on one-off or small commissions?
Yes we do - sometimes this can be some of the most exciting work. Budget can sometimes be an issue if there is a lot of custom work, but we are resourceful at working out how to make your idea come to life despite the constraints!
Do you work internationally?
Yes we do, either in person or remotely working with a team of local designers. We are always happy to travel for the right project. We work primarily in English, but in some circumstances we can work in other languages if needed.
I’m not sure what I need or want yet — do you do just consultancy?
This is often the case, you have an idea but not sure how to start or what you really want. This is when consultancy is really helpful as it can help establish clearly your aims, and how it could be achieved, so you can go on to take on the project yourself or work with us, clear in exactly what you need and that is fits to your aspirations.
This can be a standalone service, so no need to worry about being locked into a full design package if things change.
If I see something on instagram, can I show it to you to help me find it?
This is why we created the Sourcing service ! The idea is you send us your image or enquiry and for a fee we can find it for you. There is no commitment to send an enquiry, as we need to review it first . If we work out this is something that has to be made for you, this can be done with our custom service — so anything is possible!