Embarking on a home construction project can be daunting – but not with a great team on your side. When it comes to finding the right help, you might not be sure if you should hire an interior designer, general contractor, or both.
For an interior design firm, having a trusted team to execute our designs is a must. That’s why for our projects, AHG Interiors partners with Dum Designs – a full-service construction and project management firm founded by Stefania’s husband Ben Nunn.
In this post, we’re diving into this partnership and exploring why both an experienced interior designer and general contractor are needed to complete a successful project. To see this collaboration in action, we’re also reviewing a recent project, Rhinebeck Estate.
Why You Need an Interior Designer
For any home design project, an interior designer will create a design concept and plan based on your practical needs and design goals. They’re experts at seeing the potential in an environment and can help you visualize beyond the current space.
The design concept will include things like the layout, floor plan, color palette, flooring, fixtures, furnishings, and finishes – everything needed to make the space functional, beautiful, and livable.
Needless to say, interior designers are experts in design. They know what colors, materials, and products will work together to create a cohesive aesthetically pleasing space. But their expertise doesn’t stop there.
A good interior designer will also be an adept problem solver, by listening to what doesn’t work about the space, to what your needs and desires are they’ll be able to create a plan to make the space work for you. So it won’t only look beautiful but it’ll make your life easier.
Why You Need a General Contractor
In short, a general contractor will execute the designer’s plan and make it a reality.
It sounds straightforward, but there is a lot involved. This not only includes things like the construction plans and methods to implement the design but also project management, site and safety planning, coordinating, permitting, and more.
General contractors help estimate the costs and timeline for a project. They are knowledgeable about local regulations and building codes to make your renovation safe and legal. On top of that, they also coordinate and manage sub-contractors, like electricians and plumbers, needed to complete the project.
How AHG Interiors and Dum Designs Work Together
Though the designer and contractor will each be involved at different stages of the project, and have different responsibilities they need to coordinate and collaborate throughout the entire process.
At AHG Interiors, Dum Designs is our trusted construction team. Together, we execute your project from start to finish. When you work with us, you don’t have to worry about passing things off to a third party where important details may get lost in translation. We’ll ensure a seamless overall experience.
By working in tandem we align your goals and priorities. We collaborate on the big things like floor plans and elevation drawings – to smaller things like types of finishes and materials. With each sharing our experience, resources, and breadth of knowledge we’re able to exceed your expectations.
During a renovation, remodel, or new construction project there are many moving parts to stay on top of. By working together, we keep your budget and timeline on track and handle any unforeseen problems that might occur throughout the process. All this means we make everything as stress-free as possible for you.
Featured Project: Rhinebeck Estate
To give you a better idea of how AHG Interiors and Dum Designs collaborate to complete a successful home design project, we’re highlighting our recent project Rhinebeck Estate. We purchased this home in 2020 to be our family home, but to say it needed some help is an understatement.
Project Scope
This 7,000-square-foot residence was a massive undertaking. It had barely been touched since the 90s. Not only was it dated, but it was lacking any personality or character. It was in need of a complete overhaul to bring it up-to-date and create the unique, comfortable, and approachable home we wanted.
This project was a full remodel inside and out. Updates to the exterior included new paint, windows, doors, trim, and front porch. We also created a new driveway, landscaping, garden, greenhouse, and back deck with a luxury outdoor kitchen, dining, and lounge areas overlooking a natural swimming pond.
The interior updates included new paint, furnishings, fixtures, and finishes throughout. Additionally, we added a new fireplace to the living room, a full kitchen remodel, a staircase renovation, bathroom renovations (plus adding two new bathrooms), and a full lower level/guest suite renovation.
Last but not least we added a new custom bungalow in the back yard which functions as a studio apartment with a 2-desk workstation, kitchenette, and a full bathroom – complete with an outdoor seating area and fireplace.
Design Inspiration
The task at hand was to redefine this 90s colonial home. We took inspiration from the surrounding landscape and local history of Rhinebeck – infusing current design trends with old-world nostalgia.
We created a mostly neutral color palette comprised of soft white accented by a range of hues found right outside – forest greens, rich browns, and earth tones. Blending materials and patterns, we introduced plenty of texture to create warmth and authenticity. Raw plaster and natural woods paired with luxury stones and refined details create an elevated and sophisticated yet comfortable and welcoming environment.
AHG Interiors and Dum Designs Collaboration
Reimagining this home was a full collaboration from start to finish. While AHG Interiors took the lead on the creative design and Dum Designs focused on construction and implementation, there was continuous back and forth throughout the process.
Dum Designs completed the demolition of the old space and the renovation of the new space which included new electrical, HVAC, floors, custom-built features, two new bathrooms, and the bungalow, as well as updating the entire home to smart energy-efficient systems.
Both teams worked together on the preliminary designs, ensuring that everything was feasible from a logistic and budgeting standpoint while still achieving the desired aesthetic. Each step of the way we needed to be in sync to make sure that all of the construction corresponded with the design.
We also needed to collaborate when problems arose. For example, we initially planned for a traditional concrete (gunite) pool and spa in the backyard. But because of budget and local restrictions, we ended up with a creative solution – a beautiful all-natural swimming pond that is eco-friendly and low maintenance.
Special Details
Like with any design project, it’s the unique and special details that personalize a space. For us, that was the gorgeous cantilever kitchen island made up of a single 120-inch slab of marble which we used throughout the kitchen making the space show-stoppingly beautiful but still functional for our family. While custom artwork and vintage furnishings throughout add sophistication and speak to our style and personalities.
Another special feature is the custom greenhouse and nursery, complete with a peacock coop! The birds are not only beautiful but great for pest control. An avid gardener, Stefania always dreamed of having an idyllic garden set up.
Undertaking a home renovation project this year? You’ll want an experienced and professional team you can trust to make your ideal home a reality. Contact us to get started.
