What is the price of an architect and interior designer in Lausanne and the canton of Vaud?

Are you planning renovation or interior design work in Lausanne or the surrounding area and would like to know the cost of an interior designer's services? Understanding the cost structure and the factors that influence the price will allow for better project planning. Learn how fees are determined in the canton of Vaud and what truly lies behind this investment.

How are the prices of an interior designer determined?

The fees and prices of an interior designer in the canton of Vaud, or generally speaking, are not predetermined. They depend on the type and scope of the project, whether it's a partial or complete renovation, new construction, or simply decorative design.

In general, architecture and interior design specialists apply three distinct pricing methods, each corresponding to a specific project category.

The most frequently used formula: the percentage of the cost of the work.

In a complete renovation project, professional fees are generally determined by applying a percentage to the total cost of the work, excluding taxes. This approach typically excludes the purchase of furniture and decoration.

This method allows the interior designer's objectives to be aligned with the overall success of your project. The more the professional improves both cost and quality, the more you directly benefit. This is the preferred approach for large-scale projects in the canton of Vaud, where the architect guides the client from the design phase through to the completion of the work.

For one-off services: the hourly rate.

This approach is preferred for short-term and specific projects. It is perfectly suited for preliminary consultations, coaching, feasibility studies, or occasional interior design advice.

The hourly rate allows for significant flexibility, especially if you are simply seeking an expert opinion to approve your decisions, receive advice on the layout of a room, or examine the technical feasibility of a renovation before embarking on a larger project.

For specific and established tasks: the fixed price.

A fixed price can be set for specific services, providing the client with optimal budget clarity. This approach is particularly popular for specific tasks such as concept analysis for a single item or the development of exclusively 2D/3D plans.

The package eliminates any ambiguity regarding the final cost and makes planning your renovation budget a breeze. It's the perfect option for trying out an interior designer's services before committing to a larger project.

What factors determine the price of an interior design project?

The final cost of your renovation or interior design project is influenced by various factors.

The scale and complexity of the project

A simple decorative makeover will require less time and expertise than a complete renovation including structural changes. The more your project involves various trades, technical constraints, or customized solutions, the more detailed the support will be.

Initiatives involving changes to partitions, the implementation of home automation systems, or compliance with heritage requirements in listed buildings require in-depth technical expertise and meticulous monitoring.

The area to be developed

It's clear that renovating a 30 m² studio apartment doesn't require the same resources as adapting a 200 m² villa in the canton of Vaud, for example. The scale of the project directly impacts the design timeframe, the number of plans to be drawn up, and the level of coordination required during construction.

The range of services desired

Do you simply want plans and an idea that you will implement yourself? Or do you prefer comprehensive support that includes selecting professionals, weekly site monitoring, organizing deliveries, and final validation of the completed work?

The cost is directly influenced by the scope of the mission. Some clients in Lausanne and the surrounding area prefer a "consulting" service where they take charge of the execution, while others opt for the convenience of follow-up.

The imposed time restrictions

A carefully planned rehabilitation project, with appropriate timelines, will be less expensive than a rapid intervention requiring constant availability and intensive coordination. A flexible schedule can work to your advantage.

What is actually included in the fees.

Many clients are surprised by the range of services included in a professional interior designer's fees. The cost of the service encompasses much more than just design.

Technical and creative skills

Your interior designer or architect offers you the benefit of years of training and experience. They study your space, determine its possibilities, anticipate technical constraints, and suggest effective layout alternatives that make the most of every square meter.

This skill protects you from costly mistakes and ensures a harmonious, practical and attractive result.

The management of different trades

Tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, and tilers... A large number of tradespeople are involved in a renovation. The interior designer supervises all participants, ensures everyone adheres to the schedule, and guarantees the quality of the work.

This coordination helps avoid delays, manufacturing defects, and misunderstandings between the various craftspeople. You benefit from a single point of contact who manages all the logistical complexities.

Monitoring the construction site and managing unforeseen events

No project is completed without adjustments. Your interior designer makes frequent site visits, identifies potential problems, suggests immediate solutions, and modifies the plans if necessary.

This agility prevents unforeseen events from turning into financial or aesthetic disasters.

Strict budget planning

A good professional will provide you with a precise budget forecast from the outset, monitor expenses throughout the construction process, and alert you if any costs are exceeded. This financial transparency allows you to remain in control of your real estate investment.

Meeting deadlines

Creating a renovation plan requires experience and meticulous attention to detail. Your interior designer will organize everything, plan the coordination between different trades, and ensure your project is completed on time.

The real benefits of professional intervention

Beyond the price, hiring an interior designer in Lausanne adds invaluable worth to your renovation or development project.

Space saving and functional improvement

A professional optimizes every space, creates storage solutions, improves traffic flow, and maximizes natural light. These improvements revolutionize your daily life and enhance the value of your property in the competitive Vaud market.

Long-term savings

Contrary to popular belief, hiring an interior designer can save you money. By choosing the right materials, avoiding costly mistakes, negotiating with tradespeople, and planning ahead, the professional often more than recoups their investment.

Access to a network of qualified craftsmen

Interior designers typically work with established networks of trusted, proven tradespeople. You get reliable professionals without spending weeks comparing quotes and checking references.

Peace of mind and time savings

Managing a renovation yourself is stressful and time-consuming. Entrusting this task to a professional saves you time and avoids the daily hassles of a construction site. You can follow the progress calmly, without getting bogged down in technical details.

A professional and lasting result

A well-designed interior transcends trends, adapts to your changing needs, and remains beautiful for years. Investing in professional interior design pays off in the long run.

How to make your investment profitable?

If you have a limited budget, there are solutions to benefit from the advice of an interior designer without breaking the bank.

Start with an advisory consultation

Instead of immediately committing to a full project, start with a single consultation. This first step will allow you to get professional advice, assess the feasibility of your ideas, and organize your renovation in stages if needed.

Prioritize your spaces

You don't need to redo everything at once. Prioritize the key rooms (kitchen, bathroom) and tackle the secondary rooms later. A good interior designer will be able to envision an overall design while allowing for a phased approach.

Be flexible about certain choices

Be open to suggestions. A professional can offer quality solutions at a lower cost than you initially imagined. This flexibility allows you to optimize your budget without compromising the outcome.

Prepare your project

The more ideas, measurements, and vision you bring, the more effective the interior designer will be. Gather inspirational images and make a list of your needs and constraints. This preparation will reduce design time.

FAQ: Your questions about interior designer prices in Lausanne

Is the first visit with an interior designer chargeable?

It depends on the professional. Many interior designers in Lausanne and the surrounding canton offer a free initial consultation to discuss your project. However, a home visit with space analysis, measurements, and personalized advice is often a paid service. This initial visit is already an expert assessment and allows them to make a diagnosis. Some professionals will deduct this cost from their fees if you subsequently entrust them with the entire project.

What is the difference between an interior architect and an interior decorator?

An interior decorator primarily focuses on aesthetics: colors, furniture, fabrics, and accessories. They lack the technical skills to transform spaces or manage major construction work. An interior architect, on the other hand, possesses comprehensive technical expertise. They can reconfigure spaces, remove or install partitions, design bespoke solutions, and manage a renovation project by coordinating all the trades involved. For a simple aesthetic refresh, a decorator may suffice. For a renovation involving a complete transformation of the space, an interior architect is essential.

Do the fees include site supervision?

Not necessarily. There are several options. Some interior designers offer a "design-only" service where you receive the plans, concept, and advice, but you handle the execution with the tradespeople. Others offer comprehensive support (selecting tradespeople, site supervision, coordinating work, and final inspection). The comprehensive option is often recommended for large renovation projects, as it ensures your vision is respected. Always specify this when requesting a quote.

How can I get a quote for my project?

Every interior design project is unique, with its own specific characteristics, constraints, and aspirations. For a personalized estimate, it's best to contact an interior design firm directly for an initial consultation. The professional will then be able to assess the scope of the project, understand your needs, study the particularities of your space, and provide you with a clear and precise quote. This will also allow you to ensure you have a good working relationship with the professional, a crucial point for a project that typically lasts several months.

HEMMAMIA Council

The price of the service includes much more than design: it encompasses technical expertise, coordination of tradespeople, site monitoring, management of unforeseen events, strict budget planning and adherence to deadlines.

To get an accurate and personalized estimate for your project, it's best to contact us for an initial consultation. This will allow us to assess the scope of the work and provide you with a clear and detailed quote.

Transform your interior with HEMMAMIA

You now know everything about how interior designer fees are calculated in the canton of Vaud. Your renovation or remodeling project deserves the attention of a passionate architect who will bring your vision to life.

Contact us now for an initial consultation and let's explore together how to enhance your space. Whether it's for a complete renovation, a partial redesign, or simply expert advice, we're here to help.

Your perfect home awaits. Let's talk about it!