Even though we all care about our homes and are investing more in them, hiring a designer for most of us seems like an alien concept. In fact, a majority of Indian home owners prefer directly working with local craftsmen to put together an assemblage of design ideas which they begin to call ‘a designed home’. More often than not, these projects end up as a mishmash of ideas. Not to mention the stress that comes with coordinating the whole affair.

So why don’t we just make it easier on ourselves and hire a professional? This usually stems from the fact that we don’t really understand the role that a designer plays in a project. Speaking to experts in the field provided some insight, as well as helped dispel the most popular myths surrounding hiring a professional designer.

Myth 1. A contractor can function as a designer
Anika Mittal Dhawan of Mold Design Studio in New Delhi says that many a time the client thinks that a contractor can function as an architect and, therefore they can save on their fee. “Unfortunately, when it comes to homes, most people struggle to understand the difference between the job of an architect, a builder, engineers and an interior designer,” says Dhawan. “It is the designer who realises your ideas; who brings your personality into the space while taking into account the area and budget constraints.”

Myth 2. A project is too small
Whether it is updating your bathroom or overhauling the decor of your entire house, no project is too small, says Vijay Dahiya of award-winning architectural practice Team3. It is about managing expectations and finding the right designer for the job. As Dahiya explains, “You might not get a famous and established name in the industry to do a mid to small size project, but you can find plenty of young, creative start-ups or professionals who would put their heart and soul into remodelling just a bathroom.”

Myth 3. An interior designer will drive up costs
A common misconception about hiring a designer or an architect is that they are expensive and will automatically drive up costs exponentially. But Dahiya has a different take on the matter. He explains, “The designer is on your side. It is actually their job to ensure that the project doesn’t run over budget and costs stay within the allocated estimates, without compromising on the look and feel, the specifications and the bare essentials the space requires.”

Myth 4. Hiring a designer will cause you to lose control over the design of your home
Your home is about you; your personality and your lifestyle, however you define it. It is not about the architect or designer’s tastes and preferences. “As a firm we design spaces that are an extension of our client’s personality, rather than being an imprint of the firm,” explains Kanhai Gandhi, co-founder of KNS Architects.

Sanjay Wadhwa of SWBI Architects in Gurgaon reiterates that the mark of good designers lies in their ability to outline an answer even before their client lets them know what they like. It is also about being able to fit even the most unconventional design briefs within unobtrusive spending plans.

Myth 5. A designer just styles up the space with a few accessories and paint
On the surface what may seem to a layman as a designer flipping through a couple of paint swatches and textures is actually them deciding how to achieve your dream home. Wadhwa says, “What seems like us playing with paints and textures is in fact our efforts in deciding the space’s prerequisites based on the changes our client wants for their home. We also need to take into account that the changes work in accordance with construction laws, norms and controls.”

Enough already with the myths; it’s time to enjoy your new home
Think of your designer as your fairy godmother/godfather – they are in your corner and want the best for you and will try their hardest to make sure you get what you want. So all you need to do is sit back and enjoy designing your home while they do the heavy lifting of making your dream space, no matter the size of the project.

So here is the BIG conclusion – Good design is a crucial ingredient in creating better homes, and as a by-product, better environments – and the onus to empower and facilitate that change lies with us, both the designer and the client.