What Does an Interior Designer Actually Do?
And Why Hiring One for Your Arizona Remodel Might Be the Smartest Financial Move You Make
Image by Jason Roehner for our Soulful Sanctuary project in North Scottsdale
If you’re planning a kitchen or bath remodel in Arizona, you might be asking yourself: Do I really need an interior designer?
Maybe you’ve already talked to a contractor. Maybe you’ve spent too many late nights scrolling Pinterest, collecting ideas that don’t quite add up. Or maybe you’re just trying to figure out where to start.
We get it. At Mackenzie Collier Interiors, we work with clients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and beyond who want to make the most of their home—but don’t have the time, experience, or desire to become a full-time project manager overnight.
So what does an interior designer actually do? And how can hiring one save you from costly mistakes, design regrets, and project overwhelm?
Let’s break it down.
Interior Designers vs. Contractors: Who Does What?
Contractors build. Designers plan.
A licensed general contractor is responsible for construction: demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, and installation. But they are not design experts, and they usually expect you to hand them a fully finalized plan.
That’s where we come in.
At Mackenzie Collier Interiors, we create a detailed roadmap—customized to your lifestyle, preferences, and property value goals—that answers every question your contractor will have before the first hammer swings.
What We Actually Do (and Why It Saves You Time + Money)
1. We Assemble a Dream Team—So You Don’t Have To
We only work with licensed general contractors and tradespeople with proven track records. These are professionals we trust with our reputation, and in many cases, we’ve worked with them for years. That means you won’t have to vet, manage, or second-guess your build team.
2. We Create Detailed Deliverables That Prevent Mistakes
Image by Agnes Art & Photo for our Soulful Sanctuary project in North Scottsdale
Your contractor doesn’t want a vague Pinterest board—they want specifics. We give them:
Complete space plans
Elevations
Electrical and lighting plans
Fixture and finish schedules
And every material clearly documented and sourced
These deliverables answer every single question your build team might have. That means fewer errors, smoother construction, and fewer costly change orders.
3. We Help You Make the Right Choices, From the Start
Picking the wrong materials or layouts can waste thousands—and limit your home’s long-term value. We help you:
Choose durable, timeless finishes
Avoid trend traps
Plan for storage, lighting, and layout that actually fit your lifestyle
Think about the functional features you didn’t know you needed
And because we’ve seen hundreds of remodels through to completion, we’ll catch the problems before they happen.
4. We Maximize the Potential of Your Space
Remodeling is more than new tile and cabinetry—it’s a chance to completely rethink how your space works for you. Whether that means opening up sightlines, improving lighting, adding resale value, or creating a better flow between rooms, we design with intention so you get results that feel both personal and smart.
Image by Jason Roehner for our Soulful Sanctuary project in North Scottsdale
The Real Value: Peace of Mind
You don’t just hire us for a prettier kitchen. You hire us for:
Creativity you won’t get from a contractor
Detailed thinking that sees the project from every angle
Planning and preparation that reduce stress and delays
Industry connections that open doors to trusted builders and exclusive materials
Most importantly, you hire us so you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Ready to Remodel Like a Pro?
If you’re planning a remodel in Arizona, don’t start with confusion. Start with a plan.
We’ll walk you through every step, help you make smart choices, and connect you with the right team to bring it all to life—on budget, on schedule, and without regrets.
Let’s make your remodel smoother, smarter, and a whole lot more beautiful.
Book Your Design Consultation Today
