For a room that is to be redesigned without knocking down walls or laying new pipes, an interior design consultation is sufficient. This plans furniture, colors, materials, and room layout within the existing structure. As soon as structural interventions, a building permit, or the coordination of craftsmen are required for a renovation, an interior designer or an architecture firm with appropriate training is needed. The difference lies less in the title than in the question: Is it just furnishing, or is it construction?
What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior design consultant?
Both interior designers and interior design consultants develop design concepts for existing rooms without changing the structural substance. The approach differs: someone who calls themselves an "interior designer" in Switzerland has often first completed an apprenticeship as an interior decorator and then continued their education with a diploma (for example, at the STF) – with focuses such as spatial representation, material and color concepts, and presentation of designs. The former professional title "Einrichtungsberater" (interior design consultant) is now officially called "Einrichtungsplaner" (interior planner) and covers a similar, often more pragmatic area: concrete furniture, material, and room planning for private clients. Both roles advise and design, and neither plans structural changes or building applications.
When do you need an interior architect instead of an interior design consultant?
As soon as a project involves structural changes, a building permit, or technical specialist planning (statics, electrical, plumbing), an interior architect or architect is the right point of contact. For the professional title "Interior Architect," an academic degree (Bachelor or Master in Interior Architecture) is usually a prerequisite. Interior architects plan floor plans, coordinate construction management and craftsmen, and assume technical responsibility for renovations. An interior design consultancy like AYLA, on the other hand, works within the existing room structure: walls, sockets, and connections remain as they are, and the furnishing is planned.
Typical examples of an interior architecture mandate include the breakthrough between the kitchen and living room, moving a bathroom to another location in the apartment, or a loft conversion. Typical examples of an interior design consultation are a new furnishing concept for an existing bedroom, the redesign of a living-dining area with existing connections, or the selection of colors and textiles for a bathroom that is not being renovated. If you are unsure which category your project falls into, you can clarify this in the initial consultation: AYLA openly states if a request belongs more to the domain of an architecture firm.
What exactly does an interior design consultancy like AYLA do?
AYLA plans furnishing concepts for individual rooms or functional areas – from inventory to furniture concepts to a concrete shopping list. Andrina and Alisia offer three fixed-price packages: Package 1 for CHF 250 and approx. 10 days processing time covers a single functional area, Package 2 for CHF 700 and approx. 3 weeks covers a room up to 25 m², Package 3 for CHF 900 and 4 to 6 weeks covers a room up to 40 m². For larger projects, including AirBnB apartments or commercial clients, there is the Full Interior Service on-site, with pricing based on scope. On-site consultations take place throughout German-speaking Switzerland – Lake Constance, Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Basel – the online packages are location-independent. Through partners such as Micasa, Kaqtu, RUGVISTA, and Maana Studios, customers also receive discounted conditions for furniture purchases. Structural measures, building applications, or the coordination of craftsmen for renovations are not part of the service scope.
What does an interior design consultation cost compared to an interior architecture mandate?
Pure interior design consultation is usually billed at a fixed price, while interior architecture mandates with structural interventions are generally billed based on effort or project scope, as building applications, specialist planning, and construction management are added. At AYLA, the packages range from CHF 250 to CHF 900, with clearly defined processing times from 10 days to 6 weeks. We have described in more detail how these prices are composed and when a consultation is worthwhile in the article What does an interior design consultation cost in Switzerland?.
Can you combine interior design consultation and architecture?
Yes, this is a common approach for larger projects: the architecture firm takes care of the floor plan, building application, and technical planning, and the interior design consultation follows with the furnishing concept. Especially after a renovation or new construction, AYLA takes the last step – from an empty, finished room to a habitable home. This interaction is also common for AirBnB properties or commercial spaces within the Full Interior Service: architectural questions are clarified by the architect, and the furnishing and material selection are handled by the interior design consultation.
In practice, this often means that clients first complete the shell construction or renovation with the architecture firm and only then bring in an interior design consultation to save time and duplicate discussions. For rooms that are already furnished and only need a concept for the finishing touches, it is also worth looking at AYLA's Styling Service.
For whom is an interior design consultation NOT worthwhile?
An interior design consultation is not worthwhile if structural measures are the priority – such as moving walls, new electrical or plumbing connections, or a project that requires a building permit. An architecture firm is responsible for this. It is also not worthwhile if there is simply no budget planned for new furniture or materials for the implementation: a concept without means for implementation remains theoretical. If you already have a clear vision and only need craft implementation, you are better off with a craft business or furniture store than with a consultation. And for on-site appointments outside German-speaking Switzerland, AYLA currently does not offer travel – only the location-independent online packages are an option here.
How do you know if an offer is reputable?
A reputable offer states the price and processing time before you commit. Look for clearly defined packages or a comprehensible quote, transparent information on what is included in the price, and genuine references, for example in the portfolio. If this information is missing or only vague, non-binding promises are advertised, it is worth asking before booking. Reviews on Google, such as AYLA's 5.0 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews, also give an impression of how previous clients experienced the collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between interior design consultation and interior design?
Both plan furniture, colors, and materials within the existing room structure, without structural changes. The difference lies primarily in the educational background and professional title, not in the scope of services.
Is a specific education required for an interior design consultation?
There is no protected professional title "Einrichtungsberater" (interior design consultant). Unlike the title "Innenarchitekt" (interior architect), for which an academic degree is common, the path to interior design consultation is more open and practice-oriented.
Can an interior design consultation also plan structural changes?
No. Structural interventions, building applications, and technical specialist planning are the responsibility of architecture or interior architecture firms, not interior design consultations.
What does an interior design consultation with AYLA cost?
The packages cost CHF 250 for a functional area, CHF 700 for a room up to 25 m², and CHF 900 for a room up to 40 m², with processing times between approximately 10 days and 6 weeks. For larger projects, there is the Full Interior Service on-site with individual pricing.
Does AYLA also work online, regardless of location?
Yes, the online packages can be booked throughout Switzerland, regardless of your place of residence. Details can be found on the Online Interior Design Consultation page.
How does an interior design consultation work in practice?
After the inventory, a furnishing concept with a concrete shopping list is created, tailored to the budget and space. Examples from previous projects, such as a bedroom in Herisau or a bathroom in the Zurich Oberland, show the results in the portfolio.
Conclusion
If you only want to furnish, an interior design consultation is the right choice; if you want to build, you need an architecture firm. AYLA covers the furnishing side with three fixed-price packages and the Full Interior Service, on-site throughout German-speaking Switzerland and online nationwide, rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews on Google. If you are unsure which package is suitable, you can contact us directly via the contact page.
