Do you have a commercial building that requires some updating or repair, but you are not sure where to start? You are not alone. Many commercial proprietors have some confusion on which professional to hire for their building remodeling needs. From general contractors and subcontractors, to architects, designers, and more, it is no surprise that you might be feeling some indirection right from the very start of your commercial remodeling planning process. Fortunately, you are in the right place if you want to know exactly who the proper team of construction and building professionals would be for your commercial remodel.

Continue below to learn to difference between general contractors, architects, and designers, as well as how to decide which professionals you require for your commercial construction project.

Understanding the Roles of Construction and Building Professionals

General Contractors

All commercial construction remodels will require a general contractor, or a general contracting team depending on the size and scope of the project. A general contractor is the lead professional who manages, directs, and secures all elements and details of a project, from inception to completion. This includes all preconstruction work like space planning and permitting, building code compliancy, and procurement, as well as all labor, building, designing, and post-occupancy follow-ups and facility maintenance needs. General contractors are construction and project management experts, acting as the primary point of contact and communication for all other hired professionals, including architects, designers, wholesalers, vendors, and subcontractors.

Architects

Although interior designs can also help choose architectural designs and materials, it is the architects who have the legal and professional responsibility to design the build properly. Architects are licensed professionals who have extensive education and training in engineering and architectural design, and ensure both the structural integrity and safety of a commercial building. Architects focus more on these elements rather than cosmetic or aesthetic design, as they have a professional and legal duty of care to ensure optimal safety, security, and stability of their work. If your commercial construction remodel requires structural redesigns, such as relocating window and doors, taking down walls, or modifying rooflines, you would need the professional acumen of a licensed architect. If you are not making any significant structural changes, an interior designer would be a good fit for your commercial remodeling needs.

Designers

Interior designers, according to the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), are professionals who retain a concentrated expertise of space planning and design of interior environments, and whose work is intended to encourage health, safety, and well-being, as well as boost the experience of guests and clientele. With that being said, an interior designer is someone who can bring the overall vision of your company’s culture to life, all while promoting optimal efficiency, function, performance, and human contentment. They are not required to be licensed, but many choose to earn theirs anyway.

Which Professionals Do You Need?

In most cases however, a commercial remodel requires all three professionals mentioned above.  But how does a proprietor like yourself organize and budget all of these needs into one remodel? The answer is to hire a commercial construction company that offers full-service design build remodeling solutions. Commercial design-build contracting lets you avoid hiring 20 different contractors and professionals for your remodeling project. So, where can you find a trusted commercial design build (DB) contractor in Indianapolis? That answer is even easier.

Choose BAF Corporation for Indianapolis Design Build Commercial Construction and Remodeling

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to learn more about our Indianapolis general contracting and design build services, including your options for getting started with a consultation. Our licensed contractors provide full-service commercial remodeling and construction, and implement a concentrated approach to ensure all aspects of your project are met, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting. We serve commercial, corporate, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts.