I just finished a remodel using an "interior designer". There is not any way a good interior designer could NOT be a "space planner" in the way you are using those words.

Not only did she visualize the space spatially in terms of how furniture, artwork, tchotchkes etc. will look, she also helped me create the best use of spaces in my closets and cabinets and helped me design the kitchen and bathrooms to "optimize" my space.

So from both a functional and aesthetic aspect, my interior designer helped me maximize my "space".

A designer does that and MORE. If you are talking about wall removal, layout changes the DESIGNER and a CONTRACTOR. And Perhaps a certified Kitchen designer as well if that's involved.

Condo's frequently involve other issues, and stacks of plumbing etc. Approval from the board.....we don't know what , where, and what you have planned.

First, if you are asking that question, you are on the right track. Part of what I do as a designer is to save people $ in the long run.

The first step in any interior design is the floor plan. As a matter of fact, I will not do a space without reviewing and recommending a floor plan.

I sometimes have people ask me to "just add decor". Unless the floor plan and all other products chosen are correct or near correct, it just really is not in me to do this. I have tried and cringed.

So, to answer your question, an interior designer should have space planning abilities as a core component of his or her skillset. Hope that helps!

I would hire an interior designer, but first, I would also "get to know my neighbors". One of the benefits of a condo or stock plan home is that the floor plans are similar and you can get great ideas from other owners. You can find out if they used designers and who they used. Then you can work cooperatively with a designer to achieve your vision.

There are some amazing designers who are true artists and can make your space an amazing, well designed, functional home, but like every other profession for every amazing designer there are 5-7 who range from good to mediocre and 2 or 3 that are simply inexperienced or lack talent.

In my experience working with both interior designers and design professionals from high end furniture stores and kitchen stores are mixed. I have had some fabulous suggestions that really worked out well and many uninspired solutions that I could have done as well without assistance, a few suggestions that made me shake my head in disbelief (placing the fridge where it can

t fully open, moving an entire wall instead of moving a doorway) and too many that exceeded the agreed upon budget including one who told me I needed to replace 1200 sf of tile to work with the wall color she selected.

Some of the best advice I have gotten has come from posting pictures and dimensions of my space on Houzz. Some of my best solutions have come from reading discussions and designer feedback on Houzz.

Good luck with your condo!

All good advice above, but I wonder, too, if you're also looking for organizational advice? Some people either have too much stuff and want to pare it down, or they need help with organizing files, toys, collections, etc. If that's the case, I think a combination of a professional organizer and an interior designer could be invaluable with limited space available.

Hi Mark. In my opinion, hiring an interior designer would be perfect as he/she will not only provide you with a functional arrangement but will also help you in pulling the entire room together aesthetically.