Interior architect or project manager in Annecy?
Two related professions, two very different missions. This guide helps you pick the right professional for your Annecy renovation — and avoid nasty surprises.
Transparency: ORP is a project manager, not an interior architect. We're writing this guide because many owners in Annecy pick the wrong professional — and lose time and money. Here's how to choose well.
Interior architect vs project manager: comparison
Both professionals can be involved in an Annecy renovation, but their missions and responsibilities differ significantly.
| Interior architect | Project manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Project vision | Brings their vision: ambiance, decoration, style, aesthetic point of view | Translates the client's (or architect's) vision into a buildable project |
| Interior layout | Layout, materials, furniture, decoration | Rethinks the layout: partitions, kitchen and bathroom placement, circulation, regulatory minimum room sizes |
| Technical mastery | Little to no knowledge of DTUs and building regulations | Mastery of DTUs, current standards and construction regulations |
| Site coordination | No (or as an add-on) | Yes — single point of contact |
| Planning paperwork | Limited (possible DP) | Building permit, DP, ABF |
| Budget/schedule commitment | No | Yes — contractual |
| Best for | Decoration, ambiance, bespoke style | Full renovation, structural, energy work |
Choose an interior architect if…
- Your project is mainly decorative (paint, furniture, ambiance)
- You renovate without touching walls or networks
- You want a custom layout and a styled atmosphere
- You need help with materials / furniture / textiles
- Your works budget is limited but you want a very polished result
Choose a project manager if…
- You're fully renovating a house or apartment
- There's structural work: walls, electrics, plumbing, insulation
- You're planning an extension, upward extension or change of use
- You want a high-performance energy renovation
- You want a single point of contact with budget/schedule commitment
- You want to put tradespeople into open competition
What about combining both?
On high-end projects in Annecy, the interior architect + project manager combo often gives the best results. The interior architect designs the ambiance, chooses materials and imagines the layout. The project manager turns those choices into technical solutions, consults tradespeople, runs the site and guarantees budget and schedule.
ORP works regularly with interior architects in the Annecy area on this kind of project. If you already have an interior architect, we can take over the site phase; if you're looking for one, we can point you to trusted partners.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure which professional fits your project?
Tell us about your Annecy renovation project. We'll honestly tell you whether a project manager fits — or if an interior architect alone would do.
See also: Renovation in Annecy · House renovation · Project manager in Annecy