Navigating the Phoenix Luxury Real Estate Boom: The Role of Interior Design

Discover how design expertise thrives in a competitive sellers’ market, conversation with Scottsdale’s Luxury Realtor Joshua Shaver

In the second installment of our blog series, ‘Navigating the Phoenix Luxury Real Estate Boom,’ we continue our exploration of the vital role of interior design in this competitive market. In our ongoing interviews with Arizona’s top luxury Real Estate experts, we uncover how design expertise thrives amidst the soaring demand and fierce competition. Diving deeper into this dynamic landscape, allows us to gain insights from Realtors who understand that, in the quest for maximizing property value, choosing the right interior design team is a game-changer. Join us on this journey to discover how IMI Design Studio and our comprehensive solutions are making waves in the world of luxury real estate in Phoenix.

When we left off in our last blog installment, we introduced the concept of using a specialty interior design firm (like our IMI Design Studio) to help transform an available – but not perfect – luxury property into the buyer’s dream home.

Scottsdale luxury realtor, Joshua Shaver of Sotheby’s International Realty,  agrees on the importance of hiring the right architects and interior designers for important home renovations that will improve property resale value.

“In a market where low inventory levels persist, many buyers recognize that turning the property they purchase into their dream home may entail renovations. However, embarking on these renovations without a design team well-versed in the intricacies of construction can lead to costly mistakes. Luxury properties are not DIY projects; they demand a big-picture approach,” said Shaver.  ‘You wouldn’t believe how many clients want to take on home renovations themselves. It’s a massive undertaking and making the wrong moves can be costly and devalue a home.  It’s not the solution.  However, hiring a reputable design team, like IMI Design Studio will help maximize the vision for their property and build long term value.”

Importance of Speaking Pre-Construction Language  

To ensure successful execution of a big remodel project, the homeowner should choose an interior design team that understands pre-construction space planning, architectural detailing, and has a deep resource list.   

“Understanding pre-construction space planning, intricate architectural detailing, and maintaining a robust resource list is non-negotiable. It’s a common misconception that an interior designer’s role merely involves adding finishing touches to completed construction,” said Anita Lang of IMI Design Studio.    “What sets IMI Design apart is the studio’s end-to-end design services.  IMI Design is one of the few interior design firms in the country that offer comprehensive solutions.”  

Interior design covers every aspect of space planning, including architectural detailing and features like fireplaces and ceilings, as well as important material selections.  Advantages of working with a  specialized design team include: 

1. Cost-Effective Planning: An experienced design team with pre-construction expertise can help the home buyer plan and make crucial decisions before construction begins. This proactive approach prevents costly changes and revisions later in the project, ultimately saving the homeowner money.
2. Streamlined Communication: Designers fluent in the construction language can effectively communicate with architects, builders, and developers. This seamless collaboration ensures that the buyer’s vision is accurately translated into the final design, minimizing misunderstandings and delays.
3. Optimized Space and Functionality: Pre-construction specialists can maximize the functionality of the space. They consider aspects like furniture placement, special finishes, and electrical outlets, ensuring that the home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and tailored to the homeowner’s needs.

“Pre-construction services are used in the design phase of a construction project, before the actual construction begins. This helps eliminate costly changes down the road,” added Lang.  That’s why IMI Design specializes in working with architects and builders in pre-construction and early design-build stages of the projects. Anita Lang and her team work together with project teams and homeowners while reviewing floor plans, offer architectural consultations, talk about aesthetics, and discuss opportunities to maximize use of space.  

“Early collaboration is helpful in everything from furniture placement to planning for special finishes and electrical outlets,” explained Lang. “It helps us, as designers, to ensure that a space works well for the people who live in and experience it daily.”