The Role of an Interior Architect in Home Renovations in Northern Virginia
- Maria Gatillon, NCIDQ
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
A Real Renovation Story: From Confused to Confident in Oakton
Last spring, I met a couple in Oakton, Virginia—Laura and David—who were ready to renovate the main level of their home. With two young kids, they dreamed of a space where they could cook, entertain, and monitor family life.
But every time they looked at their floor plan, they felt stuck. Were the walls structural? Would the island they wanted disrupt the flow of traffic? The beautiful finishes they'd saved on Pinterest didn't address the deeper issue: their layout didn't work for how they lived.
That's where I come in.
What does an Interior architect do for a home renovation?
As an Interior Architect in Northern Virginia, I bring a unique blend of creative vision and technical expertise that goes beyond what traditional designers or decorators typically offer.
While many people think of design as choosing tiles and fabrics (and yes, that's part of it!), the work often begins much deeper, rethinking how your home flows, how light enters a space, and how structure supports daily life.
With an accredited degree in Interior Architecture and my NCIDQ certification, I'm trained to:
Read and produce construction documents
Collaborate with structural engineers and builders.
Ensure every decision supports both safety and design intent.
For Laura and David, this meant reworking their layout for better traffic flow, creating flexible storage for a growing family, and opening up key sightlines. The result? A beautiful main level that functions effortlessly.
Why does an interior architect matter in a home renovation?
When planning a home renovation in the DC Metro Area, your first instinct might be to call a contractor or decorator. But the most impactful changes, such as more natural light, a kitchen that suits your cooking style, or better flow between rooms, often require a broader, more integrated approach.
That's where an Interior Architect can make all the difference in your home renovation.
Unlike decorators who focus on furnishings or designers who may stop at finishes, I reimagine your space at its core: structure, layout, lighting, and usability. This approach ensures your renovation is not just beautiful — it's intelligent, lasting, and livable.
Certified Expertise That Protects Your Investment
As a certified interior architect with NCIDQ credentials, I bring creative and technical oversight to every home renovation project. I work alongside your construction team, advocate for your goals, and protect your investment by helping you:
Avoid costly mistakes
Maximize your budget
Navigate the complexity of construction and permitting.
Feel confident and supported throughout the entire process.
If you're a homeowner in McLean, Vienna, Great Falls, Bethesda, or anywhere in the Washington DC Metro Area, I'm here to help make your renovation smooth, collaborative, and transformative.
🎁 Free Resource: Download My Free Home Renovation Guide
To help homeowners start their renovation journey with clarity and confidence, I created a free resource:
This guide includes:
Key steps to plan your renovation
Budget ranges for the DC/Northern VA region.
Questions to ask before hiring a contractor
Ready to Rethink Your Home?
Every project starts with a complimentary discovery call. A relaxed conversation during which we explore your ideas, timeline, and goals. This call lets you get to know me and my approach, ask any questions, and see if we're a good fit for your project. It's a no-pressure way to start the conversation about your renovation.
Shine Interior Design | Interior Architecture for Elegant Living
📍 Serving: Oakton | Great Falls | McLean | Vienna | Bethesda | Chevy Chase | Arlington | Washington DC
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