Interior Consultation: What It Delivers, How It Works, What It Costs
“Interior architect” is not a federally protected title in Switzerland – qualification shows in training (a university of applied sciences degree), association membership (VSI.ASAI) or an entry in the REG register. Interior consultation and interior design focus on furnishing, material, color and light without structural alterations; the typical process leads from the initial conversation through measurement and concept to delivery and styling. With us, the initial conversation, the first home visit and the initial concept are free.
Who does what: interior architecture, interior design, interior consultation
In everyday use the terms blur – here is the verifiable order: in Switzerland, interior architecture is institutionalized through the professional association VSI.ASAI (founded in Zurich in 1942, around 500 members), the university of applied sciences degree (such as the Bachelor in Interior Architecture at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts) and the option of an entry in the REG register. Interior architects also plan structural alterations – floor plan changes, conversions. Interior consultation and interior design, by contrast, work without touching the building fabric: furnishing, materials, colors, light, fittings. Important to know: there is no federal protection of title for either “interior architect” or “interior designer” – professional practice is regulated differently from canton to canton. Qualification is therefore recognized by training, association membership, register entries and references.
The typical process in seven steps
This is how a professional interior consultation unfolds – as well-rehearsed trade practice, modeled on the phase logic of the planning professions:
- 1. Initial conversation: use, style preferences, budget frame – free with us, in the showroom or at your home.
- 2. Assessment & measurement: rooms, lighting situation, delivery routes.
- 3. Concept: room layout, materials, colors, light – as an initial concept, likewise free with us.
- 4. Detailed planning: specific products, fabrics, visualization.
- 5. Quote & order: transparent line items, clear delivery dates.
- 6. Delivery & assembly: with us, by our own team, throughout Switzerland.
- 7. Handover & styling: fine-tuning down to the last cushion.
What does it cost – and which models exist?
No official fee schedule for interior consultation exists – we say this openly instead of inventing market figures. Two models are widespread: fee-based consulting (payment by effort, independent of any furniture purchase) and product-tied consulting, in which the planning work is included in the furniture purchase. Our model is the second, with a clear entry point: the initial conversation, the first visit to your home and the initial concept are free and without obligation – you only pay once you decide on furniture. With any consultation – including ours – ask about the cost model before things get under way: transparency on this point is the most reliable mark of seriousness.
When professional guidance pays off
- Several rooms or the whole home: an overall concept prevents expensive one-off decisions.
- Major purchases with a long service life (bed, sofa, wall unit): bad buys cost more than consultation.
- Compact floor plans: made-to-measure planning and multifunction require experience.
- Little time: a curated selection replaces weekends in furniture stores.
- Good preparation speeds everything up: bring a floor plan, photos, a budget frame and style references (practical tip).
Frequently asked questions
Is “interior architect” a protected title in Switzerland?
No, there is no federal protection of title; only academic titles are protected, and professional practice is regulated at cantonal level. Indicators of qualification are a university of applied sciences degree, VSI.ASAI membership, an REG register entry and reference projects.
What distinguishes interior consultation from interior architecture?
Interior architecture also plans structural alterations (floor plans, conversions); interior consultation and interior design work without touching the building fabric – furnishing, material, color, light. For walls, bathrooms or electrics, an interior architect or an architect belongs on the team.
What does an interior consultation cost?
There is no official fee schedule. Common models are fee-based consulting (by effort) or product-tied consulting (included in the furniture). With us: initial conversation, first home visit and initial concept are free and without obligation.
What do I gain from space planning before buying furniture?
It prevents the most expensive mistakes: wrong proportions, blocked circulation routes, furniture that will not fit through the door, and piecemeal buying instead of a concept. Measurement and concept before the first purchase are the least expensive part of the entire furnishing project.
Sources & studies
All factual statements in this article are based on the following independent sources:
- Archiv Innenarchitektur Schweiz: VSI.ASAI – Verbandsporträt (gegründet 1942, Zürich).
- NAX / Bundesarchitektenkammer: Länderprofil Schweiz – Titelschutz, REG-Register, kantonale Regelung.
- Hochschule Luzern – Technik & Architektur: Bachelor Innenarchitektur.
- Stiftung der Schweizerischen Register (REG): Registerstufen als Qualifikationsnachweis.
Prefer personal advice?
Initial consultation, first home visit and initial concept are free and non-binding. Try our beds any time in the showroom at Nüschelerstrasse 30, Zurich.