Most people think a decorator and a designer are the same thing. They are not — and confusing the two is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make when building a custom home.

In this episode of The Collier Way, Collier Bashara breaks down exactly what a designer does, why it is different from what an architect does, and why an interior decorator — as talented as they may be — cannot replace a professional designer on a custom home build.

In this episode:

The difference between an architect, a designer, and an interior decorator — and a memorable analogy for understanding how all three fit together

Why Collier requires a professional designer on every project — no exceptions — and what his own project data taught him about what happens when that is skipped

What a designer actually does that most clients never anticipate — from plumbing selections before the foundation is poured to floor plug placement before the concrete is set

The master suite tub story — why your builder needs your tub selection before the first form board hits the ground

The sheetrock moment — what happens when a decorator hands over a tile layout after the walls are already up

The cabinet hardware story — why small decisions stop jobs for weeks and how a great designer keeps everything moving

Why Collier reserves the right to approve your designer even if you already have someone in mind

How a designer, decorator, and colorist can work together as a team to produce extraordinary results

If you are thinking about building a custom home in San Antonio or the Texas Hill Country — this episode will change how you think about who needs to be on your team before you break ground.

The Collier Way is hosted by Collier Bashara, Southern Living Builder of the Year and founder of Collier Custom Homes — one of only 85 Southern Living Certified Builders in America.

New episodes every week. Subscribe and follow along.

Learn more at colliercustomhomes.com