Interior architecture and interior design are complementary fields that focus on the functionality, structure, and space-planning of interior spaces. Interior architecture involves understanding building codes and structural aspects, while interior design focuses on the aesthetics of these spaces. Interior architects design the layout of a building, while interior designers create its look and feel.
Introduction:\nArchitects design buildings, while interior designers design the interiors of these buildings, including furniture, fixtures, and accessories. Interior architecture focuses more on structural design, while interior design focuses on creating an interior atmosphere.
Interior design focuses on the details of interior spaces, while architecture covers broader aspects of building design. Interior architects design the layout of a building, while interior designers create its look and feel.
In conclusion, interior architecture and interior design are complementary fields that focus on the functionality, structure, and space-planning of interior spaces. While they share similarities, they have distinct approaches in practice. Interior architects design the layout of a building, while interior designers create its look and feel. Understanding the differences between the two professions is crucial for understanding their overlap and differences in practice.
📹 The Difference Between Architecture And Interior Design
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What is the difference between interior design and architect?
Interior design and interior architecture are both creative and innovative careers that can transform the way we use spaces for living, working, and playing. Interior architecture focuses on structural design, adaptive reuse, and remodeling existing buildings, while interior design focuses on creating interior atmospheres through finishes, furniture, and color palettes. Both fields require diverse application of skills, and an undergraduate degree in interior design or architecture can help build a professional portfolio through masterclasses, live projects, and industry collaborations.
Can an architect be an interior designer?
An architect can offer interior design services as part of their services, either by themselves or with an interior designer in their office. This can help blend design work seamlessly, avoiding communication issues or conflict of opinion. Separate architects and interior designers can work harmoniously, inspiring and enhancing each other’s work. An interior architect’s work spans traditional tasks undertaken by both architects and designers.
The title “architect” is protected by the Architect’s Registration Board, indicating a qualified architect with additional expertise in interior design. This can lead to harmonious collaboration and enhance the overall design process.
Is interior design harder than architecture?
Interior design and architecture are two distinct fields that require distinct skills, knowledge, and creativity. Interior design focuses on the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces, working with colors, textures, furniture layouts, and lighting to create visually pleasing and practical environments. It requires a keen eye for detail and a creative mindset, as designers need to bring their clients’ visions to life while ensuring the space meets safety standards.
Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures, requiring a strong grasp of engineering, mathematics, and environmental factors. They work closely with city planners and adhere to zoning laws and regulations, which can complicate the design process. Both fields share the common goal of creating beautiful spaces, but the level of complexity in their roles can differ. Architects often deal with larger-scale projects and consider more variables, while interior designers focus on finer details within the walls.
Education and training are also important factors in choosing between these fields. Architects typically require a professional degree in architecture, followed by an internship and passing a licensing exam, while interior designers may pursue a degree in interior design, which can be less rigid.
Both fields offer job satisfaction, with interior designers making a significant impact on people’s daily lives and architects contributing to the landscape of cities and communities. Both fields offer unique challenges and fulfilling careers for those passionate about design.
Is interior design a lot of math?
Math is crucial in interior architecture, as it is essential for designers to calculate room dimensions, fabric requirements, furniture, fixtures, and artwork. These skills can be learned through basic math courses or geometry courses. Additionally, understanding interest, taxes, and balancing revenue and expenses is crucial for business operations. A two-year diploma or three-year college degree can provide the necessary knowledge of mathematics.
Mathematics is not always evident in art, as it involves symmetry, geometry, and measurement. Many artists use mathematical findings to create realistic artwork, such as the golden ratio. An AI generator called Papertyper helps students discover the connection between math and art, assisting in creating beautiful artwork, generating essays, and various types of papers.
In interior designing, math is used for tasks such as measuring floor plans, determining material needs, calculating budgets, and analyzing building codes and regulations. Knowledge of math allows designers to accurately calculate proportions, angles, and dimensions, creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.
Do interior designers make more than architects?
The average base salary for interior designers in the U. S. is $54, 666, while architects earn $106, 300. Interior designers work with clients to assess their design needs, aesthetic preferences, budget, and timeline, and use computer-aided design software for sketching or project planning. They also scout and order materials, furnishings, and decor, collaborate with stakeholders like architects and contractors, and design visually appealing interior spaces.
Do architects build or just design?
The role of the architect is to design buildings; it is not their responsibility to build them. This misunderstanding is prevalent in both residential architecture and commercial design, where architects are frequently consulted on matters pertaining to construction timelines and concrete suppliers. The majority of architects are not general contractors, particularly in the context of commercial projects. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the design of the building.
What is the difference between architecture and design?
Architecture and design are distinct fields that deal with the structural plan and design of a building. Architecture deals with abstract structures like rooms that can accommodate various designs, while design focuses on concrete utilities and functional structures like meeting rooms in an office space. The scope of work between architects and designers differs, with architects focusing on abstract elements like strategy, purpose, and structures, while designers curate schematic representations for the construction of structures.
To achieve a successful construction project, both fields must merge and professionals handle these tasks in alignment. A flair for design, an eye for details, and an artistic understanding are essential for bringing any project to life. By understanding the differences between architecture and design, one can gain a clearer understanding of all construction aspects and contribute to the overall value of a project.
Do I need an architect for interior design?
Architects are professionals trained to design buildings and spaces, including interiors and exteriors. They handle planning, cost estimates, supervision of contractors, and ensure safety standards are met. They are often needed for major architectural changes, such as retrofitting homes, extensions, demolitions, or renovations. In smaller projects, they may have interior design input but focus on structure. Key responsibilities include drawing plans, managing tender processes, supervising contractors, and ensuring safety standards are met. An interior design team can bring your moodboard to life.
Why is interior design separate from architecture?
Interior design and architecture are distinct disciplines that focus on the aesthetics of a space, while interior design focuses on the functionality and functionality of a building. Architects create plans for residential and commercial buildings, focusing on structural stability, materials, and sustainability. Despite their overlap, these disciplines are distinct and often work together to create the aesthetic of a building. Understanding the differences between these disciplines is crucial for those pursuing a career in design to choose the right path for their needs.
Do you need an architect or interior designer?
Interior design and architectural refurbishment are increasingly important for clients seeking a one-stop solution for their projects. Interior designers and architects are typically required for existing structures, while architects are needed for new homes. WOOLF, a combined practice, offers both services, ensuring a cohesive and seamless outcome. This approach allows clients to instruct both practices at the same time, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. This approach is particularly useful for projects involving reconfiguration or refurbishment of spaces, resulting in a more cohesive and efficient outcome.
📹 Difference between Architecture and Interior Design
So two years ago, after finally becoming a licensed architect, I decided to quit my job at the firm I was at, and I took a job at an …
Hi Dami! I’m currently worked as visual merchandiser but i stu(died) interior design for (almost) 5 years haha. I would say architects and interior designers are pretty much similar, both of us are still designers but with different approaches (technical and/or social contexts) and should be working together instead of working individually. For me its impossible to separate architecture and interior design because we came from a same field and there’s a need for each other. Can’t be more relate on how interior designers generates ideas and moods from adjectives.
This is such a timely article. We selected our architect on the basis of her history working with contractor and interior designer. This has made designing our “forever home” into a fun project. We volunteer with disabled and ourselves have had to spend time in a wheelchair (due to choices in activities) and have designed our house with ADA accessibility as a primary consideration for our friends and possibly for US in a decade or two should it be needed. The garage has been designed to be converted to a studio apartment should we ever need live-in support (and no longer drive). The interior designer has as much an “eye” for seamless accessibility and it’s FUN to sit in a meeting with the architect, contractor and interior designer as we get close to completion.
Interior designer of 6 years at an architecture firm here: I would say you really nailed it with the main differences. Architects draw reference from off-site, while interior designers work with the client to figure out and develop the design with them. For interior designers this process is called programming. For both of our professions, the function of the spaces is absolutely the number one priority. I would say interior designers really specialize in the human environment. Understanding how humans work and use the spaces we will be designing for them and how we can design it to fit into their routines and operations. This is why that close personal relation with clients is so important so that we can really mold the design around their habits. This also applies to commercial design. Every business has stakeholders and hierarchies as well as operations processes that we must become experts in so that we can form the design around those people and their needs, and the business operations, as well as anticipate new needs and desires that would come from the new designs impact post construction. This involves getting very detailed, drawing up shop drawings for millwork and selecting every accessory, knob, handle, light fixture, etc. So that they meet and contribute to the requirements of the program. At the end, everything being beautiful is just the cherry on top. The goal of an interior designer is to meet that program for use of the space, and serving the client.
I’m neither an architect nor interior designer, but growing up with a father who did custom home interiors (and much more), I’m enamoured by all of it. I just recently subscribed to your website, and I sure do love your articles; they’re very informative, entertaining, and professionally done (with the added bonus that the host is easy on the eyes). Great quality work!
Hey Dami. I love that you made this article! I’m not sure where you are today (2 yrs later) with all of this but if you are interested in a deeper dive, I recommend you pick up Sasha Costanza-Chock’s “Design Justice”. This book/movement offers some really useful principles for equitable design that prioritizes the voices/experiences/knowledge of those most impacted by design, especially indigenous communities made vulnerable by systemic injustice. I’m also happy to hop on a call with you to share my experience bringing Design Justice and Equity-centered Community-led Ddesign practices to the corporate space. Thanks for all you do for the design community.
Hi Dami, i love perusal your content! so inspiring…i have bachelor degree in architecture, but now i’m an interior designer 😬… architecture method always become my foundation for doing my project, and it helps a lot! i can see and understand from a bigger picture, but also keep intimate with my client preference..it makes my concept so much reasonable and my argument more acceptable..
I really enjoyed this article. When I was an interior design student, I used some of your articles to help me form concepts for my projects and each time my professor would ask, “how does this tie into the clients?” Now I see that I was creating my concepts off external reference like an architect would. This clarifies things!!
I’m growing more convinced that Level Designers for games need an architecture class in school. I’ve found this far more helpful sometimes than what I was taught in school. Coming up with a “functional” or “formal” reason for an environment to exist is really important. Your articles are very helpful in many ways for people in games. Thank you.
Great and thought provoking content thank you. I am an interior designer based in Palestine I have Bachelors degree in interior design, but i was always interested in Architecture therdore i applyed for a Masters of architecture in Turkey, after worked in architecture and interior design firm. Going through this experience ive learned how much architecture is more of communal than interior design which is indivisual. Architecture can set conversions for the comunities and affects them as whole especially in smaller ones. This changed my approach in design as before i was only interested in form qnd mood but now in my designs i try to create what can evolve to something affects a larger picture. Hope i made sense 🙏
Something about the way she talks so passionately, clearly, and direct about methods of design, creativity, and communication of practical as well as intimate concepts motivates me so much as an artist. perusal this and listening as I illustrate this project I’m working on touches core emotions of bliss that come from seeing someone like her tap in so deeply to what so many creatives have in common, but also what makes us unique across disciplines. Loved perusal and listening to this article as with all of them. Every single one I feel like I learn something new.
As both an educated Interior Designer and Building Designer, there is a closer relationship with interior design as the designer is actually “invading” their personal space. You need to understand as feel the client much more, while building design is more about how to encapsualte the space. In some aspects, this can be two conflicting aspects in design threads. Interior is more touch and feel giving way to emotional aspects, while building design is about appearancea nd engagement. Hence why Interior Design uses the Moodboard concept as it allows for triggering the clients emotion.
The accuracy! As an interior designer, I have worked at an architecture-focused firm and now at a firm focused on interior architecture. I appreciated working alongside architects to learn their insights and process in developing the design of the building itself. I learned about different exterior requirements and terminology to help me as a designer. Architects design from the outside, whereas interior designers design from the inside out. I appreciated when I was able to work alongside architects to combine both approaches to create a cohesive design. Interior designers do have a more intimate relationship with clients. We start to learn how they communicate. Sometimes, they don’t know how to express their wants for their space. For example, clients might say they want an exposed ceiling within their space. What an exposed ceiling is to them and what it is, in reality, can be two different things. Through talking through what it is, they may express they don’t want to see all the “stuff” you would typically see, like the electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Then the designer would work with the engineers to provide a more refined exposed ceiling like the client desires.
I loved this article and the differences you discussed. However, whether architecture or interior design, the main goal is problem solving. Function before aesthetic. The biggest misconception of interior design is that they pick paint colors and furniture and call it a day. Many don’t know that interior designers can design custom furniture, built ins and other structural elements within an interior and even full floor plans. I think these are many of the reasons that a lot of schools are moving towards calling it interior architecture so that it comes off more closely related to what you actually do. 😊
Hello Dami! I stumbled upon your website recently. I’m a student studying Architectural Engineering, and I think it is going to be a growing field for many young engineers as there are so many infrastructure problems that we will have to solve. Do you have experience working with an ARCE in any firms or contractors? What do you see their benefit to the building science industry?
So alot of my work at a net helpmsg is now putting alot of a meaning in where the ability of the start is become to another person a ssh. The sha in everything of a boot, lock and querylock that has somehow become of a add vector and the attribute vectos in where the bcdedit is to you the only prompt to everything you need
Excellent presentation on the importance of Architect/Interior designer collaboration. If I could expand on that theme; As an Architect focused on large institutional projects (Military and Medical) the design team integration is paramount to project success and avoiding all that messy litigation that seems to follow large projects…we host a 3 day “Kumbaya” meeting with all the contractors, subcontractor, engineers, Interior Designers; where everyone does a meet and greet and team building. When it comes time for construction, one can deal with the team members in a more knowledgable & personal perspective. This is a Navy practice and has proven significant in reducing ligation, expediting construction schedules and delivering a project on time and on budget. Again, thanks for an excellent presentation
Designing around a ‘concept’ is a postmodern process made popular in architecture schools in the 90s. This limits the design to an ‘image’ or abstract idea. The modern design process is to design using ‘principles’. Famous modern architects like F.L. Wright and Mies van der Rohe always used architectural principles, not concepts. Mies in particular would be chagrin to see this as a primary design technique. Traditional architecture used neither concepts or principles and instead focused on formal geometry or various styles. I talk about this in a article I did many years ago here: youtu.be/m2tifgNBmIM In terms of design, interior designers should know how to spatially design as well as architects. The only difference is interior designers don’t need to know structural engineering and strength of materials. I would argue that the only difference between an architect and an interior designer is scale. Architects design on the scale of the building, while interior designers design on the scale of the functional space.
Been doing graphic design for 10 years, and ironically it feels really similar to interior designers work process. There is a lot of similarities in internal sources and the starting process with “mood and feel.” Sometimes it feels like you’d have to be a really good sales person at times when being a designer presenting to a client. If I had a do over. I’d definitely would have chosen to go interior design and architecture degree. It’s really a shame that I wish I had more time to decide what I’d wanted to do or knew ahead of time 12 years ago when going to college. Perhaps maybe shifting to another career wouldn’t be a bad idea later in life when I have an identity crisis. 🤠 Thanks for the article. Great content as always!
Hello Dami, I am really enjoying your articles, and it’s loaded with useful information. you mentioned brand as a source of interior design concept or maybe a ground base material to generate ideas or maybe mood-board. and I’ve been working in “branded environment” field as an architect for about 3 years now, and I feel it’s a completely anonymous field for fellow architects. So it would be great if you dedicate a article for BRANDED ENVIRONMENT field.
I am brand designer who started perusing architecture before realising that this was not what I wanted to do. I find this article rather interesting because my daily process is very similar to what you described as the interior designer’s process. It’s so similar that probably 90% of what you’ve mentioned is part of my process. The focus on mood, the long conversations with the client to understand what they want the project to feel like, the list of words that describes the emotion / mood of the project. What’s even more interesting is how you made the connection with brand design and interior design. I’ve never realised how similar my process is to that of interior designers and that’s coming from the fact that interior design have been a recent interest of mine. Thanks so much for sharing. This article is a real eye opener for me.
The profession of Interior Designer (ID) is surprisingly young and was a specialization from Architecture. The methodology they use is a pared down version of the concept development that Architecture uses, placing emphasis on the more humanistic and “internal” aspects, as the article outlines. Depending on ones education, particular school, and even your age, the manner of Architect you are can be ranged along how much of the Interior Design component you retained. DemiLee, a recent graduate and now registered Architect, exhibits the current skill set that current students of Architecture are getting in general, hence her discovery and integration of what Interior Designers do, after the fact. When I started my architectural studies, back in the late 1980s, what would be considered the domain of Interior Designers was common teaching in Architecture. One aspect in studio was “Chasing Adjectives” – which DamiLee demonstrates as one of the quintessential aspects of ID. What Architecture is needed to make something “strong”, “safe”, “approachable”, “family”, etc. This was common 40-50 years ago but has moved more and more into the paradigm of Interior Designers. In the USA, Alabama was the first state to legally recognize and protect Interior Designers as a profession… in 1982. That was only 40 years ago.
1st year interior designer, you just gave me many things to think about! The project you get at work, can be weird, But the most rewarding project I had so far, was in the 1st month, they just crashed us into a school-project! I was tasked with a bedroom for the parents, of an active family some worked in politics, and I had to come with two concepts. And I like to be simple, so I just said in class: “It’s morning and night concept then!”
I have always loved design and architecture. In high school did the cadd and art programs and had in my mind I wanted to become an architect. I love all aspects of architecture but I am reserved and introverted. I had loved creating buildings and structures in design programs and modeling. But also love the aesthetics of design elements to build an environment and essence. Those close to me had some reservations on that field of study and equated it to very intense and taxing. I am sure they acted with well meaning. They suggested interior design was the field to get into. I ended up getting an associate’s in interior design technologies but at that young age I didn’t have the personality to be a successful and outgoing extrovert. I am in my mid 30s and trying to find my passion again after having my kidlets of age and more independent. Love both fields but I am content working in the background. I have done sales and can work with clients but I work better alone.
It’s not just about the client-designer relationship. Interior designers are much more familiar with materials – species of wood, metals and their possibilities, colors etc. Architects on the other hand are trained to make sure buildings can be built, don’t leak and do not fall down. Many architects make the mistake to project themselves as “ranaissance men” knowing it all, including interior design, product design and graphic design. And in reality they don’t know it all. My great respect to interior designers, from an architect who had designed many buildings that still stand and do not leak.
Really insightful! I do think though that the differences you raise have a lot to do with where you schooled and the philosophy that was taught. I know architects from other schools who have a more pragmatic process, while I learned a more abstract approach to the development of the concept that utilizes the “dreams” and thoughts of the client as real source material. The issue I have in real life though, is that most clients find this to be less engaging because time is money. Even the interior processes I’ve witnessed skip many of the steps you mention and go straight for the material/color/finish boards. With that said, the interior designers do establish the closer relationships overall….good piece. thanks.
📺💬 ทำไมยุ้ยรู้คะ บอกซิงด้วยนะ 🥺💬 นุ้งเค้าแกล้งผม แถมเข้าใจผิดไปเอง ผมน้องพี่อุ๊ครับ ผมฟังฝึกภาษาครับ เค้าหาเรื่องให้แค่นั้นแหละครับ 📺💬 ที่เลือดจางน่ะกูเอง 🥺💬 ผมก็ไม่รู้เค้าสุดท้ายฝนเลยอ้างเหมือนกัน เค้าแต่งแต่แรกแล้วผมไม่ได้สนใจ แต่ทุกวันนี้เค้าลำโพงอยู่ ทำงานก่อนครับ * เค้าทะเลาะกันเลยหาเรื่องให้ตั้งแต่พี่ผมแล้วครับ ผมจะทำงานอย่าเชื่อเค้านักถ้าอย่างนั้น เดือดร้อนมาก * 📺💬 เออ หน้าเหมือนกัน ( ของนุ้งคนเดียว ) จริงแล้วประมาณนั้น แต่ยังไปแกล้งน้องเค้าอีก 🥺💬 ครับหลายรอบแล้วครับ 📺💬 Visual presentation of the fields paragraphs and forms that collection of lines and focus 🥺💬 I am listening for English practice but here they use covered conversation and ask some questions then I tell them about it. Continue reading.
Is it possible for an architect to work as an interior designer with taking the needed knowledge like the methods and techniques of using like elements of design (colors,textures,lines,shapes,lights…) also principles of design (contrast,balance,movement,pattern,scale…), the interior design styles, and visual communication skills( mood board, materials board, 2d drawings, 3d rendering…) Thanks
Hello, Dami. The design of thee Architect. The flow of lines. The curvature. The jarrow hallways. A space. To be consumed. Like a drop of nature’s fruit drink. Water creeps. The crevices say do I? Do I dare? To quench. The nourishment of evercontinuing completion. To live like a structure. Foreboding to wims of every soul having found bonding. The identification of oneself in the nothingness of confinement. The glimpse of nature within. To see myself in this nature within.
Architects tend to inflate their role and importance. Most architects are average designers but always compare themselves to Frank Lloyd Wright or Le Corbusier. Most architects are nowhere near as talented as either Corb or FLW. Sorry but let’s be honest. All the architectural firms I’ve worked in hire, or have on the clients project team: Structural engineers, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers at a minimum. Code consultants, acoustic consultants, landscape architects, and sometimes many more consultants. Architects have little if anything to do with structural design, and many other aspects of a building that lay people think they handle. They do overall / general planning and design and primary coordination of many different sub consultants. The architect is (most) often the “prime consultant” meaning they are responsible for coordination of all the various consultants. A good architect’s design direction has a profound and enormous impact on a finished projects look and feel but there are literally hundreds of different kinds of specialized expertise involved in any significant project. If you want to hire an architect for a project you need to be very selective. The variation in quality between firms is staggering.
I’ve bouncing back and forth about being either, an architect or an interior designer. i love both so much, like I turely have a passion for design. But my thing about architecture is, do I really get to design anything or is it just the construction I work on? For example, do I work on the exterior style? And on what details to add? Or is it mainly construction and the stability? Like I love them both for the creativity I get to have, literally I love to design things. i’ve been playing the SIms 4 for a while now, which causeed the growth of my love for building designs both in exterior and interior. But my over all favorite part is exterior detail. I enjoy bringing life to my work with details whether they be big or small. I’ve also been perusal articles on both for a students perspective, and as actual architect or interior designer. But I’m really split on the two, because they’re both something I love. Architecture for the details and the stlye of the building in general and interior design for the ability to bring my work to life. My biggest thing though is, I don’t want to pick one and regret no going for the other. I’m still in school, but the thought of it, regreting not going for something that truely brings me joy, so much so it doesn’t even feel like a job, scares me.
architects, interior design without employees who treat their work as a passion and hobby. In other words, work because I have to, work because I want to. So many architects and interior design passed through my hands and none of them even had a hammer in their hands. Conept is there, but you architects and interior design will not live in what you present. It’s all about money, you as much as possible and the employee as little as possible
Hi Dami, thank you for your very informative article! Do you ever worked with Industrial Designers and Graphic Designers as well? A lot of hospitality and Retail clients wants custom furniture and graphic design work. What are your experiences with other creatives doing or supporting an architectural project?
Aslymu alylum (peace be with you) Damele. I would love you to make a article about how to design (from A to Z) the building/structure and talk about all the different engineers and architects who are involved in the design and how they work on it and the level of work for all the professionals involved in the construction…… Thanks sister I really love your work And the way you make ur articles, you are my idol. Believe me I became addicted to your articles 😅 It is informative and interesting content at the same time…..
Interior Design and Architecture are different from the very moment they have different scope of action. An architect ideally should connect relationship of building with the city, relationship with nature, technical implementation of the building itself with design of both interior AND exterior space of living. Basically the architect has the potential to deeply integrate all these aspects and this is why good architecture feels so easy in the sense that everything seems to follow a purpose in a grander scheme/concept, and this is why the greatest architects that we learn about at college were/are all people that at some point of their career expanded their scope to just making buildings: be it product design, painting, interior design, landscaping, even civil engineering. On the other hand, Interior designers are confined to a more specific scope from the get go. They mostly dwell on already designed and even already built buildings, and they mostly affect interior space(which is no small thing dont get me wrong, it is said that humans spend 90%+ of their time nowadays in interior spaces), so they have to make the most out of what they are dealt with, this leads to a more specialized professional that can see more nuance in the “small things” an architect would probably not. If both were tools, an architect is a more generic toolset that allows to you do a lot of different things at a good enough level, interior design is a smaller but more purpose-built toolset that is very good at doing the couple of tasks they were purposed to.
as interior architecture student i feel a difference between them feel more elaborated, from bottom up problem solving that see oportunity of city problem from people perspective to per semester challange that seems became more harder not from building type or level rather than private to family, to technology and case specific that seem architecture learn how to present interiority from philosophical denser pov but still bring technical collaboration with another engineering major speciality
would be nice if you could do one on Landscape Architecture, i work in an landscape architectural firm and we always collaborate with Architects all the time, i believe our understanding of planning, design, management, and nurturing of the built and natural environments. We landscape architects work to improve human and environmental health in all communities.
This is a really good description of how the two professions might approach the idea of concept. Many of my previous ID students will work in the ways that you describe, others will put a good deal of emphasis on the context of the project as well as the client. Whatever, a successful project is usually tied to having a strong concept in the first place, and generating the concept will usually involve broad research which is likely to include location, site, history, etc. as well as the client themselves. But you’re right, ultimately there isn’t a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to do this; it’s for each designer to find a process that works for them. It’s the end result that’s important in this case, I think.
OMG i just found this article and it surprised me on how well you explained the differences between those professions. I’m studying Interior Design and I find it a little bit hard to explain to everybody why we are different from architects, so i found this article really helpful. One thing I would say is that we Interior designers, at least where I’m studying, do make diagrams to explain the concept of our projects, taking care of function, formal things and etc, we don’t rely purely just on moodboards, but it’s true it is kind of our starting point, and is also true i think we get to a more personal state with clients, so the result is a concept with more feeling to it as you said. Loved the article, love your content!! Bye!
Fascinating – thank you. I’m interested in a similar comparison of architects and urban designers. More broadly, if you have time to respond: I’m studying the impact of our landscapes on well-being and believe the home is essential (interior design, layout, site, etc.), but also green space, access to services, walkability, etc. Is there any one field that’s best for a multi-disciplinary design like that?
Now a days to truly succeed on any profession or at least to stand out is very important to be multidisciplinary. Time is limited which is an aggressive constraint but when you can have a talk with interior designers, Electrician and heck even IT the planning of whatever you doing will inevitably change and adap a better design on all spaces for everyone involve. I’m not an architect but it has been my experience with laboratories and on site renovations I have participated where I work.
Just wanted to mention that I appreciate you sharing this content. I had your newsletter in my inbox yesterday and wanted to thank you for that insight. Thought of replying with an email to show that I enjoy your newsletter, but this might be better, so others my subscribe as well. As a media design student, I find this content so interesting as I can usually abstract and use some stuff do improve my thought process. Thanks, Dami!
I loved your article. I am interested in how we can fix existing buildings and making them more sustainable. But also in how houses could be made according to people’s jobs and health concerns. Would you call that interior renovation or interior architecture or even spatial design. I am mostly interested in space, inside spaces, in buildings. But also in textiles, furniture and interior building materials. I am looking into studying this but I am not sure where this fits in. Any ideas?
I must say that I found the fact that the moment you show interior designer’s work for the first time you show materials and colors – so many think about interior design as staging or decoration. Biggest difference? As a licensed architect you can build and as an interior designer you are more limited to working with a space. Teaching interior design in the USA is hard – the majority of students think about interior design as what they see on TV – lets leave it there. I see design is design. In my country, I had interior architecture courses and as an industrial designer I don’t even care about interior or exterior – or commercial – residential – there is no difference. We design spaces. I am not saying interior design here is taught incorrectly – there is also a market for the sit down with the client and make it nice – but I find it is taught not to its fullest potential it could be!
You cant talk about Interior design without talking about NCIDQ, with that being said anyone who is not NCIDQ certified, is not an Interior designer. If you worked as an interior designer without an NCIDQ then its unfair to say “I worked as an Interior designer”. You have underplayed functional aspects of I.D by beginning with Mood! The essence of what we do is health, safety & code compliance, problem solving. IBC & ICC, is where the codes come from. I understand that this sounds Harsh, but Half knowledge is dangerous. Sincere Apologies.
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The only reason interior design exists as a profession is economic. Interior refits are more common than full renovations and de novo construction, and it’s cheaper to hire someone who doesn’t need to be as qualified, educated, and legally responsible to tell you what color to paint a wall. That’s it.
Great article. I’m a registered Australian architect working in Hong Kong, I started an agency where we mostly do interiors. I’ve worked on tiny studio apartment interiors, to university buildings, to train stations to developments with 20 towers (both at architectural and interior capacities). As someone who has worked in different countries, and at a huge range of project scales, I would say that there are a huge range of practice styles in both interior and architecture. In large scale projects for example, there are project architects and design architects. Design architects are paid less but focus almost entirely on aesthetics, mood and experience and very little on code (particularly if you are designing a project in another country). There are also interior designers who work on government projects or things like hospitals and schools, where it is less about aesthetics and more about code, and research. I would highlight that geography and context is extremely important to how architects and interiors practice. Yes, you can stay where you are and try different disciplines, but why not go someplace else in the world to work, and find something that suits you? One of the greatest things about being an architect or interior designer is that you can go and work practically anywhere in the world .
I’m an architecture graduate and my first work is mostly interior fit-outs and i come to this realization that i liked interiors more than architecture. What i mean is, i find interiors more fun to work with than the structure, thats why if ever i’m going to take a masteral, i’m planning interiors. (Also just found out your website 😍 new sub)
The notion that architects focus on function and interior designers focus on mood/aesthetics is a disservice to both professions. They are two different aspects of good design that are critical at all scales – from furniture to urban design. Mood boards are a process/technique used successfully by many different design professions (landscape architects, architects, interior designers, urban designers) as a way to establish aesthetics/mood/design intent early on. They work because clients react very directly to images and it allows them to discuss there aesthetic preferences and goals.
I think there is a lot of overlap between interior designers and architects. However, at least on commercial projects, as an Interior Designer in Vancouver BC – I think there are a lot of aspects of interior design that architects do not understand. Interior designers are actually educated to do more than most people think and it causes a lot of frustration. I think architects definitely carry a more rational approach to design to ensure the exterior of the building looks good and the integrity of the building is sound, but I can’t tell you how often the shell of the building/towers I receive from architects lack understanding on functional use of space for the end user, accessibility requirements, structural stair details, and basic building code with regard to space planning – all of which we then correct or suggest solutions for them to implement. Interior Designers in BC are also fighting to get recognized as registered professionals (like they are in other provinces already) so that we can stamp their own drawings on tenant improvements. Because more often than not, we do the whole permit package ourselves but we still need to pay the architect to use their magic stamp to be able to submit it without them needing to draw anything. Due to the fact that many Decorators and DIY Designers like to call themselves Interior Designers when they are two completely different professions is probably the biggest annoyance and creates a lot of misinformation about what we actually do in our profession.
Relating to interior design I think you forgot to mention that we DO have to follow codes 100 percent. Learning code and regulations has been one of the most valuable things I’ve learned in university. Also, in interior design and interior architecture school the first thing we learned in drafting classes is that function is the most important thing to consider in the space. It’s not all about moods and color. You can have the most beautiful kitchen but if you cant open the dishwasher without smacking the kitchen island it’s bad design.
I´m so glad for finding your website, I´m a industrial designer from Mexico CIty, I really love this talks, I agree with you with the importance of the experimentation part and finding out what you like and enjoy the most, given that there are many roads, participating in different kind of proyects is key. Greetings from Mexico City!
Hi DamiLee, I just wanted to come on here to say that as a 4th year student encroaching on graduation in Interior Design with a minor in Building Science from a CIDA accredited school, the thought of the differences between architects and interior designers being function vs. mood is discouraging to those who are not in the field who don’t know what the jobs entail. In my schooling it has been emphasized repeatedly that functionality of a space is of utmost importance and we are required to take classes that focus on building codes, building services, and systems. There is so much overlap between the two professions and it is extremely important that we start recognizing interior designers for exactly what they do to contribute to not only the aesthetics but the functionality of spaces. There has been many projects where I take on studies of the structure and how it affects the surrounding areas, not just the feelings of the interiors. There is one comment on here that said they like to refer to interior designers as interior architects and I completely agree. I mean there is an entire stigma surrounding the name of interior designer where the average person thinks that all we do is match pillows to curtains, when in reality we do much much more. The strides that we are making in regards to getting bills/legislations passed to where we can officially be registered interior designers and stamp our drawings is leaps and bounds further than where we were just a couple years ago. However we have much further to go, starting with stopping the ability for any layman to go outside and declare themselves an interior designer without any true school or work experience.
First of all.. You’re gonna go far kid! And second of all Haha I’ve found in my years of experience as an architect, interior designer and lighting designer that the creative process it’s pretty much the same but with extra steps here and there. I like to call Interior Design: “interior architecture” because it is very important to focus in more than mood, and in architecture mood is extremely important, I have reached a point where I can’t do one without thinking of the other, and none without thinking of lighting. Architecture envelopes the human body it is about the human body, it’s so important to think of feelings and sensations when designing beyond building codes.
Im not an Interior designer nor an Architect but I love perusal articles on both. Among other websites I also often watch yours. Your explanations has always been concise and very understandable even for a non architect/interior deaigner like me. On the side, let me also commend your article production. I noticed how good your audio is amd noticed you use a shotgun mic. Finally, I hope you dont find this akward (please accept my apologies in advamce if it does) but, as most of your audience would agree, you are come across as very intelligent, stylish and very beautiful. All the more attractive is the fact that your goal and passion in life shows. I imagine a lot of people will enjoy your company as well as having a conversation with you. I wish you all the success and happiness in life. Have a wonderful day 😀
Can definitely relate. 🙂 Am an architect in the Philippines, and my second job was at an interior design/interior architecture firm. Learned so much that I otherwise wouldn’t have in an architecture firm. Interior details, mood boards, certain materials/finishes, close client relations, etc. And it was so fulfilling to complete projects after just a few months, instead of years.
Interesting article. I have a degree in Architecture and worked in Interior Design for a number of years. It was a lot about function and not just “mood”. The type of interior design I used to do was heavy on restaurant design and the function of the kitchen and the relation to how to serve, the bar and it’s function, flow of customers etc. was more heavy in the function design process. You’ll also come across Chefs who want their function to be very specific! Also another area within interior design related to restaurant design is kitchen consulting. That is a type of Interior Design that is function heavy. Many times Architects will hire kitchen consultants to design the function of institutional kitchens, say in a Hospital, or maybe a hotel etc. Within each field of profession there is a lot of diversity so you’re right when you ask for the experience of others in this article!
Where I study, our Masters qualification has us certified as Interior Architects and in short, the only difference between us and an Architect is the scope of the projects, but we can sign off on the same types of projects/drawings with this qualification. But the number 1 rule that’s drilled into our heads (I don’t know if this is the case in other institutions) is FUNCTION OVER FORM so the line is probably blurred a little more.
I love your article! It is the article I never knew I needed to watch until now. I love the idea of being a lynch pin. I currently graduated with an M.ARch and now currently working with a web designer. I find myself delving into marketing and advertising. Which makes me perplexed. Am I on the way to ditching architecture all together? But your article has opened my eyes to that fact that l can be a lynch pin, with the skills I am obviously gathering. Thanks Dami lee!
There’s this book by Grimly and Love, ” the Interior Design Reference + Specs Book “, it helped us a lot to understand more about their language and technical framework side, and where collaboration becomes more effective and sustainable, interior designers become most important to work with architects, especially on areas where both our expertise cross. and become an essential part of the “Spaces within” in our designs. btw another great content again Ar Dami.!:)
Thank you for creating this article. I’m 38 and recently returned to school and started working towards a degree in Architecture, but I know that interior design is truly where my interest lies. I want my degrees in both to do exactly what you did and be an architect who work for an interior design firm because of the lynchpin philosophy. I would love to hear from people who started their own businesses. I’m really at a crossroads of what I really want to do.
An Architect is one who’ve pursed an Bachelors degree of B. Arch & M. Arch (Personal Choice) & an Interior Designer is one who’ve pursed an Bachelors degree of BA. Interior Designing & MA. Interior Designing (Personal Choice). An Architect is one who sketches the Exterior of Buildings & Bungalows and Interior Designer is one who design the Interior of those Buildings & Bungalows. So guys the simplist way of differencing btw Architect & Inr. Desg’n is Architect Sketches & Inr. Desnr Designes.
I have tried going my own path and working for myself back in my home country (Portugal) but at the end of the day I ended up just getting work working for other architects and having much more work for much less pay and no vacation time, so I gave up on that. I am now working as a furniture and interior designer in Japan. Best decision of my life.
I am surprised you didn’t mention or talk about the importance of color when it is the main key to being a designer. I think you would want to portray to your customers you are a color expert. The Magic of Color Color offers a quick and impactful strategy to communicate a message without words. After functionality of a product is established, color is always considered as the next step before the final purchasing decision. In essence, color creates a symbiotic relationship to every aspect of life. Color speaks louder than words. The associated color of a product can convince consumers that it visually appeals better than a product of a different color. In some cases, color is the sole factor in impulse choices. However, the same is true when it comes to poor color choices, it can turn off users to a product, or service, with no chance of a return visit. When colors are a bad fit, like orange for a bank, or pink for law enforcement, they feel wrong because they don’t match preconceived expectations. .
while I think there is some room for improvement in verbiage (mood vs function), I think you have brought a lot of really good points to the table! Working at a massive design firm (with a large amount of interiors/architecture), I’ve learned a lot of this rings true. Another important thing that may not be inherent to others is the difference in residential and commercial design. Thanks for making this great article!
I think she was trying to provide a more concrete distinction to someone who just wants to know a general difference. Of course, they both have similar purpose and overlap skills and impact, which is amazing and welcomed. They both involve feeling, and form and function, and reasoning, economics, environment- inside and outside, and human factors. I’m sure she has great respect for both vocations which is expressed in her experience and interests. I love her discussions and articles because she brings her own perspectives, as well as new experiences she encountered along the way. Her insights are wonderful. She is not simplifying or categorizing one job compared to another. She wanted to give a big picture for those not familiar with either one. Some folks don’t know the industry difference, or how they are similar. I wasn’t sure, but at least I can see how they are both needed to express the desired impact as a whole.
I’m a builder, focused on residential houses. Every decision on each piece of material that becomes part of a home needs to be decided upon. A good architect will inform the owner of all the decisions, separating the ones that they will provide direction on, along with the interior design element that the owner will need to be responsible for. It is at that point, that the owners need an interior designer if they’re going to have a space that’s elevated and not cookie cutter/ leaving things to chance. The best builds are when there is harmony between the Interior Designer and the Architect, followed by the builder’s support for the installation.
Great article! Most of it is on point in my opinion. As a junior interior architect in an average size company in Paris (they don’t really use the word design here to differentiate themselves from decorators), I learned that even interior projects can take a few years. We mainly work in the hospitality field on big resort projects with many large spaces. But even some big private villas can take several years if like us, you’re involved hand in hand with the architects in structural design. Like the number or type of stairs, the creation of niches or windows, etc. And also because we’re creating a lot of bespoke elements which require a good amount of work in all phases concept/details/manufacture. The amount of knowledge necessary to lead a project of that size is far above what you would expect from an average interior design project I believe. That’s why despite planning to start my own company asap, I decided to take the time to really study and learn every aspect of a big Interior project before doing so.
Hello Dami Nice to meet you, im Yerry an architecture student from Dom. Rep., I have clients that they hired me to present then an architecture project for example a house of a basement and 2 floors its about 350m2 of construction and they tell me to do it in 1 month is frustrating, xD but i dont really get a lot of clients so i take them to get money to pay my college and its a beautiful experience and tough at the same time. Thank u for sharing! im subscribed♥
Very interesting article. I am also a registered architect and my first apprenticeship was for an interior design firm (Gensler). I chose it because I did want to have my own firm and felt that interior design was something I would need in my bag of tricks in the future to run my own office. I went to a lot of different companies and worked on a huge number of different project types to fill in the gaps I perceived in my education (B.Arch – Rice & M.Arch UCLA) I tried to get my license as soon as I could as well – and whenever I mentor women in the field I encourage them to become registered architects – it does make a huge difference – even if you don’t want your own office. I did start my own firm in my early 30s and now in my 50s have had a small but quite successful business for more than 20 years. It is certainly and interesting and rewarding profession – and I learned so much other stuff after starting a firm that they don’t teach in school. Keep up great work with your career.
I work as a workplace designer in London. My role also involves the strategic part of a business looking to move/expand, agility ratio, etc. Functionality, numbers, codes & ergonomics come always first in my experience with clients and its where we spend most of our time on. That’s why interior designers in UK we work with RIBA stages (Roya Institute of British Architects). Stage 1 and 2 is the brief, the strategy, the numbers and test fits and space planning. Mood and concept starts to come in Stage 2 (just to see if we are on the same page with the client and get his thoughts). Stage 3 is when those ideas get developed and then we focus on trying to make that space (after trying to fit all those numbers of desks) feel like home and make people want to come back to the office after a long time wfh but also for a business to be able to maintain talent. This includes a lot of research, what people actually need/want in a workspace? Stage 4 is about developing the package (drawings and specifications), so joiners/contractors/suppliers etc, are able to bring the concept to reality. Even here, functionality and codes come first (and cost), for example fabrics need to be fire treated, it doesn’t matter if its pretty, If its not fire treated, is useless to us, same as flooring needs to be anti slip and rated etc. Through all these stages, functionality and codes are always there, when we detail the drawings in stage 4 for a filling cabinet or a teapoint, we have to make them functional, or a reception desk should be designed so people with disabilities can use it and not feel discriminated, or DDA WC’s provided in the correct numbers per %.
I’m an American commercial interior designer (now retired). I could pull permits for a lot of things. If I wanted to install a mezzanine floor in a retail store, then yes, I needed engineered drawings. Most build-outs (American for “fit-out”) did not require an engineer, however. There was a LOT more architectural design in commercial work than would be typical for residential work. I had to solve lighting and acoustic problems. Like, how the hell do you isolate the mechanical noise from the massively oversized mall ventilation equipment to make the bookshop a viable business? Similarly, I designed the store frontage in the mall, as well as all the displays both mobile and installed within the shop. So, maybe my experience is unique, since I specialised in retail build-outs, but there was a lot more architecture than “mood design” going on.
Having my architecture license for the past 5 years, I realized that my passion is creating and designing. But i also realized that i have no care whether it gets built or not, and i don’t like compromising my design with other people, specially having a legal liability for more than a decade on each and every thing I make. It’s a selfish thought but I simply want to create amazing things. So observing the way the practice works is kind of a discouragement for me to start my own firm, or at least do it the way it is typically done. And so I am figuring out how to go with my passion and selfishness side-by-side. My license right now is simply to get me a higher salary sadly.
I have no experience on anything expect 3ds max and few stuff but I am good at designing modern designs. But I have 2 years to pursue my career in barch, I was finding job for architecture but no one was accepting because I have no experience and knowledge and few I didn’t accept because of environment there, but damn I am soooo happy now I got a job in a place where my boss is crazy good that he do all the work on his own, I am damn happy that I got my first job in very experienced and cool boss.
I think your timeline for projects at the start of the article only covers constructed buildings. ID firms that work on hotels or private residential get involved from day one. Even though the IDs don’t really get involved with the shell of the buildings that much, influential ones have a big say one how architects should collaborate forms that affect interior spaces. Also, IDs leave the projects last as we go right down to the nitty gritty bit of furniture of ID fittings.
Hi Dami, You articles are great and I appreciate the time you put into all your articles. I’m an architecture student in Australia and I have run a carpentry business for 9 years and now have moved into building design while I am studying. I still have the carpentry business and have taken the building design on as a part of my business with the hope that it becomes full time. I design, get all approvals submitted, deal with engineers and also build most of the designs I get approved. It’s a 24/7 job along with being a dad of two you children. your articles have helped a lot when I’m pushing the 3am drawings so please keep it up and look forward to the future of your website and career.
Watching this article gave me a lot of joy and pride in my profession. I am an Interior Design student and it is my last semester of the degree. The reason why clients leave creative meetings so happy is because we as designers work with emotions and understanding others. Combining this profession with certifications such as psychology and marketing are a very good plus in working directly with clients and, as you mentioned, the mood board and storytelling of the spaces are what help us so that the client can better visualize themselves in the space and get excited. I chose this profession because I always liked the idea of being able to create spaces that interact directly with people’s feelings. Thank you very much for the article, now I am subscribed to your website. Greetings from Mexico! 😊
As a custom interior designer, I will like to add the fact that interior design has a huge role in regards to the flexibility of scales, proportions, color palette selections and ambiance. And thank you for mentioning the role linchpin. As I’m currently thinking of becoming one as an interior designer. Besides you have a great website Damilee 🥰
The key differences between architecture and interior design lie in the design process, liability, and career paths. Architects focus on the building’s function and structure, while interior designers prioritize the space’s mood and aesthetics. Highlights: 00:38 Interior design and architecture have differences in scale, speed, liability, and licensure. Architects focus on building design while interior designers work on spaces within. -Difference in scale and impact on work and timeline. Architects design buildings, while interior designers focus on spaces within the shell, affecting the work and day-to-day operations. -Liability, licensure, and ability to stamp drawings. Architects can seal drawings and pull permits due to liability concerns, while interior designers may need to work with architects or engineers for this. -Design process distinction. Architects prioritize function, while interior designers focus on aesthetics and newness, impacting the overall design process. 05:02 The article discusses the process of designing buildings and spaces, emphasizing the importance of understanding functional and physical constraints before delving into the actual design. It also touches on the collaborative process between architects and interior designers. -The initial stages of design involve discussions on massing, programming, and feasibility before moving on to the actual building design, highlighting the importance of understanding project parameters. -Interior designers focus on creating a mood and feeling within a space, collaborating with clients to translate ideas into design elements, showcasing the significance of mood boards and client communication.
I quit my job in 2020 after the first wave of the pandemic to start working on my own. Being stuck at home I went on Upwork and started taking on some side projects, this eventually started ballooning more and more until I made the decision that it was now or never, so I took the plunge. Right now most of my projects are residential, mostly interior design and private homes. Most of my clients are in North America, with a few in my home country. I had one project in Miami that is under construction, one more that is just entering construction (both of these are interior design projects, complete guts of apartments) and I am also working on a private residence also in the US. While it has not been exactly easy (it’s a Sunday and I am at my desk working) it’s been phenomenally fulfilling, and I have learned so much that I don’t even know where to begin. It was a rocky start, but I am much more happy with my work and earning more than being employed. The best piece of advice I can offer anyone wanting to start their own practice, whether solopreneur, or firm, is to have a very good understanding of the business side. Utlimately, that is more likely to sink a firm than design.
HI Dami, I run my own little business of one. It’s very different to being in a practice in so many ways. In addition to the type of work I think that individual personality traits also mean that everyone would experience being their own boss differently. There are things I like about being a sole practitioner and things I miss about being in a larger studio. Great article as always 🙂 also loving the discord.
Im a professional interior designer working in a construction company alongside with 30 team members consisting of architects, designers, electrical, plumbing and civil engineers for 5 years now, we plan everything from scratch, not alot of years but i believe in quality than quantity so your 5 years might be different than my 5 years. Your article randomly popped up and i got interested in, also we have the same name so naturally the article was interesting but, for a person like you, who said they worked as interior for the majority of their career to say architecture is function and interior is mood is idk very disappointing. Building will function no matter what cuz there are like u mentioned building codes to strictly follow, so function is automatically there for any type of building or construction otherwise it wont get permit to be built anyway. Thats why most of the buildings in europe is just bland, serves its function and bare minimum effort. Then architecture or at least majority of contemporary architecture comes in, to give the building meaning and mood. Whereas interior designer actually has to focus on function and practicality of the space for like 95% and last 5% is the aesthetics and atmosphere (the fun part). Anyway i hope you get it now, after many years, good luck and best of lucks in the field.
Your article pointed out a very interesting perspective for me. Thanks! I am a registered nurse who, after working for a year decided to go into medical school. I now have my degree in medicine but in the grueling process of becoming a doctor, I kinda lost sense of my purpose even to a point where the burn out affected my nursing fundamentals. It’s strange coz at first I thought the transition from nurse to doctor would be a bit (not easier but) less chaotic (?) but I still somehow lost sight of a lot of the things that made me happy being in the medical field in the first place. This article helped me organize my thoughts and goals, helped me reevaluate my decisions and placed myself back up firmer on my two feet. 🙂
OMG! this article got me so hyped to be an Interior Designer!! Ah! lol and its extremely informative and you can really put yourself in the room of pursuing one and thank you so much btw I love your website 🖤 I still have a lot to learn of course but ive been doing my research about what its really like to be a designer and tbh at first I was thinking of being an architect but after my internship with a firm I found that I still have the desire but its going to tax me personally
Vey interesting to hear about your path and experience. I am an NCIDQ certified interior designer who is taking the opposite path from you (am an interior designer looking to get licensed as an architect) and so I have taken both sets exams. I am finding that the main difference between the exams revolve around site work, zoning, and having more detailed knowledge on systems. For example CIDQ requires a basic knowledge of interior mechanical systems based on what you are able to see in a room and above the ceiling but they do not have exam questions on any equipment typically located outside or in equipment rooms such as AHU’s or geothermal systems. Some of the professional practice questions are also less in depth in regards to liability, which in my opinion should probably change. Although as an interior designer I have worked on many projects requiring technical guidance, code review, locating and detailing of rated partitions, etc. and I think you capture some of the essence of the differences between the two professions in particular when it comes to schematic and preliminary design. There is a significant amount of overlap between the two fields especially for smaller firms. Thanks for the article!
Okay I really got the vibe that she’s just putting down interior designers in this article. If someone wants to build a 6storey building, they’ll want a person they can “trust”, so they go to an “architect”. And for a room, they go to an “interior designer” cuz they can take a chance??? NO! They still go to someone they can trust bcz they trust an architect with a building cuz that’s your job and an interior designer with the room cuz that is THEIR job, it’s their specialisation. In fact, they might say, “oh we don’t wanna go to an architect with our room cuz we trust an interior designer more with the room…”
I lived and worked as an architect in Milan first, then I moved and worked in Vancouver as a foreign registered architect, I was in the process of getting licensed and I just lost the interest. Plus I was shocked at the liability that the professional has had back then. I mean 90+ years of it. That’s a lot. I got it came after the leaky condos, still….too much. I admit I didn’t also like at all where architecture was and is heading to. Overall I disagree with you, the design process should be the same, and as for time to see the project completed it depends on the scale of the project. And me being and architect trained also in interior design, as my masters at Politecnico di Milano program included that discipline, alongside refurbishing of historical building of course as urban planning, and I think American schools are cookie cutter schools and fail to see the inter disciplinary aspect of architecture. In Italy I worked on a different array of project, something you rarely see in Vancouver. As an architect one have to be extremely good at technicalities, including understanding engineering, structural electrical and mechanical. One must know also the art of selling ideas and feelings too, because the client often don’t want to hear about the dull technical data, unless the client is a developer. However I worked on a project for wesgrouo and trust me, they were all about feel, look, ambience. In my 20 years experience, in this industry linchpin does not exist anymore, and it’s due to the nature of how the profession has transformed especially in north America.
Hey Damilee☺️ I am inspired by your article that it just had me thinking about being an Architect and being an interior designer. I am working on my Bachelor’s degree to become a full architect designer. This is my 1st year in college and it seems like I still have a long way to go. I would like to talk to you if it is possible of any advice that I need to know when becoming a full architect designer. I understand that it is better to be a licensed architect, however would an architect have the right to also do interior design if possible?
as an Interior designer, we HAVE TO know about building codes! if your interior designer doesn’t know about building codes and the MEP of the building, you should never hire them! Interior designers obviously can’t design a skyscraper, but we can design buildings like restaurant, residential homes, retail stores, etc. While it is true that interior designer do have to design the aesthetic and mood of the space, we also have to take a good look of the function, especially in an existing building. Interior designing is a lot of technical stuff too, and it’s very much similar to an architect’s job. you just don’t usually see it. Architects and interior designer are very similar actually. We mostly focus on the space inside, while architects focus mostly on the outside, but the foundation of our jobs are very much the same, we think about functions, and how the space will be used for people, how it will fit the users and make their life better.
Hey Damilee! so glad to watch ur article here and get so much information, it was really very helpful… just wanted to know what is the scope of Indians getting jobs in the USA for architecture and interior designing. I am currently 16 and I like interiors quite a bit so wanted to study and make my career in it but then again I heard that there is no scope in interior designing therefore decided to study architecture plus interior designing…. I would really like to know ur comments and suggestions for what decision I should take. Hope to get a response from u soon! Thank you <3
hey, this article is really helpful. i have a question, do interior design and architecture take the same yr to graduate? i don’t really wanna waste my time on learning architecture when my interest is only on interior design and also is there a separate course for interior design or can is it a field under architecture? . i hope u read this and TYSM <3