It’s important to understand the difference between an architect and an interior designer if you’re planning to build or renovate your house. Architects and interior designers are both interested in the design of homes and other construction projects, though their scope of work differs. This article will clear up any misunderstandings and show you whether you should hire an architect or an interior designer to design your house.
What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer?
The main distinction between an architect and an interior designer is their educational background.
- To receive a bachelor’s degree in architecture, an architect studies architecture for five years. They are registered with the COA (Council of Architecture), a body formed by the Indian government, and have the authority to get building plans approved by the local planning authority. An architect will continue their education and earn a master’s degree in architecture, urban design, conservation, and other fields.
- An interior designer can practice after completing an interior design course. The various levels of the qualification include a bachelor’s degree, a diploma or a certificate in interior design. A bachelor’s degree program lasts three to five years, a diploma program lasts one to two years, and a certificate program lasts six months to a year.
What is an architect’s and an interior designer’s scope of work?
Architects and interior designers are responsible for various parts of the same project.
Architect
- An architect’s primary duty is to design a structure that meets the client’s needs while still adhering to local building codes. The building design considers things like the building’s shape, facade treatment, internal planning, building facilities, and the building’s orientation in relation to the sun direction, among other things.
- After the project’s design is finalized, the architect submits the building plans to the local planning authority so that the structure can be approved and construction work can begin.
- When the building is approved, the architect provides technical working drawings, which are then distributed to various contractors for construction. The structural and foundation details, brickwork details, location and size of doors and windows, plumbing and electrical layouts are among the various types of drawings.
- To ensure a smooth execution and completion of the project, the architect coordinates with the different contractors on site and supervises the overall construction work.
Notice that certain architects work on both the architectural and interior design details of a house. They are referred to as “interior architects” (interior designers with a background of architecture).
Interior designer
- It is the duty of the interior designer to beautify and make livable the interior space after a building has been built.
- To achieve optimum functionality and elegance inside the designed environment, the interior designer works out furniture configurations based on the homeowner’s needs.
- Specific working drawings are provided and distributed to various contractors so that they can complete the work on site. The materials and finishes for various pieces of work, such as woodwork, flooring, false ceilings, and so on, are also mentioned in the drawings.
- To complete the look of the interiors, an interior designer works with the range of furniture, textiles, drapery, hardware, color combinations, paint colors, and wall paper.
- To ensure a seamless work flow and timely project completion, an interior designer coordinates with numerous interior design contractors.
If you’re building a house from the ground up, you’ll need to hire an architect as well as an interior designer.
You would need to hire an interior designer if you just want to renovate the interiors of your house.
What are the similarities and differences between an architect and an interior designer?
- When designing building plans, both architects and interior designers are responsible for establishing an effective spatial partnership between the indoors and outdoors, as well as the occupants and how they use the home. Their main goal is to build a highly usable room that can meet the homeowner’s current and future needs.
- Architects and interior designers have an innovative and imaginative bent to their minds, as well as problem-solving skills, which they use to create aesthetically pleasing spaces.
- Both of these practitioners use CAD (computer assisted design) software to create presentation and working drawings that are ready for on-site execution.
