Architect vs Interior Designer: Key Differences 2025

The difference between an architect and an interior designer lies in their focus and responsibilities. Architects are trained professionals who design and oversee the construction of buildings, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with regulations. They work from the ground up, creating plans for new structures. Interior designers, however, focus on enhancing the interior spaces of existing structures, considering aesthetics, functionality, and client preferences. They select materials, furnishings, and colors to create harmonious environments. Both roles are crucial in shaping functional and beautiful spaces, but they require distinct skill sets and approaches. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right professional for your project needs.

Who is an architect?

An architect is a skilled professional trained in the art and science of building design. The work of an architect involves developing concepts for structures and turning those concepts into elaborate plans – plans which eventually turn into commercial buildings, residential homes, and offices.

An architect works out the overall appearance and aesthetic of a structure, but their work involves far more than that. The structures they design need to be safe, economical, and must meet the needs of the people who use them. And most importantly, they need to be designed with the public’s health and safety in mind.

What does an architect do?

Here are some of the roles of an architect:

• Meet with clients to discuss their objectives, budget, and requirements for their specific projects.
• Provide counseling and advisory services to clients. You’ll need to advise your clients on the type of designs that work best with their building or the steps they need to take with their construction. This way, you’ll enable your clients to achieve the best possible result with their construction.
• Creating elaborate drawings and testing the feasibility of projects with different architect apps. CAD software can help speed up the process, but you’ll often find it’s the most labor-intensive part of the job. Based on your client’s budget and needs, you may have to make multiple revisions and drawings.
• Ensuring that your designs conform with the various building requirements in the state and locality the construction is to take place. Such requirements include building codes, city laws, construction innovations, fire regulations, and zoning codes. Since these regulations are constantly evolving, you’ll need to stay up to date with the new laws and requirements.
• Getting involved in the construction process to ensure the process is a success. During this stage, you can take on a consulting role, where you’ll help answer some of the questions that may arise, resolve any problems, and sign off on several pieces of work. You’ll often have to visit the construction site to oversee the project and manage the subcontractors on behalf of your client.

Who is an interior designer?

An interior designer is a professional trained in creating cohesive, aesthetically pleasing, and harmonious designs for home interiors. They know how to transform spaces, and using their expertise, they create designs that not only enhance the human experience but also promote the welfare, safety, and health of inhabitants.

That said, interior designing is not the same as interior decorating, even though many people use the two terms interchangeably.

As we’ve already mentioned above, interior designing involves understanding behaviors to help property owners design functional rooms within a building – and this can include the shapes of the floors, walls, and more. To visualize layout options early, floor plans help test circulation and furniture fit.

Interior decorating, however, involves furnishing the space in a room with aesthetically pleasing and fashionable things.

An interior decorator takes the role of a personal stylist. They help create an atmosphere within a building that aligns with their client’s style. They don’t change a room’s structure to make it more visually appealing – they use certain accessories, fabric, and furniture to enhance the aesthetics and beauty of a space.

For example, as a decorator, you can help remodel a client’s kitchen. You can refresh the floor, add a few more accessories, or recommend a new color for the kitchen cabinets. As a designer, you can help enlarge the kitchen, move the interior walls, add a separate kitchen sink, or change the position of the countertop. You can design a space from the ground up to make it more visually appealing and functional.

To put it simply, interior decorators are hands-off in the design process, while designers can do both jobs: decorating and designing.

What does an interior designer do?

Even though playing with color, furniture, and fabric makes up a huge part of an interior designer’s job description, you may have to perform other tasks.

They include:

• Planning space layouts
• Selecting materials and finishes
• Coordinating with contractors
• Ensuring compliance with building codes
• Managing project timelines and budgets

• Work more like a project manager, often with your hands in many pots. You’ll have to manage various subcontractors while consulting with your client.
• Prepare comprehensive proposals and estimates for the projects you take on. On some occasions, you’ll give detailed presentations to prospective clients on how you’ll undertake the projects.
• Learn about the structural components used during the construction process.
• Plan interior space efficiently while taking into account crucial things such as airflow, extraction, heat, electrical and plumbing regulations.
• Create plans and elaborate drawings to demonstrate layouts and produce a proposed design scheme.
• Coordinate with other experts and tradesmen to procure certain materials as a senior interior designer.

Who is an interior architect?

Interior architecture as a profession has emerged only recently. You can think of interior design architecture as a blend of interior design and architecture.

Compared to interior designers, interior architects are involved in many more things; they take part in the entire building design and renovation process. They have a greater understanding of buildings’ structures and use CAD software on a more regular basis.

You can’t consider interior architects as architects either. Most interior architects haven’t completed the training required to practice architecture. To practice architecture in the US, you need to complete a combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in architecture (commonly referred to as the B.Arch), which can take up to 5 years. If you want to specialize further, you can take specialization courses such as:

• Environmental Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Digital Architecture

On top of that, you’ll need a few years of industry experience and a license – and only then will you be considered an architect. For this reason, interior architects can’t call themselves architects, even though interior architecture focuses on the technical aspects.

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What is interior architecture

Understanding interior architecture as a discipline

Interior architecture focuses on the design and modification of a building's interior structure to improve both aesthetics and functionality. Unlike interior design, which primarily addresses surface finishes and furnishings, interior architecture involves altering walls, ceilings, and floors to optimize space usage and comply with building codes. This makes interior architecture a hybrid field that bridges architecture and interior design.

For example, an interior architect might redesign a commercial office layout by removing non-load-bearing walls to create open workspaces while ensuring structural integrity. They also consider HVAC systems, lighting placement, and accessibility standards. Tools like AutoCAD and Revit are commonly used by interior architects to create detailed plans that contractors can follow during renovations.

Freelancers and small business owners in interior architecture should emphasize their technical skills and knowledge of building regulations when marketing their services. Demonstrating expertise in both design aesthetics and structural modifications can help differentiate your offerings from traditional interior designers.

How interior architecture differs from interior design

Interior architecture differs from interior design mainly in scope and technical involvement. While interior designers focus on decorating spaces with furniture, colors, and accessories, interior architects engage with the physical framework of the building. This includes tasks like relocating walls, improving natural light flow, and ensuring compliance with building codes updated for 2024.

For instance, an interior designer might select paint colors and furniture for a café, whereas an interior architect would redesign the café’s layout to improve customer flow and safety exits. Interior architects often require formal architectural training or certification, which is not always mandatory for interior designers. This distinction is crucial for clients seeking structural changes versus cosmetic updates.

When pitching your services, clarify whether you handle structural renovations or focus on interior styling. This helps set accurate client expectations and positions you effectively in a competitive market.

Why understanding interior architecture benefits freelancers

Understanding interior architecture allows freelancers to expand their service offerings beyond surface-level design. This knowledge enables you to take on projects requiring structural changes, such as converting residential spaces into commercial offices or upgrading interiors to meet new accessibility laws effective in 2024.

Using software like SketchUp or ArchiCAD can help you create precise 3D models that showcase potential interior architectural changes to clients. This visual clarity improves client communication and increases the likelihood of project approval. Additionally, familiarity with local building codes and permits speeds up project timelines and reduces costly revisions.

To leverage this advantage, invest time in learning architectural principles and local regulations relevant to your region. Offering combined interior design and interior architecture services can make your freelance business more competitive and profitable in 2024 and beyond.

Differences between interior design and interior architecture

Scope of work in interior design versus interior architecture

Interior design focuses primarily on enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces without altering the building’s structure. Designers select furniture, color schemes, lighting, and decor to create a cohesive and appealing environment. For example, an interior designer might choose new flooring and paint colors to refresh a living room or office space.

In contrast, interior architecture involves modifying the actual architectural elements of a space, such as walls, ceilings, and floors. This work requires knowledge of building codes, structural integrity, and technical drawing. An interior architect might redesign a commercial space by moving walls or adding windows to improve flow and natural light.

Understanding these differences helps freelancers and small business owners decide whether to hire an interior designer or an interior architect based on project needs. If structural changes are necessary, an interior architect is essential, while purely decorative updates can be handled by an interior designer.

Educational background and licensing requirements

Interior designers typically hold degrees in interior design or related fields and may obtain certifications like NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification). These credentials emphasize design principles, space planning, and material knowledge. Licensing requirements vary by state, with some states requiring registration or certification to practice legally in 2024.

Interior architects usually have a degree in architecture or interior architecture and must pass architectural licensing exams, such as the ARE (Architect Registration Examination). This training covers structural engineering, building codes, and construction methods. In some states, interior architects are required to hold an architectural license to perform their work.

For freelancers, knowing these distinctions is crucial when marketing services or collaborating on projects. Interior architects can handle complex renovations requiring permits, while interior designers excel in styling and space optimization without structural changes.

Tools and software used by interior designers and interior architects

Interior designers often use software like SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, and AutoCAD for creating mood boards, floor plans, and 3D renderings. These tools help visualize layouts and material choices to clients. For example, SketchUp allows designers to create detailed room models that show furniture placement and lighting effects.

Interior architects rely on more advanced architectural software such as Revit, AutoCAD Architecture, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools. These platforms support structural design, compliance with building codes, and collaboration with engineers. Revit, for instance, enables interior architects to integrate their designs into comprehensive building models.

Freelancers should choose software that aligns with their service offerings. Interior designers can prioritize visualization tools for client presentations, while interior architects need technical software to produce construction documents and ensure regulatory compliance.

How to decide which professional to hire for your project

Choosing between an interior designer and an interior architect depends on the project’s complexity and goals. If your project involves structural changes, such as removing walls or reconfiguring space layouts, an interior architect is the right choice. They have the expertise to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes in 2024.

For projects focused on aesthetics, furniture selection, and surface finishes without altering the building’s structure, an interior designer can deliver excellent results. For example, redesigning a retail store’s look or updating a home’s decor falls within an interior designer’s scope.

Small business owners and freelancers should assess project requirements carefully before hiring. Consulting both professionals during the planning phase can also clarify roles and ensure a smooth workflow, saving time and money in the long run.

Difference between architect and interior designer: main differences

Here are the key differences between architecture and interior design that you need to know:

Licensing

As we’ve mentioned above, you need a license to be an architect – and the same can’t be said about interior designers. All designers, especially decorators, can choose to be self-employed. They don’t need to take special training or apply for licenses to start taking on design projects.

Architects, on the other hand, need to meet their jurisdiction’s education requirements to get a license. For most aspiring architects, this means going to architecture school and earning a professional degree through a program accredited by NCARB. They also have to do an internship that lasts for a minimum of three years. And after that, they have to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) for the state they’re planning to practice in.

Note, though, that interior designers may be required to get interior design accreditation in some states. In such states, interior designers need to get an NCIDQ certification (The National Council for Interior Design Qualification).

You’ll need to take a three-part exam that covers seven core areas of interior design competency. These areas include:

• Project coordination
• Construction standards
• Contract administration
• Building systems

What do they design?

To put it simply, architects design buildings and structures while interior designers design the interiors of these buildings. An architect is involved on the more technical aspects of the design process. Interior designers fill up and furnish the empty interiors once a building is constructed. Tasks such as selecting materials, choosing color schemes, and refreshing wall designs fall within the scope of interior designers.

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What do they focus on?

An interior designer focuses more on aesthetics. They focus on creating interior spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and functional through the use of color palettes, decorations, and furniture placement. By paying attention to human psychology and the emotional aspect of interior spaces, they design homes that people want and love to live in.

Architects are more focused on the technical side of construction – they pay attention to things like building materials, ventilation, climate, etc.

What skills do interior designers and architects need

Essential skills for interior designers

Interior designers need strong creativity combined with technical knowledge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. They must understand color theory, materials, and lighting to select elements that enhance a room's atmosphere. For example, using warm lighting can make a living room feel cozy, while cool tones work better in office spaces.

Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is crucial in 2024. These tools help interior designers create detailed floor plans and 3D models, allowing clients to visualize the final design. Additionally, knowledge of building codes and accessibility standards ensures that designs comply with legal requirements, which vary by state.

Effective communication is also vital. Interior designers often coordinate with clients, contractors, and suppliers, so they must clearly convey design concepts and negotiate budgets. Freelancers can improve these skills by practicing client presentations and using project management tools like Trello or Asana to keep projects on track.

Key skills required for architects

Architects require a strong foundation in engineering principles and spatial reasoning to design safe, functional buildings. They must be proficient in structural analysis and understand materials' properties to ensure their designs can be built as planned. For instance, an architect designing a commercial building in California must consider earthquake-resistant features.

Mastery of advanced software such as Revit, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and Rhino is essential in 2024. These programs allow architects to create detailed blueprints and simulate building performance. This helps identify potential issues early. Architects also need to stay updated on zoning laws and environmental regulations that affect construction projects.

Project management and leadership skills are critical since architects often oversee teams and collaborate with engineers, contractors, and clients. Freelancers and small firms benefit from using software like Microsoft Project or Monday.com to manage timelines and resources efficiently, ensuring projects meet deadlines and budgets.

Overlapping skills and how to develop them

Both interior designers and architects share skills such as creativity, technical drawing, and client communication. They must be detail-oriented and adept at problem-solving to address design challenges effectively. For example, both professionals might need to adapt a design to fit unexpected site constraints or budget changes.

Developing proficiency in collaborative software like BIM 360 or Slack can enhance teamwork between architects and interior designers, especially on integrated projects. Additionally, staying current with industry trends through platforms like Houzz or ArchDaily helps both professions innovate and meet client expectations in 2024.

For freelancers and small business owners, investing time in continuous learning through online courses on Udemy or LinkedIn Learning can sharpen these overlapping skills. This approach not only improves design quality but also strengthens client relationships and business growth.