There are many words that sound similar, and you tend to misplace them, and then there are words that share no similarities but still tend to be perceived as synonyms. Well, architects and interior designers are two words that people often get confused about. While many know that they are different, what they fail to understand is their roles. To execute and build a space, all you need is a designer’s magical touch or a professional’s perspective. That is where both architects and interior designers come into the picture.
In this article, we will clear up the confusion and help you understand each of these professionals and their roles.
Role of an Architect
Have you ever looked at buildings and wondered who designs the outer shell and who’s responsible for catering to the enclosed spaces? The answer is architect. An architect on duty designs everything from scratch. He begins with the conceptualisation of the project and plays around with points, lines, and angles to compose an eye-catchy and liveable design. Further, an architect takes care of the basic requirements and evaluation of the structure.
According to Michael Bell Architects, a Sydney-based architecture firm, architects envision the purpose and character of buildings, bringing these concepts to reality. They are responsible for designing various functional spaces within a single structure. These professionals leverage their design sensibilities and technical knowledge to create not only homes but also public spaces such as parks, hospitals, schools, and public amenities within urban areas.
Let’s look into the Different Roles handled by an Architect in their Works
- An architect understands the client’s brief and their set of requirements. A thorough study of the governmental by-laws is carried out before beginning the design. These serve as the starting point of a project, where an architect makes a note of all the permissions and restrictions.
- Before carrying out detailed planning, there’s a basic zoning of spaces based on their privacy levels. The plans are developed and frozen.
- Finalised plans are sent to the local authorities for approval. Architects proceed with the construction upon approval of the plan.
- Different teams coordinate and develop technical drawings with detailed layouts, structural details, and MEP services, which are then issued on-site for the contractors to take over the construction part.
- To ensure a quality check on the construction standards, architects make visits to the site and coordinate with the contractors for a smooth flow of the project.
01. Space Imagined by an Interior Designer
Don’t believe the myth that interior designers are experts with only single-minded skills. There’s much more to what an interior designer does to a space than just its beautification. Upon completion of the envelope and structural construction, an interior designer takes charge.
He perceives the spaces formed as a blank canvas and paints a beautiful picture with embellishments via various design elements. His role is not only to adorn the spaces, but to make the entire project more functional and comfortable to use. These professionals cater to each and every typology of the internal space, ranging from residences, hotels, commercial projects, and hospitals.
Role of Interior Designer
Let’s have a look at the roles and responsibilities handled by interior designers:
- On receiving a brief from the clients, the interior designer studies it deeply to curate a list of the requirements and essence they want to bring out in the space.
- The design of space takes place by exploring various design elements that are highly utilitarian and add to its aesthetic value.
- While a few spaces can be jazzed up by a play of colours and textures, others might need an extensive approach and a few structural changes for remodelling. In the latter case, contractors come into the picture for smooth execution.
- An interior designer also checks the design’s compliance with safety rules, building codes, and standards that are convenient and secure for people to nestle in.
02. Difference between the Two
While you’ve got a fair idea of the major roles performed by each professional, you might still be confused as both jobs are closely linked to one another. Let’s clarify all your doubts regarding the difference between an architect and an interior designer.
What do they Design?
Both architects and interior designers incorporate aesthetic aspects into the design and structure. They make the structure more appealing and provide us with a comfortable and secure living space that is in sync with our choices and tastes. The major difference between the two is that an architect is responsible for planning, designing, and curating a good built environment for a structure.
He establishes the relationship between different spaces within one building and caters to the seamless blend of outdoors and indoors by laying out transitional spaces. Whereas an interior designer begins his work on an already planned indoors. He spells his magic within the structure while aiming to unite the entire scale of the project through a cohesive design.
What does their Training Involve?
While an architect is trained to look into all the nitty-gritty that goes into developing the outer shell and inner built environment of a structure, an interior design focuses on enhancing the enclosed spaces in terms of their beauty and utility. The architect plans the building by segregating zones and spaces and applying their practical knowledge of structural stability, lighting, ventilation, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical domains. An interior designer is trained to develop a concept for the interiors and look for artistic elements, furnishings, and embellishments that inject life into that concept.
What is the set of Requirements Catered to by them?
An architect looks into the basic layouts, construction details, and various building services for a project. The process stays the same for each typology of the project. Another responsibility handled by an architect is the landscaping requirements of a project, where the design is proposed and even the species of plants are suggested by them.
An interior designer will work on the planned interiors and suggest a functional furniture layout. He also sets the mood for the space. With a brief of design and requirements, mood boards are composed that explore various finishes, textures, colour palettes, and materials.
What are the Qualifications for each Profession?
An architect goes through a professional degree course like a B.Arch or M.Arch and attains a license to get registered as an architect with the official body in order to practice. Meanwhile, interior design is not a hardcore professional degree. Interior designers study B.Des or Bachelor in Interior Design. There are no restrictions or registrations for interior design with an official body to practice.
Who Charges more?
When it comes to the pricing of services for an interior designer and architect, there’s not much of a difference. While a few professionals charge based on a set percentage for the scale of the project, others might take a lump sum for executing the work.
03. Whom to Hire?
Whether you’re planning to hire an interior designer or an architect, one thing is sure: the work of either one will offer a matchless design that makes a loud statement. The decision about whom to hire is based on the project requirements.
If you own empty land and wish to build a home and design your house there, you need to approach an architect. He’ll get the project started, give you the necessary details and drawings to execute the project, and promise a tasteful design. During the process, you can explain your personal design preferences to build a home that’s a true reflection of yourself.
Whereas, if you’re planning to transform a store room into your kid’s playroom or perhaps remodel a bathroom in your home, you need to approach an interior designer. He’ll study the space, offer you the best solutions, and promise an exhilarating result.
There’s another approach to a project: hire both! To build a story along with your project, you need the strategic planning of an architect and the flamboyancy offered by an interior designer to blend. A synchronized approach by both professionals will result in a well-planned built environment and thoughtful architecture. Such projects are not only eye-pleasing, but they also set an example about how spaces get activated and offer you comfort while also catering to your psychological health.
04. Take a Call
The worlds of architecture and interior design have always been interlinked and have confused most people about what their roles and duties are as individual professionals. But now that you’re familiar with the roles and work processes of both professionals, have a space built thoughtfully from the inside out. Both designers can make even a dull space look enticing with their magical concepts and finely detailed executions. Take a call based on what your demands are, and pick the one whose skillset looks beneficial for your project.
Image Courtesy: Image 5
Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.