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This is a big and confusing questions that most people are trying to figure out. Do they need an architect or an interior designer for their project?

This question is very valid and there really is no easy answer to this issue. Every project is unique, and it will take the attention of an unique professional to address and complete it.

So what is the difference between an architect and an interior designer? In a nutshell, an architect works out the exterior of the house, and an interior designer beautifies the interior of your home. A good architect is well aware of construction laws, sourcing exterior materials and working with local zoning and building codes. An interior designer sometimes flits over some basic construction rules in favor of open interior spaces and grander rooms. On the flip-side, an architect often does not take into account the interior flow of rooms and generally has less creativity when it comes to designing interior spaces. In contrast, interior designers are marvels at making rooms, kitchen and bathrooms beautiful, functional and uniquely interesting to your taste. Interior designers are much more in tune to the latest design trends and colors and they have an excellent eye for the whole home atmosphere. So what do you do? 

read more here about the responsibilities of an architect

read more here about the responsibilities of an interior designer

Within these professions, you will find a variety of services offered that may mitigate the straightforward approach to hire one over the other. Here are some options to explore:

Hire both, an architect and an interior designer

If you have a large project, sometimes it is beneficial to work with both, an architect and an interior designer. While the architect wrestles with the rules of the building department, you and the designer can spend the time establishing the framework for the interior flow and design elements. You can start exploring kitchen design, bath room lay outs and unique architectural elements that then can be presented in the design meetings. My experience with joining collaborate forces has been very good and very bad. What is the good news? If all the parties respect each other, and you have a team that pulls on the same string, you can get a fabulous result and an ease of designing and constructing. Each professional will stay within their area of expertise and all egos will be checked at the door. What is the bad news? Many times, the egos are brought right into the space and typically they clash. The architect wants to design spaces and the interior designer wants to determine exterior components. And soon you have a war of titans on your hands that leads to an unhealthy working climate and more friction then you are willing to take on. In order to avoid such disaster, it is wise to ask the designer which architect they prefer to work with and vice versa. Pick the professional that you like better and run with their suggestion. This will keep the peace and the project will run smooth and productive.

Hire a residential architect with integrated design firm

These days, many architects offer interior design services as well. Slowly, the profession has realized that a fabulous building shell does not translate into a functioning interior and that the expertise of interior designers is much needed to get a project completed with creativity and flair. So in your interview, do ask the question if the architect offers design services, and if so, be sure to meet with the interior designer as well. In my experience I have found that an interior designer is a must if you would like a great outcome to your project, large or small.

Interior designer with an architectural design certification

Some interior designers have the ability and expertise to design and built homes as well as create a beautiful interior. I know I am sounding biased, but if your situation is not terribly complex, I would hire what is called an architectural designer. You really get the best of both worlds in one person and the space can be created as a holistic whole, inside and out. Basically, the professional has a degree in interior design with a special certification to create architectural design. Here you get a trained person that has building knowledge, structural awareness, jobsite supervision experience on top of being able to design stunning and unique interiors. In addition, interior designers are able to create furniture plans and advise on colors and fabrics. A furniture plan is essential when laying out the electrical plan, as many lighting needs have to be coordinated with specific furniture pieces. An architectural designer is a great solution for your renovation needs, especially if you are dealing with smaller, interior related remodels.

In the end, the obvious suggestion is to hire both in one way or the other. Each profession brings a unique set of qualifications that are needed to create the final product. So, look for an architect and a designer that can work together, or look for an architectural firm with interior design integration, or best of all, look for an architectural designer.

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