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Should You Hire An Interior Designer or an Architect?
Architect

By: Veronica Yambrovich, IIDA, LEED Green Associate, WELL AP

04.25.2022

 

Architects and Interior Designers seem like they both can do the same functions, or entirely different ones. It can be confusing determining which professional would be best to hire for your projects. I’ll outline the differences between the two and recommend when you should hire one, the other or both!

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ARCHITECTS

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  • Can design and create construction documents for interior and exterior of a building.

  • Able to complete designs for exterior walls, doors, windows and finishes (siding, stucco, etc.).

    • Architects are trained in structures; useful when replacing, adding or removing exterior windows, doors or infilling empty wall space.

    • Architect’s biggest enemy is WATER; they are knowledgeable about water-proofing the outside of the building.

    • Some jurisdictions require product approvals for hurricanes or earthquakes. The architect will know what products you need.

  • Can recommend equipment, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, recommend interior finishes, furniture and complete cabinetry or millwork drawings.

  • Knowledge to complete your project to adhere to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

  • Many jurisdictions require signed and sealed drawings from an architect for the following:

    • Changes to exterior doors

    • Changes to exterior windows

    • Changes to exterior finishes such as siding, stucco, etc.

    • Adding structural infill to the exterior

    • Changes to load-bearing walls.

    • Review your local jurisdiction’s building code to determine what kind of work requires permitting or signed construction document drawings.

  • To become a licensed architect, they need a Master’s degree and to pass the six exams of the ARE (Architects Registration Exam).

  • Architect fees are typically higher than an Interior Designer’s because of the direct responsibility that comes with signing and sealing construction drawings (need to make sure the building won’t fall on people!), their specialized structural knowledge, amount of schooling needed and the number of exams they have had to take to earn their license.

 

INTERIOR DESIGNER

 

  • Interior Designers can complete construction drawings for the interior of the building.

  • They may place or demolish non-load-bearing walls.

  • Specialize in or typically have more in-depth knowledge of recommending equipment/appliance, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, interior finishes (paint, tile, etc.), specifying furniture, or creating cabinetry or millwork designs.

  • Knowledge to complete your project to adhere to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

  • Depending on the jurisdiction, certified or licensed interior designers can sign and seal their own interior construction document drawings for permitting.

  • Certified or licensed interior designers need to complete the following: either a degree in design, work experience in the field, or a mix of both and pass the three exams of the NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Design Qualification) Exam.

  • Interior Designer fees might be less than an architects, as they don’t require as much schooling, exams or carry as much responsibility in their signed and sealed documents.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR HIRE

 

  • Depending on what state you live in, such as Florida, ANYONE may call themselves an interior designer.

  • Sometimes decorators use the term Interior Designer interchangeably. Interior Designers can create drawings that communicate your vision to a general contractor and specify furnishings, art, and accessories. Decorators have in-depth knowledge of color, furnishings, art, and accessories only.

  • Look for a certification or license if you need a professional who can create drawings for a General Contractor to be able to build and create a detailed budget off of.

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HOW TO CHOOSE

 

  • Exterior work of any kind + Load-Bearing Walls = Architect

  • Non-load-bearing interior walls + finishes + cabinetry = Interior Designer

  • Determine the scope of your project. If you are doing exterior work, you’ll need an architect. If you are updating your interiors and are not adding or removing load-bearing walls, you can use an interior designer or an architect. If you’re updating both interior and exterior and want specialized knowledge for both things, hire both!

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Specialty Matrix for Architects, Interior Designers and Decorators

 

If you are looking to renovate or build a new space and want to work with a professional Interior Designer, contact Formation Interiors, LLC.

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