Interior Design vs Architecture

The differences between interior design vs architecture are often confused. In this article we will be breaking down interior design, architecture, what each field encompasses, their differences, and more!

What is Interior Design?

Interior Design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a home. Interior design is evolving more and more as trends are created throughout the design industry. People are following trends and wanting their homes to be decorated in a certain way.

What does Interior Design Encompass?

Interior design focuses on the layout and placement of furniture and the overall flow of a home. Interior design focuses on the color pallet of a home and the certain color combinations that work well together to be aesthetically pleasing. Interior Design also deals with the finishing touches of a home such as the countertops in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. It also covers the flooring throughout the home.

What is Architecture?

Architecture is the art of a building and its structure and the design of the exterior that is carefully designed and thought out by a team of architects and designers.

What does Architecture Encompass?

Architecture focuses on the design of the exterior of a building and how the structure is built. It also focuses on the floor plan and layout of a building or home. For example, how offices are laid out within an office building is vital when it comes to the day to day functionality of an office once its up and running. Architecture takes a lot of time and thorough thinking.

What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer?

Architects – To be an architect, you need a Bachelor’s in The Art of Architecture and any additional certifications or pre-bachelor education in construction, design, or architectural studies. Once you have completed your 4-year degree, the median salary for an architect is around $70,000 per year.

Interior Designer – To be an Interior Designer, you can have either a two-year degree or a four-year degree. There are many options when it comes to certifications and degrees that you can use as an interior designer, although a Bachelors in The Art of Interior Designer is the most preferred one. In certain states, you may have to have a certain license or certificate to be a designer and sell your services. The average salary of an interior designer starts at $55,000 per year.

Now because interior designing and architects have similar focuses, often you will find architecture firms with architects who specialize in architecture as well as interior design. This can often lower the cost rather than having to pay for both an architect and a designer.

The average cost for an interior designer is dependent on the size of the job, location, and if the job is a full remodel including floors, painting, kitchen, bathroom, and the design of bedrooms. Interior designers can cost as little as $2,000 up to $12,000. Depending on the designer’s education and experience some may cost more than others.

Architects run the same as interior designers. The price of an architect is dependent on whether they have the certification for both interior design and architecture and the kind of job in which they are being contracted for. Architects are usually cheaper than interior designers, because while they deal with a bigger job than designers, interior designers have to deal with the little details that go into making a space a home or an office the ideal space. Architects are typically working with the structure that makes a home or office space. Architects compensation can start at $2,000 and go up to $8,400.

Many people think that architects and designers are always in competition, and while that is true sometimes, they often work together. Like we mentioned before, there are sometimes architects who are also educated as an interior designer. Some firms will specifically have architects and designers that work together on the structure of a home or building as well as the interior. This can not only save money but save time and make a project completion time much faster.

The architecture and design industry is constantly growing and will continue to evolve as design trends continue to grow. These days, everyone wants to follow a trend which is why they look to interior designers and architects to be fully knowledgeable and capable to complete the projects within their homes and offices.