If you are planning to construct or renovate your home, it is essential to know the difference between an architect and an interior designer. Both architects and interior designers are involved with designing homes and other building projects, and their scope of work is different, though linked. This article will clear all the confusion and give you a clear picture about whether you should appoint an architect or an interior designer for designing your home.

Who is an architect and who is an interior designer?

The primary difference between an architect and an interior designer is in terms of their educational qualification.An architect studies architecture for a period of five years to earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture. They are registered with the COA (Council of Architecture), which is constituted by the Government of India, and have the authority to get the building plans sanctioned from the local development authority. An architect may study further and attain a master’s degree with specialisation in the field of landscape, urban design, conservation and so on. An interior designer can practise after completing an interior design course. The different levels of qualification include a bachelor’s degree, a diploma or a certificate in interior design. The duration of a bachelor’s degree course is between three and five years, a diploma course takes between one and two years, and a certificate course is for a shorter duration, ranging from six months to a year.

What is the scope of work of an architect and an interior designer?

The scope of work of architects and interior designers covers different aspects of the same project.The chief responsibility of an architect is to design the building according to the client’s requirements and as per the local building bye-laws. The building design takes care of factors such as the form of the building, facade treatment, internal planning, building services, orientation of the building according to the sun path and so on.Once the design of the project is finalised, the building plans are submitted by the architect to the local development authority so that the building can get sanctioned and the construction work can start. After the building is sanctioned, technical working drawings are furnished by the architect and released for construction of the building to different contractors. The different types of drawings include the structural and foundation details, brickwork details, position and size of doors and windows, plumbing and electrical layouts.

What are the similarities between an architect and an interior designer?

Both architects and interior designers are responsible for creating an efficient spatial relationship between the indoors and outdoors, and the residents and how they use the house, by developing plans for the building. Their main aim is to create a highly functional space that can cater to the present and future requirements of the homeowner.Architects and interior designers have a creative and artistic bent of mind with problem-solving skills, which are used to design an aesthetically pleasing space.Both these professionals use similar software such as CAD (computer aided design) to generate presentation drawings and working drawings that are fit for execution on site.

Cost to Hire an Architect vs. a Home Designer

Both design professionals often charge a flat fee for plans or per square foot. And while rates vary by region and individual professional, architects tend to cost more than designers.An architect can charge 7% to 10% of the build costs. If you'd like the architect to manage the project and bids, choose the contractor and subcontractors, control money, and oversee work, they will charge an additional 5% to 10% of the cost of the project. Hire architects in your area for more information. A designer can charge 3% to 5% of the build cost. Many designers specialize in certain types of work and bring much practical experience to certain tasks. You can hire a local kitchen designer, bathroom designer in your area, or general interior designer, depending on your needs.

Scope of Work

Architects and home designers both meet with clients to understand their vision. And then, with the use of computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), and other design tools, they create blueprints to help make this vision into reality. Designers assist in designing the interior elements, like the flow of spaces, influencing style, and material selection, while using their skills to add aesthetic value. Whereas architects create detailed drawings of the structure, ensuring the building is up to the required codes.

Skills

When it comes to design skills, an architect and designer are both fully capable of creating a great design for you. However, architects have a more holistic understanding of how buildings go together and the coordination involved to make it happen.

Licensing

The main difference between an architect and a designer is licensing. Many designers go to architecture schools, get an architecture degree, but won’t get or renew their license.