Can An Architect Do Interior Design? Exploring Dual Expertise

CAN AN ARCHITECT DO INTERIOR DESIGN? AN IN-DEPTH LOOK

So, you’re planning your dream home and wondering, can an architect do interior design, or do you need separate professionals?

It’s a common question, and the answer might surprise you. While many people associate architects solely with a building’s design and structure, they often play a significant role in shaping the interiors as well.

This can be particularly advantageous for homeowners wanting a unified design vision throughout all areas of their home.

So yes, an architect can do interior design – but there are key differences between an architect’s approach to interiors compared to an interior designers.

UNVEILING THE DIFFERENCES: ARCHITECT VS. INTERIOR DESIGNER

While both professions contribute to creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces, understanding their distinct roles helps homeowners determine the level of involvement they desire from each professional. This ensures you’re working with the right people to achieve your desired outcomes.

ARCHITECTS: THE MASTERS OF STRUCTURE AND FLOW

Architects are experts in designing the arrangement of spaces, structure and bones of a building. They consider functionality, safety, and flow while ensuring the project adheres to the National Construction Code .

Their responsibilities often include:

• Conceptualising the clients design brief and creating initial floor plans and external elevations.
• Determining the best design layout, placement of walls, windows, stairs, and doors.
• Specifying building materials and ensuring compatibility with the build location and the design style
• Collaborating with the builder, engineers and contractors during the construction process.

Essentially, they create the canvas upon which the interior design is painted. Registered architects go through rigorous training, including years of tertiary education and professional experience.

They must demonstrate their competency and hold professional indemnity and public liability insurances.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS: WEAVING AESTHETICS AND FUNCTIONALITY

Interior designers step in once the architectural shell is complete. They focus on transforming a house into a home:

• Selecting furniture, furnishings, and décor that complement the architectural style.
• Developing colour palettes and selecting finishes for walls, floors, and ceilings.
• Designing and specifying fireplaces, custom cabinetry, joinery, and built-in furniture.
• Selecting lighting fixtures and planning the overall lighting scheme.

Interior designers are masters at creating cohesive and inviting spaces that reflect the homeowners’ style and preferences. While they aren’t as heavily regulated as architects, those serious about their profession often opt for certifications.

The Design Institute of Australia, for example, offers a way for designers to demonstrate their commitment to industry best practices.

THE OVERLAP BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN

While architects and interior designers have distinct roles, there’s quite often some overlap in their skills and responsibilities. Both professions aim to create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet their clients’ needs.

According to the Design Institute of Australia, both architects and interior designers work on:

• Space planning.
• Material Selection.
• Lighting design.
• Colour schemes.
• Furniture placement.

The main difference lies in the scope of their work. Architects typically have a broader focus, considering the entire building structure. Interior designers specialise in the finer details of interior spaces and interior decoration.

CAN AN ARCHITECT HANDLE ALL ASPECTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN?

Yes, architects can and often do offer interior design services. Depending on their expertise and interest, they may provide various levels of interior design input.

Many architects are well-equipped to handle interior design tasks. Their training in spatial awareness, materials, and aesthetics translates well to interior spaces. However, it’s worth noting that some architects may choose to specialise in interior architecture, honing their skills specifically for this purpose.

Interior architecture focuses on the functional and aesthetic aspects of interior spaces within the context of the overall building structure. Interior architects have a specialisation that bridges the gap between architecture and interior design.

COLLABORATIVE DESIGN: ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS JOINING FORCES

In other cases, architects may collaborate with specialist interior designers, especially for large-scale or intricate projects. This is where the main differences between the two professions really shine. Architects focus on the structural aspects, local building codes, and the design of the interior space as a whole.

Interior designers, on the other hand, handle the finer details. This includes the selection of paint colours, furniture, and other decorative elements. This collaboration allows for a more diverse range of expertise, resulting in spaces that are not only structurally sound but also visually stunning and tailored to the client’s needs.

Here’s a breakdown of how responsibilities might be divided in a collaborative project:

ARCHITECT’S ROLE:

• Overall Building Design: Architects design the building’s exterior and overall structure, ensuring it is functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
• Space Planning: Architects plan the layout of the building, determining the size and configuration of rooms and how spaces will flow together.
• Structural Elements: They design and integrate essential structural components like beams, columns, and load-bearing walls to ensure the building’s stability.
• Building Systems Integration: Architects coordinate the integration of essential systems such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and fire safety systems.
• Compliance with Building Codes: They ensure that the design complies with all relevant building codes, regulations, and safety standards.

INTERIOR DESIGNER’S ROLE:

• Furniture Selection and Placement: Interior designers choose appropriate furniture pieces and arrange them to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a space.
• Textile and Fabric Choices: They select textiles and fabrics for upholstery, drapery, and other soft furnishings, considering factors like durability, texture, and colour.
• Accessory Selection: Interior designers curate accessories such as artwork, lighting fixtures, rugs, and decorative items to add personality and style to a space.
• Colour Scheme Development: They develop colour schemes that reflect the desired mood and style of a space, coordinating colours for walls, furniture, fabrics, and accessories.
• Styling and Staging: Interior designers focus on the final styling and staging of a space, arranging furniture and accessories to create a polished and inviting atmosphere.

THE BENEFITS OF ARCHITECTS PROVIDING INTERIOR DESIGN INPUT

While separate designers bring unique skills, there are advantages to involving architects in interior design aspects. This is particularly beneficial if you’re embarking on a renovation project where understanding the building’s design layout and flow is critical.

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF VISION

An architect’s early involvement ensures the interior design complements the home’s overall aesthetic. They can anticipate challenges and opportunities related to space, lighting, and material flow that might not be evident to a designer joining later.

OPTIMISATION OF SPACE AND FUNCTION

Architects have a deep understanding of spatial planning and functionality. They can design efficient layouts, maximise natural light, and incorporate smart storage solutions. These considerations can be incredibly impactful in creating homes that support the homeowner’s lifestyle.

COHESIVE MATERIAL AND FINISH SELECTION

From selecting flooring to choosing door hardware, an architect ensures materials work harmoniously throughout the house, creating visual appeal and consistency. This holistic approach saves homeowners the potential headaches of mismatched design choices.

WHEN MIGHT YOU NEED BOTH AN ARCHITECT AND AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

While many architects can handle interior design, situations exist where collaborating with a specialist interior designer can be beneficial. Complex projects or those requiring very specific interior expertise might benefit from this collaborative approach.

For instance, if you’re renovating a heritage-listed building with period-specific interiors, you might want an interior designer who specialises in historical styles to work alongside your architect.

MAKING THE CHOICE: CAN AN ARCHITECT DO INTERIOR DESIGN FOR YOU?

Deciding if you need your architect to do interior design work depends on your project’s complexity, personal preference, and budget. You might even consider a free consultation to see what services an architect provides. For instance, Cathy Slater offers a free 30-minute consultation.

FAQs

CAN ARCHITECTS HELP WITH INTERIOR DESIGN?

Yes, many architects are well-equipped to help with interior design. Their training in spatial planning, materials, and aesthetics translates well to interior spaces. However, the extent of their interior design services may vary depending on their specialisation and experience.

DO ARCHITECTS ALSO DESIGN INTERIORS?

Many architects do design interiors as part of their practice. This is especially common in residential projects where the architect oversees both the structural and interior aspects of the design. However, some architects may choose to collaborate with interior designers for more specialised interior work.

DO ARCHITECTS DESIGN THE INTERIOR OF A HOUSE?

A good architect doesn’t just draw lines on paper. They listen to how you want to live in your new  custom designed home. They think about how the light falls, where the best views are, and how to use space cleverly. They can even help with picking out those finishing touches that make your home feel, well, like you!

So, while you can have separate professionals help with the design of the outside and inside of your beachside home or your rural house, having your architect do both can make for a more cohesive, comfy, and stylish result.

It’s all about what works for you!

NOTE

While every effort is made to ensure that the information contained within this article is accurate and up to date, Slater Architects makes no warranty, representation or undertaking whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect, or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information.