Interior Architecture vs. Interior Design: Key Differences
Many people conflate the terms interior architecture and interior design, but there are significant differences worth considering. The former has a greater emphasis on functionality and technical aspects of design while the latter focuses on aesthetic elements. Learning more about the differences between these two can help you pick the career path that suits your interests.
In this article, we offer a complete guide on interior architecture versus interior design by defining each and discussing their key similarities and differences.
What is interior architecture?
Interior architecture is a practice that focuses on the technical aspects of planning and building a room. Incorporating the art of design and the science of architecture, this field involves making the room safe and functional as well as designing aesthetically-appealing lighting, color and texture for a space. Professionals who practice interior architecture typically focus on a combination of structural elements, building materials and artistic componen
What is interior design?
Interior design is a field that focuses on art and incorporates aesthetic elements such as furniture, flooring, walls, window coverings and artwork. It also involves color schemes, textiles, lighting, design materials and sustainability Sbobet Casino. Interior design applies to a wide variety of spaces, ranging from residential and corporate to public and industrial. Because it has a greater emphasis on art, interior design relies on interior architecture to guarantee functionality.
Interior architect vs. interior designer
Here’s a closer look at being an interior architect versus an interior designer:
Goals
Interior designers make rooms and indoor spaces comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing. Most interior designers begin projects by assessing client objectives, which typically include how they intend to use the room and the ways people will move through the space. Interior designers then estimate costs and timelines, order materials, apply for essential permits and seek out contractors to complete the work.
Interior architects also create project plans that include cost estimates and proposed timelines. Because their projects involve safety and sustainability, architects understand and abide by building codes and government regulations that apply to the interior space. They often research and test building materials and construction methods to confirm that they adhere to the required codes and regulations.
They also visit the construction site to oversee progress. They may supervise contractors, manage schedules and ensure that the construction team uses the appropriate building materials and methods. Additionally, these professionals assist with material tests that local agencies require.
Tools
As they develop interior plans, these architects assess the environment around the space, study the natural light and assess the feasibility of potential plans. Many interior architects then sketch their preliminary ideas manually before using computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting and building information modeling (BIM) applications to create scaled plans for the interior space. These plans often reflect aesthetic aspects of the design along with structural elements like electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
After meeting with clients, interior designers research materials and sketch ideas for plans. Many interior designers also use CAD and BIM programs to create two- and three-dimensional plans. These digital plans usually feature room layouts, electrical and plumbing systems, materials for walls and flooring and specifications for lighting and furniture. In most cases, plans also include building permits to carry out the design.
Postsecondary education
Although interior architects specialize in planning and building indoor spaces, they meet all the standard requirements for architects to use the title. Architects have a bachelor’s degree in architecture, which usually takes about five years to complete.
This degree provides them with a foundation in the history and theory of architecture, building design and construction methods and CAD and BIM programs. Some interior architects also opt to pursue a master’s degree, which can help professionals prepare for more specialized or advanced positions. Most interior designers have a bachelor’s degree, although many also choose to obtain a master’s degree.
Training and work experience
Interior architects secure licensure by completing paid internships through Architectural Experience Program (AXP). Most internship programs last for about three years and provide experience with creating interior plans, drafting material specifications, analyzing installation requirements and researching building codes.
Some of these internships also include experience working with contractors, engineers and construction teams. Unlike interior architects, internships or training programs usually aren’t necessary for interior designers. At least two years of interior design experience might be necessary for licensure.
Certifications and licenses
Regardless of their specialty, all architects have a license to work in the field. While licensing requirements vary, most states implement the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a university program approved by the National Architecture Accrediting Board
- Completion of a three-year AXP internship
- An AXP portfolio
- Passing score on the Architecture Registration Exam
- Successful interview with the state’s licensing board
Interior architects renew their licenses up to once per year, which often requires completing continuing education credits. In contrast, interior designers are subject to more varied requirements. Only select states require interior designers to have a license. States that demand licenses usually have the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Completion of at least two years of full-time interior design work experience
- Passing an exam
Work environment and schedule
Interior architects usually divide their time between planning in offices and working on construction sites. In offices, they typically meet with clients to discuss projects, use computers to create detailed plans for interior spaces and develop budgets and timelines for projects.
They may also meet with other architects, engineers, interior designers and construction managers to coordinate more complex projects. When working on construction sites, interior architects oversee projects and construction teams, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget and with sufficient quality levels.
Interior designers also tend to divide their time between working in offices and traveling for work. When they work in offices, interior designers usually meet with clients, research decor and use software applications to design spaces. When they travel, they may meet with vendors to browse or retrieve materials, or they may go to client sites, where they carry out their design plans.
Like interior architects, interior designers typically work full-time schedules but may have non-standard hours. They may work in offices or talk with vendors during the day and meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends.
Specialization opportunities
Some interior architects specialize in designing new spaces, while others focus on refurbishing existing spaces. Those who focus on the latter analyze the existing interior structure of the space to assess any limitations or requirements.
Those who specialize in designing new spaces may work with other architects to ensure that their plans for the interior space work seamlessly with plans for the rest of the structure. While some interior designers are generalists, many choose areas of specialization. Some may focus on certain styles, particular rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms, or types of structures, such as residential or corporate spaces.
Collaboration
Interior architects typically begin projects by meeting with clients to determine their requirements and preferences for spaces. Most seek out contractors to carry out their projects, which may involve drafting agreements and hiring temporary team members. Interior architects also frequently collaborate with other architects as well as interior designers, engineers and construction teams, especially when working on complex projects.
Most interior designers manage small teams of contractors and work closely with architects, engineers and tradespeople. They typically oversee all construction and installation related to their plans, and they may perform some of the design and installation work themselves.
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