So, you’ve heard of architecture. You’ve heard of interior design. But interior architecture? Now, that’s where things get a little… murky.
Is it just a fancy way to say interior design? Is it architecture but, you know, just inside? Is it a clever loophole for people who want the prestige of being called an architect without actually going through seven years of grueling training?
The debate rages on. But fear not—we’re here to untangle the confusion, settle the score, and maybe even ruffle a few feathers along the way.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences (and surprising overlaps) between interior design and interior architecture, break down what each role actually involves, and even dive into the sometimes-controversial question of whether “interior architect” is a legitimate title.
Oh, and we’ll also talk money—because let’s be honest, that’s a key factor too.
Interior Design vs. Interior Architecture
Interior design and interior architecture, while related, are distinct professions with different focuses and skills.
What does an interior designer do?
Interior designers plan the best way to lay out and decorate rooms. They choose suitable furniture, fabrics and fittings, but their job is not – as some people assume – just shopping for nice things! Interior designers also have to ensure that indoor spaces are safe and healthy for people to use.
Like architects, they go through a complete design process that involves research, sketching, discussion with clients and/or stakeholders, ordering materials, creating cost estimates, carrying out site inspections, and much more.
They may have to use CAD and BIM software. More senior interior designers may also oversee small teams of contractors.
Some interior designers are general practitioners, but others specialize in particular areas, for example residential or commercial buildings, kitchens or bathrooms.
You can read more about interior design on the websites of the BIID (British Institute of Interior Design), SPIB (Society of British and International Interior Design) and ASID (American Society of Interior Designers).
You may also like to read our article: Architecture vs Interior Design: How are the Two Careers Different?
What does an interior architect do?
Interior architects do similar work to interior designers, but they have additional knowledge about building materials and structure. There is a particular need for interior architects when a building is to be adaptively reused, which is to say that the outer structure already exists, but the interior must be repurposed.
Interior architects understand how to work with the ‘shell’ of a building and give it a second life inside. Like regular architects, they need a thorough understanding of building regulations and will be expected to use CAD and BIM software.
Their plans include things like plumbing, electricity and ventilation. Interior architects also tend to have expertise in sustainable design, and may be called upon to advise on environmental issues.
In theory, an interior architect is just an architect who specializes in interiors, but see below for an explanation of why this isn’t always the case!
More information about the role of an interior architect can be found on the website of the IFI (International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers).
Why is the job title ‘interior architect’ controversial?
‘Interior architect’ is a relatively new and much debated term. By law, the word ‘architect’ refers to a person who is fully qualified and licensed in architecture – a process which takes around seven years – and should not be used by anyone else to describe the work they do.
However, there are people who sometimes describe themselves as interior architects without meeting the right criteria.
To some extent this is understandable, particularly in the UK and Australia, since some universities there offer three-year Bachelor’s degrees in interior architecture.
But graduates of these courses should call themselves interior designers, not interior architects. In the UK, Australia, the US and many other countries, for someone to legally call themselves an interior architect three years of study is not enough.
What are the major differences between interior design and interior architecture?
The jobs may involve a lot of similar skills and day-to-day tasks, but they are not the same. Interior designers have a more aesthetic focus, whereas interior architects must consider both aesthetics and building structure.
Qualified and licensed interior architects, who have the right to use the term ‘architect’ in their job title, are paid more than interior designers to reflect their longer training period.
People calling themselves interior architects after an undergraduate degree in Interior Architecture earn, on average, the same or slightly more than interior designers (see below for more information).
On a practical level, interior architects tend to be involved in construction or renovation projects at an earlier stage than interior designers. The former provide input on structural matters, whereas the latter consider the appearance of an indoor space once it is built.
How do I become an interior designer?
The route to qualification is quite straightforward. Most interior designers have an undergraduate degree in interior design.
These courses are common all over the world, but some well-regarded examples include those at Chelsea College of Arts (in the UK), New York School of Interior Design (in the US), or RMIT (in Australia).
In some American states interior designers are required to apply for a license, but this is the exception rather than the norm.
Some interior designers have additional, postgraduate qualifications in the subject; others have no qualifications at all, but many years of practical experience.
Unlike in architecture, there are no restrictions on the job title you can give yourself; anyone who’s reorganized their living room can technically call themselves an interior designer!
In unusual circumstances, you might find yourself able to learn interior design as an apprentice – but remember that later you’ll have to compete for jobs with a lot of equally talented graduates.
How do I become an interior architect?
This question is a little harder to answer, since it depends how you see interior architecture. In the UK and Australia, if you just want a degree in interior architecture, you can qualify in three years (or four with a sandwich year in industry).
However, when you graduate, you cannot legally call yourself an interior architect. You can work as an assistant in an architectural firm and you can call yourself an interior designer, but you can’t give yourself a job title with ‘architect’ in it.
Remember, even people with seven-year architecture degrees but no licensure call have to call themselves ‘architectural designers’.
So describing yourself as an architect, even casually, with just a three-year degree is very likely to ruffle some feathers!
In the UK, to legally become an interior architect, you need to graduate in architecture which takes seven years (five of study and two in industry) and then apply for a license to practice.
To find out more about becoming a legally-recognized architect, see our articles How to Become an Architect and How to Become an Architect in the UK.
Or if you want to know the kind of things that are taught on a three-year interior architecture degree, you could have a look at these courses offered by UWE (in the UK) or UTS (in Australia).
In the US, the situation is a little clearer because there are no undergraduate degrees in interior architecture.
To become an interior architect, you’ll either need to take a B.Arch (which is a five-year combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, supplemented by two years of work experience), or take a Master’s-level conversion course in architecture after studying another Bachelor’s degree.
This conversion course is longer than a usual Master’s course and must be supplemented by internships. At postgraduate level, you can opt for a conversion course that specifically focuses on interior architecture (a list of examples is available here).
For more information, see our article How to Become an Architect in the US.
Salaries in interior design and interior architecture
Interior architects (as legally defined) earn more than interior designers because the former have seven years of training plus a license, while the latter have only three years of training.
However, the difference in salary for these two jobs reduces considerably when both the interior ‘architect’ and the interior designer have only completed undergraduate degrees.
Fairly or not, you may find that anyone calling themselves an interior architect also gets more respect, regardless of whether they are breaking the law by using the term!
Because interior architecture is a fairly new field, and it isn’t always clear whether people within it are fully qualified and licensed or not, comparing salaries between interior architecture and interior design can be tricky.
However, in the UK, payscale.com suggests an average salary of £25,539 for an interior designer and £28,128 for an interior architect, compared to £33,752 for a regular architect.
glassdoor.co.uk suggests the salaries themselves are higher but the gap between interior/regular architects is lower, with interior designers taking home £30,180, interior architects £36,368, and regular architects £37,906.
In the United States, indeed.com estimates that an interior designer makes $51,564 while an interior architect makes $78,165.
This much larger gap likely reflects the fact that undergraduate courses in Interior Architecture are not available in the US, so there is very little room for someone with a Bachelor’s degree to wrongly call themselves an architect.
FAQs about Interior Design vs. Interior Architecture
Can an interior designer be an architect?
The roles of an interior designer and an architect are distinct, each requiring different educational backgrounds, skill sets, and professional qualifications. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and the potential for crossover:
- Educational Requirements:
- Architects typically need a professional degree in architecture (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture), followed by a period of practical training and passing a licensing exam.
- Interior Designers generally require a degree in interior design or a related field. Some regions may require licensure or certification, but the requirements are not as rigorous as those for architects.
- Scope of Work:
- Architects are trained to design the entire structure of a building, including its external and internal elements. Their work encompasses structural considerations, building codes, and safety regulations.
- Interior Designers specialize in the aesthetic and functional aspects of the interior space. They focus on layout, furniture, color schemes, lighting, and other elements that contribute to the indoor environment.
- Professional Regulations:
- Architects are often required to be licensed to practice, which involves strict educational and professional criteria.
- Interior designers may or may not need licensure, depending on the region and the nature of their work.
- Crossover Possibilities:
- An interior designer can become an architect, but they would need to undertake the necessary architectural education and licensure process.
- Conversely, an architect can work in interior design, as their comprehensive training covers aspects of interior spaces. However, they might need additional training or experience to specialize in interior design.
In summary, while there is potential for crossover, an interior designer cannot automatically function as an architect without undergoing the additional required training and licensure specific to architecture.
Similarly, an architect would need to focus on interior design aspects to work exclusively as an interior designer.
What skills do interior architects need?
Remember, under the law an interior architect is just an architect who specializes in interiors. They should have the same general skills as any other architect.
But specifically, interior architects need an understanding of aesthetics, structure and materials. They also need to keep themselves up to date on national and local building regulations.
Because they are often involved in adaptive reuse projects, interior architects may learn conservation techniques and technical skills like seismic retrofitting, i.e. making an old building earthquake-proof.
Which is harder to study: interior design or interior architecture?
Neither subject is ‘harder’ as such; it depends on what you’re good at, and what you enjoy. It might be better to ask which takes longer.
Undergraduate degrees in interior architecture (not available in the US) and interior design take the same amount of time, i.e. three years, to complete; however, to become a fully qualified and licensed architect, so you can legally call yourself an interior architect, takes at least seven years.
Which career is more competitive?
Both interior design and interior architecture are highly competitive. Make sure you give 100% during your training; take every opportunity that is offered to you; always behave in a professional manner; and invest time in creating a knockout portfolio.
Do interior designers and interior architects work alone?
Very rarely indeed. They have to liaise with clients, contractors, architects and engineers, sometimes even with the public or other stakeholders. It is essential that their interior plans are feasible and appropriate within the building as a whole, so they can’t be lone wolves!
Do interior designers use blueprints, like architects?
They have to read them, but they don’t have to produce them. For example, if a client wants to extend their home, an interior designer might look at blueprints to see where walls could be knocked down or doors could be added. These days, ‘blueprints’ are more likely to be digital files.
Why can’t I call myself an interior architect if I graduate in interior architecture?
‘Architect’ is a legally protected term. You can use it if you graduate in architecture and get a license, which takes a minimum of seven years, but not if you complete a Bachelor’s degree in interior architecture, which can take as little as three.
You have to call yourself an interior designer or something else without the word ‘architect’ in it.
Is interior architecture a good degree?
Whether a degree in interior architecture is a good choice depends on several factors, including your career goals, interests, and the specific nature of the program. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Alignment with Career Goals:
- If you’re interested in a career that combines architectural principles with interior design, this degree can be an excellent choice. It prepares you for roles that involve shaping interior spaces with an understanding of structural integrity and architectural context.
- Creative and Technical Skill Development:
- A degree in interior architecture offers a blend of creative design and technical knowledge. You’ll learn about space planning, material selection, building codes, and sustainability, alongside design principles, color theory, and aesthetics.
- Market Demand:
- The demand for professionals who can creatively and efficiently design interior spaces is significant in many parts of the world. This demand spans various sectors, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and healthcare.
- Accreditation and Quality of Program:
- Look for programs accredited by relevant professional bodies. The quality of the program, its curriculum, faculty, and industry connections can significantly impact your education and career prospects.
- Postgraduate Opportunities:
- Consider the opportunities for further specialization or advanced study. Some programs offer pathways to advanced degrees or specializations in areas like sustainable design, historic preservation, or technology integration.
- Portfolio Development:
- The course should help you build a strong portfolio, which is crucial for career opportunities in design fields.
- Networking and Industry Connections:
- Good programs often provide opportunities for internships, industry contacts, and exposure to real-world projects, which can be invaluable for your professional growth.
- Personal Interest and Aptitude:
- Ensure that the subject matter aligns with your personal interests and strengths. A career in interior architecture requires a balance of creative and technical skills.
In conclusion, a degree in interior architecture can be a great choice if it aligns with your career aspirations, interests, and the factors mentioned above. It’s important to research and choose a program that is well-respected and fits your career goals.
Summary
Both interior design and interior architecture can be creative and fulfilling careers. Interior designers focus more on the aesthetic side and interior architects on the technical, but there is a high degree of overlap between the two jobs.
Both need excellent project management and interpersonal skills.
It is easier to become a fully-qualified interior designer than interior architect, but there are ways to work in interior architecture without signing up for seven years of training.
Make sure, if you opt for an undergraduate degree in interior architecture, that you understand what you will be taught and that you won’t be a qualified architect at the end.
But keep in mind that the word ‘architect’ on your business card isn’t everything; with the accelerating trend for reusing historic buildings, both interior designers and interior architects have excellent future prospects.
