Embarking on a home renovation or new build is exciting - but also full of decisions. One of the first questions many homeowners face is: Should I hire an architect, an interior designer, or both? While their roles often overlap, they offer distinct skills. Understanding the difference can save you time, money, and stress as you bring your vision to life.

Architects focus on the structure of a building - its form, function, and how it stands up over time. Interior designers, on the other hand, shape the experience of a space - how it looks, feels, and functions, ensuring it’s both beautiful and practical. If you’re planning a project, knowing who to hire will save you time, money, and potential headaches down the line. Let’s break down their roles so you can decide which expert best suits your needs.

Defining the Roles

What Does an Architect Do?

An architect is responsible for designing the overall structure of a building, ensuring it is safe, functional, and visually appealing. Whether it’s a new build, an extension, or a major renovation, architects create detailed plans that guide the construction process.

Core Services: Architects design the structure of homes, offices, and other buildings, considering aesthetics, safety, and efficiency.
Responsibilities:
- Creating architectural drawings and blueprints.
- Ensuring the building complies with planning regulations and safety codes.
- Coordinating with engineers, contractors, and other specialists.
- Selecting materials that balance durability, cost, and environmental impact.
- Overseeing the construction process to ensure the design is executed correctly.
Educational Background: Architects undergo years of training, typically earning a degree in architecture followed by practical experience and licensing.

If your project involves altering a building’s structure - such as removing walls, changing the layout, or adding an extension - you’ll likely need an architect. They bring technical expertise to ensure the building is not only visually appealing but also structurally sound and legally compliant.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

An interior designer focuses on the functionality, aesthetics, and overall feel of a space. Their goal is to create interiors that are both beautiful and practical, tailored to the needs and lifestyle of the people using them. Unlike architects, interior designers work within an existing structure rather than altering its core design.

Scope of Work: Interior designers enhance the usability and visual appeal of interiors, considering colour, lighting, materials, and furniture placement.
Responsibilities:
- Planning layouts to improve flow and functionality.
- Curating furnishings and finishes that align with your style, needs, and budget.
- Choosing colour schemes, materials, and textures to create a cohesive design.
- Advising on lighting solutions for ambience and practicality.
- Coordinating with tradespeople such as painters, electricians, and carpenters.
Educational Background: While formal training varies, many interior designers hold a degree or diploma in interior design and have experience working on residential and commercial projects.

If you’re looking to refresh your home’s look, optimise a space, or improve its comfort and usability, an interior designer can help. They bring expertise in design, styling, and functionality to transform interiors without structural changes.

Key Differences Between Architects and Interior Designers

1. Focus and Approach

Architects and interior designers both shape spaces, but their focus and approach differ. Architects are trained to design both the structure and interiors of a building, meaning they can oversee a project from start to finish. Their expertise includes spatial planning, building regulations, and materials - ensuring a space is not only functional but also structurally sound. Because of this, many people choose to hire only an architect, as they can handle both the exterior and interior aspects of a project.

Interior designers, on the other hand, specialise in refining a space’s aesthetics and functionality. They focus on how a room looks and feels, selecting colours, furniture, and finishes to enhance comfort and usability. While they don’t alter a building’s structure, they work within it to bring a vision to life. The choice between the two depends on the scope of your project and how much structural change is required.

2. Project Involvement Stages

Architects are involved from the very beginning of a project, often before construction even starts. Their role includes initial concept development, securing planning permissions, creating technical drawings, and overseeing the build to ensure everything is constructed as planned. Their involvement typically ends once the structure is complete, although some architects also assist with interior design.

Interior designers usually come in after the main construction work is done. They focus on optimising the layout, selecting finishes, and styling the space. While they don’t handle structural changes, they work closely with clients to refine interiors, ensuring practicality and aesthetic harmony.

If you’re starting from scratch or making major structural changes, an architect is essential. For projects focused on decorating, updating finishes, or enhancing functionality within an existing space, you may consider either an interior designer or an architect with expertise in interior design. In some cases, both professionals collaborate to achieve the best results.

3. Regulatory and Technical Expertise

Architects are highly trained in building regulations, structural integrity, and safety standards. They ensure that a building meets planning permissions, fire codes, accessibility requirements, and environmental considerations. Their technical knowledge allows them to design spaces that are not only visually appealing but also structurally sound and legally compliant.

Interior designers, while knowledgeable about materials and spatial planning, do not typically handle structural elements or building regulations. Their expertise lies in selecting finishes, furniture, and layouts that enhance a space’s functionality and aesthetics. However, some experienced interior designers may have an understanding of local building codes, especially when working on commercial projects.

If your project involves structural changes - such as knocking down walls, adding extensions, or altering the building’s framework - you’ll need an architect to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards. For non-structural updates like furniture selection, colour schemes, and lighting, an interior designer or an architect with interior design expertise can help.

When to Hire an Architect, an Interior Designer, or Both

1. Scenarios for Hiring an Architect

Architects are essential when undertaking projects that involve structural changes or new constructions. For example, if you're planning to build a new home or add an extension, an architect will design the structure, ensure compliance with building regulations, and oversee the construction process. At James Williamson Architects, we recently transformed a 1960s bungalow in Woking into a modern, open-plan living space, showcasing how architectural expertise can rejuvenate an outdated structure.

2. Scenarios for Hiring an Interior Designer

Interior designers are ideal for projects focusing on enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of existing spaces without altering the structural layout. For instance, if you're looking to refresh your living room with new furniture, color schemes, and lighting, an interior designer can help create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. They specialize in selecting materials, furnishings, and decor that reflect your personal style while optimizing the space's usability. This approach ensures that the interior environment is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.

3. Collaborative Projects

For projects involving both structural modifications and interior design enhancements, architects and interior designers often work together. Comprehensive renovations—where walls are moved, layouts are reconfigured, and aesthetics are upgraded—benefit from this collaboration. An architect ensures the structure remains safe and functional, while an interior designer refines the spatial experience with thoughtful material and furnishing choices. This teamwork creates a seamless flow between architecture and interiors, aligning the building’s form with its function.

According to the Architects Registration Board (ARB), there were 42,547 architects on the Architects Register at the end of 2019. Similarly, the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) estimated that there were approximately 20,000 interior designers actively practicing in the UK as of May 2021. These statistics highlight the availability of professionals equipped to handle projects requiring both architectural and interior design expertise.

Conclusion

Choosing between an architect and an interior designer depends on the scope of your project. Architects handle structural changes, while interior designers refine aesthetics - but for seamless results, both may be needed. At James Williamson Architects, we do more than design buildings - we create homes that reflect your life, values, and style. Whether you need architectural plans, interior design, or both, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Book an in-person consultation to discuss your vision - call us at 07738 409199 or visit our website to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need an architect or an interior designer for my project?

If your project involves structural changes, such as altering walls or extensions, you need an architect. If you're focusing on finishes, furnishings, and layout improvements, an interior designer can help. For a seamless result, consider working with both.

2. Can architects also do interior design?

3. How long does a home renovation project take?

4. How much do architects and interior designers charge?

5. Does James Williamson Architects offer interior design services?

Interior Designer vs Architect: Who Do You Need for Your Project?