Architect or Designer? Know the Difference

Want a new home from top to bottom, who would you hire - an architect? Interior Designer? or both? Few realize that many designers have some specific knowledge and training in architecture, just like many architects have knowledge and training in design While these two professions revolve around home and building design, some skills remain that require hiring one rather than the other.

Architect

Architects develop design plans for different types of buildings and structures. They usually work for an architecture or engineering firm, and they work mostly in an office environment, but they need to travel to construction sites to monitor the progress of building what they have designed. They need good analytical and problem-solving skills so that they can develop design plans that fit the client's needs and budget, and adhere to building codes. Their creative and artistic talents allow them to create new and innovative projects.

The duties of an architect include:

- Attending client meetings

- Discover the needs of the project

- Prepare project proposal and budget plan

- Review building codes and regulations.

- Completion of contracts with construction crews and contractors

- Drive to the construction sites and note the progress of construction.

- Study the needs of the project/client

- Make a plan/design based on the discussions and suggest a budget

- Keep building codes and other codes in mind when building.

- Work with construction crew and contractors to ensure work is consistent and the plan is complete.

- Site visits / Site visits to check the progress of work.

 

Architects are people with a very unique mindset; In their minds, there are countless numbers, lines, and angles, as well as creative possibilities that most of them could not even dream of. Let's take a look at how this skill set compares to those of an interior designer.

Designer

On the other hand, interior designers use their creative ideas as well as technical knowledge. Once the building is completed, the designer is required to furnish and complete the empty interiors. 

They do this by considering the needs, lifestyle, preferences, and budget of their clients. 

Details such as the choice of materials, furniture, wall designs, colors, accessories, and more are the responsibility of the designer. Designers can also create plans and make changes. 

However, they usually come from the existing structure and cannot make changes to their core. However, they must understand building codes and safety regulations and can work with engineers and contractors.

The duties of a Designer include:

- Get to know potential customers and try to tell them your idea.

- Discuss and understand customers' needs and lifestyles

- After the discussion, prepare a carefully thought-out design plan.

- Provide clients with an initial budget plan.

- Change/modify their designs according to the budget or what the client prefers

- Also, provide all materials and work with carpenters and installers.

- Also focus on details like furniture, wall designs, colors, design style, kitchen layout, flooring, lighting, furniture, and more to create a living/working space.

- We meet with potential clients

- Discuss projects

- Preparing project proposals for the project

- Provide clients with a project budget

- Modify their designs to suit the client's budget and needs.

- Safe materials needed for projects

 

Interior designers are certainly the ones to hire if you want a beautiful space, but their skills go beyond beauty - most of them are trained in architecture, design, construction, building codes, and sustainable development.

Main differences between the two professions:

What they do

 

Architects design and supply the entire building. The designer tries to create the desired look/mood/feel in the building.

 

What their experience is

 

 An architect is trained to create a structure that adheres to certain standards, rules, and measurements while ensuring the building's functionality. While the interior designer is concerned with creating attractive interiors suitable for its occupants.

 

Fees

 

Fees for both professionals are relative. Some charge a percentage of the project cost, while others charge a lump sum. It also depends on the size, cost, and type of project. Commission can range from 8 to 14% for both professionals. Sometimes, your architect can also provide interior decoration services.

 

Experience

 

The terms "building designer" and "designer" are not regulated nationally, but some states have registration commissions for these professions. A building designer and draftsman may have the same qualifications or experience as an architect, but there is no easy way to prove your qualifications or education.

 

When should you approach them?

 

This is the request. If you have a finished design and need to decorate your home, you should hire an interior designer. For that, you should reach to Creative Ally, Their team of International Interior designers, project managers, and relationship managers will spend time with you to understand your vision, your needs and wishes, your inspirations and desires, and everything else that goes on to make a home. However, if you have space and need to build a building from scratch or renovate it, you should hire an architect. Therefore, for a new home, you will need both professionals - one at the initial stage and the other after construction is completed.

 

The main requirements they focus on are

 

Architects focus on more technical aspects such as building form, orientation, materials, etc. The interior designer places more emphasis on aspects such as human desires and needs, the functionality of space, and aesthetics. If you need professional help, you can reach out to Creative Ally (The Best global designer and the most exquisite global furniture and decor), with ample experience, with testimony from all around the world that can guide you everything about International Interior Designers and Architects.