Architect vs Interior Designer

“Do I need an architect or an interior designer?” This question confuses many homeowners. The professions overlap in some areas but differ fundamentally in others. Understanding these differences helps you engage the right professionals for your project.

What Architects Do

Architects design buildings—their structure, form, and systems.

Core responsibilities:

Building design from concept to completion
Structural coordination with engineers
Building systems integration (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
Regulatory compliance and permit acquisition
Construction documentation and administration
Site planning and building positioning

Technical scope:

Load-bearing structure
Building envelope (walls, roof, windows)
Fire safety and escape routes
Energy performance and insulation
Accessibility compliance
Seismic design requirements

Legal authority: Only registered architects can submit building permit applications for new construction. What architects actually do explains the full scope.

Architects think about buildings as complete systems where structure, space, light, and environment integrate into functional wholes.

What Interior Designers Do

Interior designers create functional, aesthetic environments within existing spaces.

Core responsibilities:

Space planning and furniture layout
Color schemes and material selection
Lighting design for atmosphere and function
Fixture and fitting selection
Soft furnishings and decoration
Custom furniture design

Focus areas:

How spaces feel and function
Visual harmony and aesthetic impact
Comfort and ergonomics
Storage and organization
Material textures and colors
Decorative elements

Working context: Interior designers typically work within defined architectural spaces, whether existing buildings or shells created by architects.

Interior design services transform spaces into beautiful, functional environments.

Where They Overlap

Some areas fall within both professions’ competence.

Shared territory:

Space planning (room arrangements, circulation)
Material selection (floors, walls, ceilings)
Built-in furniture and millwork
Lighting design
Bathroom and kitchen layout

The difference in approach: Architects approach interior decisions as extensions of building design—materials that relate to structure, layouts that optimize building systems, lighting integrated with architecture.

Interior designers approach spaces as environments for human activity—materials that create atmosphere, layouts that serve lifestyle, lighting that enhances experience.

Both perspectives have value. The best projects integrate both approaches.

When You Need an Architect

Certain projects require architectural expertise.

Architect required:

New construction (legally required for permits)
Building additions or extensions
Structural modifications (removing walls, adding floors)
Change of building use
Major renovations affecting structure
Projects requiring building permits

Architect beneficial:

Complex renovation projects
Historic building work
Projects with challenging sites
Building performance improvements
Coordination-intensive projects

Why you need an architect explains the value architects provide.

When You Need an Interior Designer

Other projects benefit most from interior design expertise.

Interior designer ideal for:

Decorating and furnishing projects
Non-structural renovations
Commercial fit-outs within existing shells
Residential styling and updating
Color and material consultation
Furniture selection and arrangement

Interior designer beneficial:

Creating cohesive aesthetic throughout home
Maximizing space functionality
Solving specific room challenges
Preparing property for sale
Updating outdated spaces

When You Need Both

Many projects benefit from both professions.

Combined approach works best:

New homes where interior is as important as architecture
Major renovations transforming space and aesthetics
High-end projects where no detail should be compromised
Projects with specific interior requirements driving architectural decisions

Coordination models:

Architect-led: Architect designs building and coordinates interior designer input. Works when building design is primary and interiors support it.

Interior designer-led: Interior designer develops vision and briefs architect for structural work. Works for renovation where interior goals drive everything.

Parallel engagement: Both professionals engaged simultaneously, collaborating throughout. Works for complex projects where both perspectives are equally important.

Single source: Some practices, like ours, offer both architecture and interior design services. Integration is seamless when one team handles both.

Qualifications and Regulation

Professional status differs between the fields.

Architects in Bulgaria:

University degree (5+ years)
Internship requirement
Professional examination
Chamber of Architects registration mandatory
Regulated professional title
Required liability insurance

Interior designers:

Varied educational backgrounds
No mandatory registration
Not a protected title
Self-regulation through associations
Insurance voluntary

This doesn’t mean interior designers are less skilled—many are highly talented and experienced. But the unregulated status means qualification verification is important.

Cost Comparison

Fee structures and typical costs differ.

Architect fees:

Typically 5-15% of construction cost
Higher due to technical complexity
Include regulatory responsibility
Architect costs explained

Interior designer fees:

Often hourly or fixed fee
May include procurement markup
Vary widely by scope
Generally lower than architectural fees

Project impact: Architectural decisions have larger cost implications—building size, complexity, and systems affect construction budget dramatically. Interior design costs vary more with finish quality than design approach.

Making the Right Choice

Consider your project type when deciding.

Questions to ask yourself:

Does my project involve building structure?
Do I need building permits?
Is my focus primarily on aesthetics or building fabric?
What is my budget allocation between building and finishing?

General guidance:

Building anything new = architect essential
Touching structure = architect essential
Just furnishing/decorating = interior designer sufficient
Both building and aesthetic goals = consider both professionals

Working Successfully with Both

If engaging both architect and interior designer:

Timing matters: Engage interior designer during architectural design, not after. Early involvement prevents conflicts and enables integration.

Clear scope definition: Define who handles what. Overlap areas need clear allocation to prevent duplication or gaps.

Communication channels: Establish how professionals will communicate. Direct communication between them, not just through you, is usually efficient.

Single point decisions: On overlap matters (material selection, built-ins), designate one professional as lead to prevent conflicting direction.

Our Integrated Approach

At our practice, we provide both architectural and interior design services. This integration offers advantages:

Single point of responsibility
Seamless design continuity
Efficient communication
No coordination gaps
Consistent design vision

Whether your project needs architecture, interior design, or both, contact us to discuss how we can help realize your vision.