Do I need both an architect and interior designer for my project?
Are you confused about the difference between an architect and an interior designer? You’re not alone!
A lot of people ask us if they need an interior designer as well as an architect. Or, do you need an architect at all if all you want is a renovation? Can an architect design interiors as well? Or, do you need both?
Many architects will offer interior design in addition to their suite of architectural services. But, all architects operate a little bit differently which is probably where some of the confusion arises. Many architects have an in-house interior designer/s. Others will collaborate with an interior designer so they can offer the full range of services to their clients. Some clever cookies have a flair for interiors and do the whole package themselves! Here at Northbourne, we offer architecture, interiors and even landscape design as part of our holistic range of services. We find this works best for our clients. It means clients have a single point of contact during the process and they can trust that the entirety of their new home or renovation will feel cohesive and consistent.
We choose to work this way for another important reason. We understand interiors are the spaces our clients inhabit and experience every day. You live closely with your interiors. Your hand brushes the natural stone benchtop as you methodically slice the vegetables for dinner. You fumble with the bathroom cabinet, one eye open in the half-dark of the early hours, searching for another roll of toilet paper. Your anxious mood is quelled by the calming and restorative green paint colour adorning your lounge room walls. Your interior directly affects your day-t0-day. So we believe it important that these spaces are thought about, designed well and considered in harmony with the overall architectural design. Equal importance is placed on interiors, exteriors, and the interaction between the two.
What do interior designers do?
Interior designers typically focus on product and material selections in, you guessed it, the interior of a project. They may plan out the flow of a space, help you choose furniture to maximise the functionality of your home, and put together palettes of materials, fittings, and fixtures to create a cohesive look.
Interior designers typically won’t alter the structural parts of your home, like removing a wall or adding an extension. They also won’t typically be able to help you with gaining council approvals like planning and building permits.
This brings us to…
What do architects do?
Architects are highly-trained and qualified design and construction professionals. Registered architects have undergone years of tertiary education. In order to register, they must demonstrate professional experience and undertake a rigourous exam and interview process. Architects also hold professional indemnity and public liability insurances to guarantee their work. This is why architects are the best people for more complex projects like new homes and renovations.
Architects can plan and coordinate projects of a range of scales. When it comes to your new home or renovation, an architect will work with you from the outset. Your architect will help you determine what’s possible for your home and site. They will work with you to develop the ideal design. And they will be with you throughout the entire project, even assisting with quality control during the construction stage. Plus, everything in between. This includes, but is not limited to, gaining all the permits you require, selecting products and materials, and helping you find the right builder.
If you’re making any structural or external changes and/or if you require a planning or building permit for your project, then an architect is who you need.
Why choose an architect over an interior designer?
We certainly don’t want to minimise the role of an interior designer, but some projects require the unique skillset of an architect. For many projects, it makes sense to find an architect who also offers interior design services. This way, your architect can assess your whole property and help you develop a strategy based on your existing home, budget, and lifestyle. Creating a design that will allow you to thrive now and into the future. The correct solution for you might be an extensive renovation and extension.
Equally, though, we’ve seen many a home that is physically large enough, but the arrangement and flow of the spaces are poor. In this case, the whole layout requires a rethink. This is where the expertise of an architect can come in handy. Your architect can take a more holistic view of how your home functions. With some targeted changes, it's possible to completely transform the way you live (for the better).
To decide whether you need an architect or an interior designer, determine what you want to achieve. If you just want to refresh your kitchen or bring a bit more pizzazz to your lounge, perhaps an interior designer is best suited to your project. But, if you’re thinking you might need a bit more space or to rethink the layout of your home? Then an architect should be your first call.