Interior Designer or Architect – Which One Do You Really Need? And why the answer is probably an interior designer.

When planning or renovating a home, many people find themselves wondering: should I hire an architect or an interior designer? While the two professions complement each other, there are some key differences—especially when it comes to how your home will feel and function. So what sets them apart, and why might an interior designer be the right choice for you?

By Maya Sheinberger | 25.11.24

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Architecture vs. Interior Design – What’s the Difference?

An architect is a professional who specializes in the design and structural planning of buildings—from drawing up blueprints to securing building permits. Their role involves complying with building codes, ensuring structural integrity, coordinating systems like plumbing and electricity, and integrating the structure into its surrounding environment. If you're building a new house or making significant structural changes, an architect is essential.

An interior designer, on the other hand, focuses on the design of interior spaces from a holistic perspective—balancing aesthetics, functionality, and comfort. Interior designers consider your lifestyle, the flow between spaces, choice of materials and colors, lighting plans, furniture layouts, and custom carpentry. They don’t just “decorate” a space; they thoughtfully plan it to create a harmonious and livable home.

"Interior design isn’t about filling a space—it’s about shaping it around your life."– Maya Sheinberger

"A Moment in One of My Favorite Spaces – The Kitchen I Designed" Photo by Itay Benit

Why Choose an Interior Designer?

Here are just a few reasons why working with an interior designer might be exactly what your home needs:

• Truly Personalized Design – An interior designer gets to know your daily needs and turns them into practical, beautiful solutions. That includes clever storage, well-defined functional areas, and a lighting plan tailored to your routines.

• Smart Space Planning – Even in small apartments, a good designer can create a sense of spaciousness through smart layout decisions, light-colored materials, and carefully planned lighting techniques.

• Budget-Friendly Guidance – Interior designers know where it’s worth investing and where you can save. Their experience helps you avoid costly mistakes during the renovation process.

• Support from Start to Finish – From initial planning to choosing suppliers and overseeing the final execution, an interior designer is with you every step of the way—minimizing stress and helping everything run smoothly.

• A Home with Personality – A designer brings a strong aesthetic vision that gives your home its unique identity and the exact atmosphere you’re looking for.

When Do You Need an Architect—and When an Interior Designer?

If you're building a home from the ground up, an architect is essential to handle the structural and legal aspects. But for renovating, reimagining existing spaces, or adapting a home to your specific needs—an interior designer is your go-to professional.

In fact, even in new construction projects, teaming up with both an architect and an interior designer yields the best results. While the architect designs the outer shell and ensures compliance, the interior designer makes sure that inside that shell, you're truly at home—not just in a beautiful box, but in a space that supports and inspires your daily life.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking to create a home that feels truly yours—thoughtfully designed, smartly planned, and full of warmth—an interior designer is the right person for the job. Architectural planning is crucial, but it’s quality interior design that truly turns a house into a home.

So what are you waiting for? Let your interior designer turn your next house into your dream home.