You may have heard about people hiring interior designers and architects. But do you know the difference between the two professions? Well, many people don’t, which makes it difficult to choose which one to hire for spaces. If we think of it in simple words, then architecture designs the entire building. This is not the case in interior design, as it just focuses on the interior spaces. One works for structure, while the other mainly focuses on aesthetics in spaces. In architecture, whole buildings are created from the ground up, which is what architects do. But interior designers actually focus on user experience more than anything.

This blog focuses on the main differences between interior design and architecture, in particular.

Demand For Interior Designing In India

Market Size:

In 2023, the interior design market was valued at a high number, of USD 28.6 billion.

It is projected that the market may grow even more at a CAGR of 13–14% by 2028.

Urban Growth Driver:

Over 35% of demand comes from residential projects in the urban spaces of people.

In Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, the demand for interior design is growing because of:

  • Disposable income
  • Modern lifestyle aspirations
Commercial Spaces:

Around 25–30% demand for interior design in this country comes from:

  • Offices
  • Co-working spaces
  • Retail
  • Hospitality
Luxury Segment:

Luxury interior design is growing at 18–20% CAGR in this country, because of:

  • Premium housing projects
  • Luxury real estate

Difference between Interior Design & Architecture

Demand For Architecture In India

Market Size:

In 2024, the market size for architectural services grew to a value of USD 10–12 billion in this country.

Real Estate Contribution:

By 2030, real estate is expected to grow to USD 1 trillion, which also benefits architectural services.

Urbanization:

Architecture can boom by 2030, as it is expected that 40% of the population will live in urban spaces by then.

In these sectors, growth can be seen for architectural services:

  • Housing
  • Urban planning
  • Smart cities

What Is Interior Design?

The main purpose of interior design is to add functionality and aesthetics within a home. For homeowners looking desiring aesthetically pleasing spaces, interior design is the option. To ensure the area meets the user’s needs, the interior design is planned accordingly. This profession also applies practicality in many spaces, including offices and the home. For healthy living, the home’s environment also matters, which is improved with interior design. From conception to completion, interior design does it all. Many factors come including interior design with a holistic approach to:

  • Planning
  • Coordinating
  • Executing 

Interior Designing has a sole focus on creating a beautiful environment by selecting:

  • Colors
  • Materials
  • Furniture
  • Decorative elements

What Does Architecture Mean?

Architecture means the macro-level design of a building and its structure in general. This includes many factors, like the exterior and the overall layout of the building. Spatial arrangement is also part of the architecture and is a factor of focus. Architecture deals with the complete building, making it a complex profession. It starts off on an empty plot, where the finished structure is the goal. Many requirements are there in this field of work, which need to be met. These requirements are both functional and technical, which are important for a good structure. The professional role of an architect is to oversee the construction of buildings from scratch. 

Here are the key concerns of architecture:

  • Structural integrity
  • Safety
  • Engineering aspects
  • Compliance with building codes
  • Form of the Building
  • Materials of the building

What Are The Main Differences Between Interior Design & Architecture?

Scope –

Architecture:

With architectural services, the main focus always remains on the macro-level design. The building’s structure is created from the ground up, where the layout also comes under architecture. The exterior is designed by architects, following the requirements.

Interior Design:

The main focus of the interior design remains on the micro level, as aesthetics matter more here. Interior Design doesn’t focus on the exterior, but the interior, as the name suggests.

Focus –

Architecture: 

Under architectural services, these things are prioritized the most:

  • Structural stability
  • Engineering
  • Building codes
  • Form of the building
Interior Design:

Under interior designing, the work centers on these:

  • Aesthetics
  • Functionality
  • User experience
  • Atmosphers
  • Psychological impact 

Education & Skills –

Architecture:

For architecture, the education requirement focuses on engineering as the most important. Other than that, skills like structural integrity and construction methods also matter. The architect should also have technical knowledge of building systems, as it’s important.

Interior Design:

Interior designers need to have expertise in design principles as well as color theory as the basics. Material selection is also an important skill for interior designers, other than furniture knowledge. Creating user-friendly spaces is a skill every interior designer should know by heart.

Process –

Architecture:

The process of architectural services is time-consuming, as longer timelines are needed. This is because architectural works are complex in nature, so time is compromised. Building designs and permits need concentration, so patience becomes a necessity. 

Interior Design:

Interior designing isn’t as complex as the focus remains inside the space, which takes less time. So, interior designing is possible to be completed in shorter timelines. 

Collaboration –
Architecture:

To ensure structural safety, architecture is a team service which are completed by working with others. Engineers and contractors are part of the projects for:

  • Structural safety
  • Regulatory compliance
Interior Design:

To achieve a cohesive vision, interior designers also work with others, including architects. Interior designers also collaborate with decorators for specific designs in spaces.

Conclusion

There’s a common confusion among people regarding the difference between architecture and interior design. This blog has discussed all those differences, so you can decide which one you want. One works for the macro level of a building, while the other works on a micro level.

FAQs
Q – Will an interior designer help with structural building?

A – No, interior designers don’t help with that, as structural building is the work of an architect.

Q – What factors are different between interior design and architecture?

A – Here are the main factors that differ between interior design and architecture:

  • Primary Goal
  • Scope
  • Technicality
  • When to engage
Q – Is it possible for an architect to also be an interior designer?

A – Yes, it is actually possible because some architects also focus on the interior build of the property.

Q – Which is the best interior designer and architect in Tricity?

A – Design De Maison is the one being considered as a top architect and interior designer in the Tricity.