How interior designers work with architects

If you're newer to interior design, you might be wondering, “Do interior designers work with architects?” While the answer is “yes,” it’s also more nuanced than that. In this Houzz Pro Learn guide, we’ll give you all you need to know to start working with architects as an interior designer, how to determine when an architect is needed and more.

What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer?

Interior designers and architects have very distinct roles and responsibilities in design projects. Read on to learn the ins and outs of the difference. 

Is interior design related to architecture?

Interior design is related to architecture in that they both involve the designs of structures, whether buildings, homes, offices, retail stores, etc. Architecture more commonly concerns the exterior design of a structure, while interior design typically focuses on the inside elements of a space (e.g. functionality and aesthetics). But architects also work on specific elements of interior space design and can be called upon to work with an interior designer when their expertise is needed, or if any exterior design is needed in a project.

Do interior designers work directly with architects and engineers?

An architect is trained in both the aesthetic and scientific design of structures. With their unique training, they use a combination of artistic creativity and practical engineering to create and oversee designs that are visually appealing and structurally sound. A structure’s safety, function and environmental impact are among some of the chief concerns of an architect or structural engineer, along with estimating building costs, materials needed and the project timeline. It’s also necessary for architects to design according to local building codes and adhere to zoning laws.

When do architects and interior designers work together?

An interior designer would work directly with an architect or building engineer when a structural change is required for an interior design project. This could come about when a design requires you to remove a wall, reconfigure the placement of windows in a space or change the ceiling height, to give a few examples. Architects also need to be brought into a project when altering the internal systems of a structure, such as electrical, heating and cooling, plumbing, etc.

How interior designers can bring architects into projects

Now we’ll get to the core question of this guide: how do interior designers work with architects? Read on to learn exactly how and when to bring an architect into your design project. 

Use project scope to determine if an architect is needed

The examples mentioned in the section above will help give you a good starting point for knowing if the project scope will require working with an architect. Here are a few more items to consider:

• Your construction knowledge: If you don’t have extensive, certified knowledge of constructing buildings, then working with an architect when making any type of structural change will be required. 
• Internal systems changes: Working with an architect will also be needed when making any changes to the interstitial elements of a space—namely, what’s behind the walls or in the ceiling (electrical, plumbing, etc.).
• Exterior design: Any exterior changes to a structure will need to be reviewed by an architect to make sure it is structurally sound, safe and abides by all local building codes.

Search for architects online or through your network

Utilise the best resources you can when searching for the right architect for your interior design project. You can search online, through LinkedIn or within your professional database and can even search Houzz architects near you to find established architects in your area. Joining a local building and interior designers professional group is another great way to meet potential architects to work with and expand your network. 

Conduct meetings with architects to get a sense of their style

It’s very important to have meetings with potential architects you’re interested in working with to see if your design styles, and also work styles, are compatible. Having this professional resonance will help make your designs more fluid, while also making project collaboration easier.

Require clients to use one of your preferred architects

Naturally,  the relationship interior designers and architects have when working on a project is highly interconnected and collaborative. It’s very important, then, to take advantage of the positive and productive relationships you’ll form with the architects you work with and stipulate that your clients use an architect of your choice. As you work with different architects, you’ll become more familiar with their strengths, style and be better able to recommend the right architect for the right design job when it arises. Having your client sign off on your recommended architect at the start of the project will help you see your vision through, far more seamlessly, and enable greater cohesion in your overall design.

Conclusion

You now know how architects and interior designers work together and can move forward to maximise the benefits of this important business relationship. To learn more about how to make your workflow more efficient, explore our interior design software.

To expand your knowledge of how designers can work well with other tradies, keep reading our next guide How Interior Designers Work With Contractors.