The roles of interior architects and interior designers are often mistaken for one another. Though both are involved in the design of interior environments, they differ in their responsibilities, educational backgrounds, and extent of involvement in projects.
An interior architect has an accredited degree in architecture along with a professional license, specializing in aspects beyond interior aesthetics. This includes structural considerations, compliance with building and safety regulations, and the skill to transform existing spaces for new uses. In contrast, interior designers typically concentrate on the planning of space and stylistic embellishments and may have various specialties within the broad field of design.
When managing a project, an interior architect can oversee the entire project scope, addressing both the fundamental structure and the finer design elements. Interior designers primarily work within the parameters of an existing architectural framework.