Many homeowners feel stuck deciding even if to hire an architect or an interior designer. You're planning a big project, maybe a home extension, a loft conversion, or a major interior refresh, and you want it done right. But figuring out who to turn to can be confusing. Both architects and interior designers work with spaces, but their roles, training, and services are quite different.
This guide will explain the key differences between architects and interior designers, so you can make the best decision for your project. If you're building something new or changing the structure of your home, your needs will be very different from someone who simply wants to change colours, materials, or furnishings. At Draw Architecture, we help clients make smart choices based on what their project really needs, not just the title of the person they hire.
An architect is a qualified professional who is legally registered to design buildings and oversee construction. In the UK, architects must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and may also be members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This means they have completed a minimum of seven years of education and training, including practical experience.
Architects are responsible for how a building stands, works, and complies with regulations. Their role is much more than visual design, they look at structure, safety, energy use, and space planning. They’re also responsible for making sure a building meets local council rules and the legal requirements for planning and building control.
Architects design the structure and flow of buildings. This includes planning room layouts, designing extensions, preparing drawings for planning permission, and making sure the building complies with building regulations. They are trained to think in terms of scale, proportions, and how people use space.
For example, if you're planning a side or rear extension in London, an architect from Draw Architecture will not only design how it looks but also work out structural solutions, manage engineers, and guide the project through local planning authorities. Architects often manage projects from the first idea through to completion, acting as lead consultants and project coordinators.
An interior designer focuses on how spaces look and feel. Their job is to make your home comfortable, attractive, and suitable for your lifestyle. They work with colours, materials, lighting, furniture, textures, and layout, but they do not alter the building’s structure or submit plans for planning permission.
Interior designers often step in after the main structure of a home is complete. They work closely with homeowners to create a space that fits their taste and day-to-day needs. While they do improve function and flow, their work is mostly visual and finish-focused.
Interior designers work with wall colours, flooring types, kitchen and bathroom fittings, lighting plans, and furniture placement. They may prepare mood boards, source materials, and help with decorating decisions that suit your budget and style.
They don’t generally handle structural work or liaise with local councils for approvals. So if your project includes knocking down walls, extending, or converting part of your home, you would need an architect first. However, if your home is structurally complete and you want to refresh or redesign the inside, an interior designer could be the right fit.
The term “interior architect” can be confusing. In the UK, “architect” is a legally protected title, and anyone using it must be registered with the ARB. However, some designers use the term "interior architect" to describe a role that blends structural layout changes and interior design.
Interior architecture can involve moving internal walls, changing layouts, or adapting buildings for different uses, usually without affecting the external structure. At Draw Architecture, we offer a Architecture Services that merges this kind of internal reconfiguration with full architectural oversight, ensuring the result is both functional and compliant.
There are clear differences between an architect and an interior designer:
If you’re adding square footage to your home or making major structural changes, you’ll need an architect. If you’re updating your kitchen or redesigning a lounge, an interior designer might be enough.
You’ll need an architect if your project includes:
At Draw Architecture, we regularly support projects like these in London and across the UK. We manage everything from the first design meeting to final sign-off, helping clients get both council approvals and a great end result.
Interior designers are a good choice for:
Some designers specialise in certain styles (like minimal, industrial, or country home aesthetics), and they’re often brought in after the build is complete. If your project doesn't need planning approval or structural changes, hiring a designer may save time and money.
Yes, and many successful projects include both. An architect sets the framework, while an interior designer fine-tunes the living experience. Together, they can deliver a home that functions well and looks beautiful.
At Draw Architecture, we often collaborate with interior designers. This allows us to provide clients with complete support, from structure and layouts to lighting and materials, while making sure everything fits within budget, regulations, and your taste.
If you’re unsure who to hire, start by asking: Do I need to change the structure, layout, or size of my home? If yes, an architect is your first call. If no, and you’re focusing on furnishings or finishes, a designer might be enough.
You don’t have to choose alone. Draw Architecture offers consultations to help clients understand what they need and plan their project with confidence. We’ll tell you whether your project needs architectural input, and we’re happy to recommend great interior designers if that’s the right step.
We understand that most projects involve both structure and style. That’s why Draw Architecture provides more than architectural plans. Our team brings together planning experience, practical solutions, and thoughtful layouts that make everyday life better.
Whether it’s a home extension, a full renovation, or a layout redesign, we help guide every decision, from structural work to the finishing touches. That means fewer delays, fewer compromises, and a home that works for the way you live.
In short, architects shape buildings, designers shape interiors. Both are important, but they do very different jobs. If you're planning changes that affect the structure or need planning permission, choose an architect. If you're improving the look of your home without changing its bones, an interior designer may be all you need.
For expert guidance from concept to completion, contact Draw Architecture. We’ll help you build the right team and bring your ideas to life, smartly, clearly, and with purpose.
