When planning a new home, renovation, or commercial fit-out, knowing who to hire is critical. Many people confuse the roles of architects and interior designers, assuming they offer the same services. While both contribute to a successful building project, their responsibilities, qualifications, and focus areas differ significantly. At dRAW Architecture, we offer comprehensive architectural services, often collaborating with interior designers and other professionals to deliver complete, well-planned spaces.
This guide compares architects vs interior designers across their education, licensing, focus areas, and collaboration, helping you decide who best suits your needs. Whether you're planning a modern extension, an internal reconfiguration, or a high-spec interior redesign, this article will guide you through the distinctions in a clear, practical way.
An architect is a qualified professional trained to design buildings, oversee construction, and ensure that all technical, regulatory, and safety standards are met. Architects are required by law to register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in the UK and typically hold a Part 3 qualification, having completed at least seven years of formal education and training.
At dRAW Architecture, our architects not only handle building design but also manage planning applications, party wall matters, and construction administration. They are involved in every stage of the project, from initial concept through to completion. Their skillset combines creativity with technical competence, ensuring that each structure is functional, sustainable, and complies with UK building regulations.
Architects can work on residential homes, commercial properties, schools, healthcare centres, and public spaces. Their responsibilities also include liaising with local authorities, structural engineers, and other specialists to make sure the project is viable and safe.
An architect manages both the design and technical execution of a building. Their scope of work usually includes:
In the UK, architects must adhere to the RIBA Plan of Work, a framework that outlines project stages from briefing to post-occupancy evaluation. At dRAW Architecture, we follow this model closely to provide structure and clarity for every client.
Architects are essential when the project involves changing the building's structure, layout, or footprint. They also have the authority to submit applications and handle technical documentation required by local councils.
An interior designer plans and enhances interior spaces. Their goal is to improve functionality, flow, and aesthetics while reflecting the client's personal taste or brand identity. Unlike architects, interior designers do not require formal licensing in the UK, though many hold degrees or diplomas in interior design.
Interior designers often specialise in space planning, material selection, colour theory, lighting, furnishings, and finishes. At dRAW Architecture, we frequently collaborate with experienced interior designers on high-end residential and commercial projects, especially in spaces where atmosphere and experience matter, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and reception areas.
Interior designers can also help clients with mood boards, product sourcing, and working with trades to implement their vision. However, they do not typically design structural elements or manage regulatory compliance, which is the architect’s responsibility.
Interior designers are deeply involved in the look and feel of indoor spaces. Their role includes:
While interior designers may provide plans or drawings, they are not authorised to submit building control documents or planning applications unless under the guidance of a licensed architect.
For home improvements that involve visual upgrades or non-structural changes, an interior designer might be enough. However, when the project includes moving walls, installing new windows, or altering the building’s framework, hiring an architect is essential.
The term interior architect can be confusing. In the UK, it is not a legally protected title, unlike “architect,” which is regulated by the ARB. An interior architect is typically someone trained in spatial design and interior detailing, often blending skills from both architecture and interior design.
However, unless they are registered with the ARB, interior architects cannot legally call themselves architects or provide certain services. At dRAW Architecture, we prefer to work with fully qualified professionals who understand where each role begins and ends, ensuring clarity and compliance across your project.
In many projects, especially large refurbishments or listed building alterations, we combine our architectural team with interior specialists to maintain structural integrity while achieving the desired visual result.
Architects and interior designers have distinct roles in a building project. Architects undergo over seven years of training and are licensed to handle structural design, planning applications, and building regulations. They focus on the overall design and legal aspects of a project. Interior designers, with 2–4 years of education, specialise in the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces. They focus on layout, materials, and furnishings but do not deal with structural design or planning permissions.
While architects often lead multi-disciplinary teams, interior designers work alongside architects and builders to refine the interior experience. Essentially, architects manage the structural integrity and legal compliance of a building, while interior designers enhance the interior's visual appeal and usability.
In the UK, only individuals registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) can legally use the title “architect.” This ensures they are trained to design structurally sound buildings and meet building regulations.
Interior designers do not require licensing, but many join voluntary organisations such as the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) or the Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID) to demonstrate credibility.
At dRAW Architecture, all our architects are fully registered and insured, offering peace of mind when tackling large or regulated projects.
Architects design the entire building envelope, walls, roofs, floor levels, external appearance, and internal structure. They think about the technical and environmental performance of a building.
Interior designers design the internal experience, materials, textures, colours, furniture, and flow. Their decisions shape how a space feels, functions, and adapts to the user.
In projects handled by dRAW Architecture, the architect ensures that internal spaces are structurally viable, while designers bring the emotional and visual qualities that transform the space into a home or brand environment.
Architects focus on:
Interior designers focus on:
This makes them complementary. At dRAW Architecture, we frequently manage both the architectural and interior aspects of a project or bring in trusted design collaborators where needed.
Yes, and they often do. Large or high-spec projects benefit from a collaborative approach, where the architect and designer work in tandem. The architect ensures spatial logic, safety, and compliance, while the interior designer refines the material palette and user experience.
At dRAW Architecture, we work with trusted interior designers, especially when a project requires bespoke joinery, lighting design, or a detailed FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) schedule. We believe the best projects are those where design disciplines respect and support each other.
Your choice depends on your goals:
dRAW Architecture offers consultations to assess your project needs and advise whether additional interior design services are required.
They can provide layout drawings, but these are not suitable for planning or building control approval unless checked and submitted by a licensed architect.
Yes, many architects, including those at dRAW Architecture, offer interior design as part of a full service. However, for highly styled or brand-specific interiors, a dedicated interior designer can add extra value.
Architects typically charge more due to licensing, liability, and scope of work. However, fees vary based on experience and project size. Some projects benefit from having both professionals involved to avoid costly mistakes or design conflicts.
Choosing between an architect and an interior designer depends on your project’s scope, complexity, and goals. For structural changes, compliance, and full project management, an architect is essential. For surface-level design, comfort, and style, an interior designer is ideal. Often, the best results come from a collaborative effort.
At dRAW Architecture, we specialise in architectural services across London and beyond, delivering high-quality residential, commercial, and interior projects. Whether you need planning advice or a full design-to-build package, our expert team is here to help you build better.
