Interior Architectural Designer Confused with Interior Designer

When I was in college, I majored in the course "Interior Architecture and Design", which is usually only offered by foreign universities. Although this course involves the field of architecture, to truly become a professional architect requires more professional knowledge and skills. During college, I have explored this field in depth, and found a related article on the Internet, hoping to further understand the knowledge in this field.

I am studying INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN in university. This kind of courses are only available in foreign universities. Although there is a word ARCHITECTURE (it takes a very professional architect to afford the word architecture), It is true that I discussed this when I was in college. I found a related article on the Internet to see what it said.

Interior Architecture vs. Interior Design: Explore the Differences

The following is my own excerpt from the article:

Architects are professionals who specialize in solving external and internal building structure problems and creative design. Interior architecture pays more attention to the function of space. Although interior architecture and interior design are often confused, interior design is more about aesthetics. Following are the differences between these two professions.

Interior architecture focuses on interior spaces and their functions for human habitation. It combines art and science to create, restore or remodel the interiors of various buildings, such as homes, offices or other interior spaces. This type of architecture also involves converting one type of space into another (also known as adaptive reuse), such as converting the interior of an old office building into a livable residence.

Interior design is more about aesthetics. It is a profession that focuses on architecture and space planning, creating cohesive and aesthetically pleasing designs for homes and businesses within the built environment or existing structures. But the interior design industry has continued to evolve over the years as more and more designers embrace these technical aspects of building structures in their designs.

Interior architects must balance aesthetics with practicality (functional and environmental design). Unlike interior decoration, which focuses on interior design aesthetics and furnishings, interior architectural design considers the function, safety, and appearance of a building's interior. This required a great deal of skill and careful consideration throughout the design process. Interior architects receive specialized training to perform these tasks, usually by obtaining a degree and professional certification in their field (though not available in Hong Kong).

The first step in an interior architect project is asking questions and listening. They will ask about the client's wish list and the function that the space needs to perform, having to consider how much space each area will need to fulfill its desired function. The interior architect will also understand the client's style and taste and make proposals for the interior architecture, the needs will be properly assessed and then options will be searched to meet those requirements. A draft created by an interior architectural designer may include the general layout of the interior building, as well as wall arrangements, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, ventilation, structural finishes, colors, and possibly even furniture. Sketches can start by hand drawing, but will also be created utilizing computerized design and drafting (such as CAD and 3D) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). In Hong Kong, BIM is still in its infancy in the interior architecture world. The interior architect will also show the client sample images to help them visualize what the building will look like when complete. At this stage, a timeline is also drawn up for the client to see when they can complete the various stages of the work. At the same time, an accurate estimate of the cost of the entire project must be made.

After confirming the interior layout and creating a functional workspace, the interior architect needs to gather details such as cabinetry, wall details, windows, custom kitchens and bathrooms, flooring, paint, and more. In addition, they prepare and present architectural drawings and specifications to ensure that buildings comply with building codes and design codes.

The interior architect is responsible for the consent application process and regularly coordinates the procurement and purchase of building materials, furniture, lighting, etc. When choosing materials, they need to consider the durability and strength of the material. In addition, interior architects need a deep understanding of how to use light, color and texture in a space to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They also need to oversee the ordering, delivery and installation of all these items and manage the entire construction process. This may require managing entire teams of builders, inspectors, designers, or even other architects while interacting with multiple clients. In some cases, interior architects can even get involved with the building itself.

In conclusion, interior architects need to manage the entire project, from initial planning, through construction, to completion. They need to ensure that projects are completed on schedule, on time, and on budget. Every project requires a different creative mindset. Certain projects may require different contractors than others. To be a successful interior architect requires building trust and relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers and surveyors.

In Hong Kong, interior designers need to have the skills mentioned above, and interior architectural designers usually consider multiple perspectives in a deeper level, such as technology, environmental protection, environment, sustainable development, space and the relationship between internal and external buildings, As well as studies in areas such as architectural design and culture. Therefore, an interior architectural designer may be more specialized than an interior designer. Overall, the education and knowledge are about the same for both, but interior architectural designers need to consider more factors.

Edmond Lai