This is a common query here. Sometimes the answer is easy to understand, however often it’s some grey areas! It’s not a ridiculous question. I’ve been both an architect as well as an interior designer during my time I’m hoping I’m in a position to provide a complete answer. In the beginning, I think it’s useful to sketch out the situations in cases where the answer is evident.
Architecture – where the work is related to the exterior of the construction i.e. external walls, roof , etc.
Designing interiors is an art when the job involves the design and the specification of furniture, interior finishes or textiles.
Anywhere in between – that is a wide variety – could be handled by anyone, however it all comes down to their own skills and knowledge.
Four kinds of home designers
Certain designers may not like being described as such however it could be beneficial for you to think about these four categories when deciding your architect, architectural designer and interior design. A person or company could easily fall under several or all categories!
1. Architectural Techie: a person or business that is interested in and knowledgeable about the pertinent technology and science, e.g. what makes buildings built in a particular manner, with certain materials. It could have been an architect. Or perhaps an architect or technologist.
2. Creative Architect: Many architects refer to their practice as being ‘design-driven which means they seek to find the most aesthetic and practical solution to your needs. But the extensive and rigorous academic training required for becoming an architect ensures that they are proficient in like the technical, management or the economics of a construction project.
3. Interior Architectural Designers: Some architects (sometimes known as interior architects, in the case of an architect registered) are primarily concerned with the interior, and not the thermal or structural components of the structure.
4. Interior designer (furniture and textiles) Interior designers specialize in the finishing touches that add a touch of beauty to rooms – typically, the things that add the most personality and appeal to homes. Flooring and wall furnishings, finishes, and fabrics are most prominent and visible every day for your guests and yourself It is crucial to do them correct!
Types of projects
Here are some typical kinds of projects, as well as our guide to determine which kind of architect or interior designer Bromley is the most appropriate.
Bathroom or kitchen remodels that are new
If you’re looking to design a single bathroom or kitchen home owners may decide to take the initiative and design and select the final finishes on their own. But, it’s not an easy undertaking and is often a cause of costly errors. It’s worth considering hiring an expert. Many kitchen businesses offer an design service with the condition that you purchase their products. However, often, it’s best to hire an independent designer who can assist you in selecting and sourcing the best materials and figure out the ideal design.
The best fit is an Interior Architectural Designer Creative Architect, Interior Designer. Interior designers would likely be ideal for this type of project as architects would not normally take on a small project of this kind (unless they are involved in a bigger project for renovation). You might also find freelancers or students that would be willing to assist.
Extension of the rear
Ideal for: Technical or creative architect.
If your design is straightforward and you are able to determine the aesthetics you’d like then a more technical architect or technician might be the best choice. If you require ideas and inspiration to design an impressive architectural statement opt for a creative Creative Architect.
Loft conversion
Ideal for: Architectural Techie.
The most significant part of the design and construction work that goes into the conversion of a loft is upgrading the thermal and structural structure of the roof area to allow it to be habitable and to meet the building and planning requirements. The space is typically only adequate for a bedroom , so the planning aspects of the design are usually quite easy. But, if you’re looking to expand instead of simply converting your loft space, you might think that more creativity is needed.
New construction house
Ideal for a Creative architect as well as an Architectural Techie.
The desire to build their own house is an artistic goal by itself, which is why it’s logical to choose an imaginative, design-led architect to make use of your “grand designs’. There are also other reasons to build your own home for instance, cost, or a desire to have a zero carbon living. In this scenario, an architectural technologist or a different “Architectural Techie” may be the better choice. Be aware that there are plenty of highly skilled designers and architect technologists that are both innovative and extremely technically proficient!
Complete house renovation
The best fit is for a creative architect or interior architectural designer.
This could mean tearing up the home and redesigning the arrangement. It could turn out to be quite a big undertaking. It will require someone adept at managing projects and adept at planning space. There could be changes to the structure, and it could be necessary to bring in an engineer for structural design.
“Knocking through” for open-plan living
The best fit is for an Interior Design or Architectural Designer.
While you might think that demolition of structural walls would require the help from an architect but it’s better served by the Interior Designer, or an Architectural Designer. You will require an engineer in calculating the beam needed to support your new opening. After the knocking through aspect is taken care of the next step is to determine the most efficient layout of furniture and deciding on the best options to make a seamless space that will be comfortable for you and your family.