Should I study Architecture or Interior Design?
Since both architects and interior designers work with buildings and designs, most people tend to get confused about their work profiles. We have tried to provide a comprehensive list of differences and similarities between these two professions.
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Who is an Architect?
Architects primarily work with the exterior of the building. They are responsible for designing the structure and external appearance of the building, either from scratch or to make specific structural changes during a renovation process. They develop all types of buildings, including homes, hospitals, and hotels.
An architect communicates with the client and makes building plans according to the client's needs and budget. They are experts at drawing up new and original designs to create functional, structurally sound, aesthetically appealing buildings. It is in their purview to plan spatial relationships of the rooms, such as the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, and simultaneously ensure that the spacing matches the client's requirements.
As an architect, one will need to have excellent designing, mathematical, logical, analytical and problem-solving skills. Most of the time, architects will work in an office environment; however, they will also have to oversee the project's construction. Therefore, they will also visit construction sites to keep track of the project's progress.
Who is an Interior Designer?
Interior designers primarily work with the interior of the building. They are in charge of designing and decorating new spaces or redesigning old spaces' use and aesthetics. Interior designers are indispensable when it comes to space planning for all buildings, including homes, office spaces, hotels, and hospitals.
An interior designer will interact with clients to understand the psychological and emotional aspects of the spaces they design. They choose or design furniture, wall designs, color schemes, design styles, kitchen layouts, flooring, lighting, and more to create a living/workspace, to meet these client requirements.
The key areas of expertise required in this role include spatial, creative and artistic skills in addition to technical knowledge. It is also necessary to have an aesthetic sense and keen attention to detail to succeed in this field. An interior designer works both in an office space and on-site, based on the project requirements.
Career Path to become an Architect and an Interior Designer
To become an architect, you will need to opt for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) at the 11th and 12th grade. There are two entrance examinations to pursue Architecture at the graduate level. You can either appear for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) or the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Once you clear the test, you will be pursuing a 5-year B.Arch. program. After completing this course, you can either join the workforce or continue your education by doing M.Arch, followed by Ph.D. You can opt for specialization courses at the higher education level, including Landscape Architecture, Environmental Architecture, Digital Architecture, etc.
[PCM in 12th→ NATA/JEE→ 5-year B.Arch→ M.Arch→ Ph.D.]
To become an interior designer, you will need to choose Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) at the 12th level. After 12th, there are two pathways to pursue this career. You can either opt for a Bachelor of Science in Interior Designing (B.Sc.) or a Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) program. If you wish to choose a B.Sc. course, you will be admitted based on your 12th grade marks, except in some institutions where they have their entrance exam. The duration of this course may be 3, 4, or 5 years based on the institution you join. You can follow it up with an appropriate M.Sc. course or start working after your graduation.
[PCM in 12th→ (12 results/entrance exam) 3,4,5 year-B.Sc.--> M.Sc.]
If you wish to pursue the B.Des course, you will need to appear for entrance exams such as UCEED/AIEED/NID DAT/NIFT Exam. Once you clear this exam, you can start your 4-year B.Des. Program. After you finish your graduation, you can either begin to work or complete a post-graduation course in M.Des.
[PCM in 12th→ UCEED/AIEED/NID DAT/NIFT Exam--> 4 year-B.Des→ M.Des]
Job responsibilities of an Architect and an Interior Designer
The key responsibilities of an architect are-
- Discuss with clients and formulate building plans
- Design and deliver the complete building
- Draw up contracts with construction crew and contractors
- Adhere to building codes and regulations during construction
- Adhere to the client's budget for the project
- Ensure technical aspects such as safety issues, engineering, exterior materials, climate, lighting, ventilation, and flooring
The key responsibilities of an interior designer are-
- Discuss with clients and formulate designing plans
- Create the desired look/mood/feel within the building
- Source all the required materials
- Work with carpenters and installers, if necessary
- Understand the needs and lifestyle of the clients
- Keep in mind the budget of clients
- Furnish and accessorize spaces, using soft furnishings, hangings, clocks, vases, etc.
Architecture VS Interior Designing
| Architecture | Interior Designing |
|---|---|
| Deals with the exterior of the building | Deals with the interior of the building |
| Create functional, structurally sound, aesthetically appealing buildings | Create psychologically, emotionally and aesthetically appealing living/workspaces |
| Adhere to building codes and regulations for construction | Adhere to the human needs and lifestyle of the client |
| Require mathematical, logical, analytical, and problem-solving skills | Require spatial, creative, and artistic skills |
| The main focus is on technical knowledge | The main focus is on technical knowledge and aesthetic sense |
| Need to pursue B.Arch | Need to pursue B.Sc. Interior Designing or B.Des. |
Still confused as to whether you should choose architecture or interior designing? Take the Marg Career Guidance Test and find out the best career that is suited for you.
