Always confused about which one to pursue? Like which is better, Architecture Vs. Interior Design?
Every building tells a story, a story embedded in its walls, a tale told by its originators. Such stories are crafted by the intricate work of both Architects and Interior Designers.
Such people work in sync with each other to make a building and its indoor spaces functional, pleasant and appealing. They create spaces in our surroundings that impact our psychology and well-being.
Since both Architects and Interior Designers have a similar work profile that involves designing, people often get confused between these overlapping professions. For instance, an Architect designs the structure of a building, while an Interior Designer designs what goes inside the building.
Hence, before ambling on to any of these professions you should know the differences between them. I’ll take you through all of these differences one by one, and will also discuss how you can pursue a career in either of the two fields.
Who is an Architect?
Empty spaces built to perfection with a delicate balance between planning and execution is the work of an architect. They create new, colourful, interesting, creative spaces that light up our surroundings and don’t let boredom set in.
An Architect is a person who designs, reviews, and oversees the construction of buildings. S/he creates a structure on a given space that is both functional and pleasing to the eye at the same time. All the details that are present on the exterior of a building are the work of an Architect.
They also plan the basic structure of the building that includes the placement of rooms, kitchen, dining room, garden, and ensure that appropriate space is rewarded to them in accordance with the client’s requirements.
Who is an Interior Designer?
After a building is constructed, the responsibility of accessorizing and furnishing the empty spaces within the building lies with the Interior Designer. As the name suggests, these people design the interiors of a place and internally beautify the site in accordance with the purpose they will be used for.
For instance, if they are given the project of a house, they decide which sofas are to be kept in the drawing room, which curtains would go well with the sofa, what color scheme should be followed in the house, if any woodwork is required, where should the different furniture items be placed, which paintings would enhance the look of the house, what kind of accessories like hangings, clocks, vases, etc. are required to balance the room.
Hence, interior designers fill up the empty spaces within a building to make them complete.
So, as you can see, the work of Architects and Interior Designers is vastly different. Now, let’s look at the specifics of their differences one-by-one.
What are the Major Differences between Architecture and Interior Design?
The two professions differ on the basis of their training, what they focus on, and what they design, as follows:
- What they Design– Architects design buildings, while interior designers design the interiors of the building, which includes furniture, fixtures, and other accessories to create a desired look and function for spaces inside the building.
- What they are trained in– An Architect is trained in creating a structural building that meets national, state and local building codes. The interior designer is trained in creating a functional and quality interior environment.
- Requirements they focus on– Architects are more focused on the technical requirements like form, material, climate, lighting, ventilation, flooring, etc. while interior designers pay attention to the human psychology and emotional aspects of spaces.
For instance, Interior Designers design hospital rooms that affect the psychology of the patient and promote faster healing, such as calm/ healing colours, light in the room, movement, enough windows and scenic view, etc. Similarly, they design spaces that encourage better learning in educational set-ups.
Having gained clarity on how the two professions differ, let’s look at the path you should follow in order to become an architect or an interior designer.
How to Become an Architect?
- Pursue 10+2 with PCM as a compulsory subject. Pass 10+2 with at least 50% marks.
- Appear for NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)- NATA is an entrance examination, qualifying which makes you eligible for taking admission for B.Arch. It tests the following skills: Drawing, Observation, Critical Thinking Ability, Aesthetic Sensitivity and Sense of Proportion.
- Students willing to join NITs or other Govt. Funded technical institutes are expected to write JEE Mains paper 2A and Students willing to join IITs are expected to write JEE Mains paper 1 followed by JEE advanced and Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT).
- B.Arch is a 5-year course in Architecture.
- Pursue M.Arch on the postgraduate level if you wish to specialize further in the field. Specialization courses include Landscape Architecture, Environmental Architecture, Digital Architecture, etc.
- Pursue a PhD program (optional), where you can undertake research work in a specialized field, such as Transport Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Planning, Housing, Industrial Design, etc.
Colleges for Architecture
Some top institutes recognized by COA (Council of Architecture of India) and AICTE (All India Council of Technical Education) offering architectural courses are School of Planning & Architecture (New Delhi), Sir J.J College of Architecture (Mumbai), Indian Institute of Technology (Roorkee, Kharagpur, BHU),Birla Institute Of Technology (Mesra), Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (Ahmedabad), etc.
How to Become an Interior Designer?
- Pursue (10+2) with any stream , some institutes may ask for PCM as a compulsory stream. Students are expected to secure at least 55% marks to get admission in some good institute.
- Take the multi-level entrance test conducted by The School of Interior Design (SID) CEPT University, Ahmedabad for admission to a full-time 5-year Professional Education Program in Interior Design leading to the award of Bachelor of Interior Design.
- After completion of your 4-5 years degree course, you can work with a senior Interior Designer for exposure and experience or opt for a higher-level Designing course like MSc. (Interior Design) offered by different design institutes in India.
If you are still wondering whether Interior Designing is the right career choice for you or not, or need assistance in choosing the right program/college, you should join our ‘Virtual Career Simulator’ in Interior Design and get yourself upskilled and certified by Mindler.
Colleges for Interior Design
Some leading institutes for Interior Design include: National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Sai School of Interior Design (New Delhi), Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (Ahmedabad), Sir JJ School of Art (Mumbai), National Institute of Fashion Design (Multiple Locations), etc.
So, where do you think you fit well? Interior Design or Architecture? If you think you have the skill to design places and fill empty spaces with your creativity, then take the Mindler assessment and let our career coaches help you discover your perfect career.
Are you still a little confused between the two? If this is the case, you can join our ‘Virtual Career Simulation’ in Architecture and get yourself upskilled and certified by Mindler to resolve your career doubts.
Conclusion: Architect vs. Interior Designer: Choose Your Creative Path
Architects and interior designers both play crucial roles in shaping our built environment. This guide has shed light on their distinct focuses – architects on structure and form, interior designers on function and feel.
So, are you passionate about designing entire buildings or transforming existing spaces? This choice hinges on your creative vision. Research further, explore your interests, and embark on your journey to becoming a design powerhouse!
