It really depends on how much you want to reconfigure. It also depends on the interior designer and the architect.

Generally the difference between architects and interior designers is that an architect reimagines the physical space - as in the position of walls, doors, windows - and reconfigures that to make it work, while an interior designer works with a floor plan and makes the spaces that exist work by choice and positions of furniture, and then aesthetics of colours, patterns, textures of the finishes and fittings.

There is some overlap between the two profession.

Some interior designers will advise you on repositioning some elements like a door, or part of a wall, but this isn't generally what they focus on primarily even though some do this a lot.

Some architects will choose long term finishes, like exposed brick walls, or floor finishes - things that are a more permanent part of the fabric of the building, and may choose some colours for you or design your kitchens and bathrooms as part of their service... it really depends on the practice and how they work.

If you are looking more for help with the layouts of rooms, and maybe making some structural alterations and you plan to decide your own furniture and decorating choices, then probably an architect is your better bet.

If you want help with making the space work better more through furniture positions and selection, plus design and selection for decorating - wallpaper, paint colours, etc.. then an interior designer is more what you need.

Hope this helps!

Jane

www.i-architect.co.uk

Hi Claire, Like Jane said above, it really does depend on the interior designer or architect. The aim for both would be to create a layout that flows and works best for you, so either way the person will need to be concerned with how you use the space as well as aesthetics. Some interior designers have architectural experience some are mainly concerned with furniture, fittings and soft furnishings. Some architects just work with creating buildings some want to be involved with the tiniest of details and interior finishes. Probably best to look at your local architects and designers and see who seems better for what your looking for. When it comes to removing walls you will need to get a structural engineer and local building control officer involved either way to ensure it is doable and safe. Good luck with your house move and renovations.

Thank you both so much for such a comprehensive explanation- hugely helpful! We initially planned to engage with an architect and I’m reassured now that it is what we need. Thank you!

Hi Claire, I second Studio Vonne's opinion, it mostly depends on the individual architect/interior designer as areas of expertise can overlap, especially when it comes to internal layout and flow of spaces. It is more clear cut with regards to the design of the external envelope (architect's domain) and furniture and fittings (interior designer's).

Personally, I am an interior designer and I am very involved with working out layouts and shaping spaces, as this is a key area of my skills. Having said that, most professionals will have a network of professional contacts that they will bring into the project (structural engineer, architect etc.) so that all elements of the design are covered.

Thank you Tiziana

Thanks for the mention Victoria !

Alas I’m too late to the party ! (Was busy working on this weeks projects ! )

OnePlan are Concept planners - so not Architects and not interior designers - but a sort of mash up of the good elements of both, mixed with an extra splash of (boring but necessary) common sense, and loads of enthusiasm, inspiration occasionally and where we can, innovation ! Click on my icon or name to see some examples and client reviews!

Hi I would research thoroughly, I recently employed an architect who didn't really offer ideas, wanted me to come up with everything. My builder has actually been much better at coming up with ideas.

Thanks Joanne that’s helpful advice

In all my jobs I often see/have seen drawings made by architects (be it new or existing builds) and too often they seem to have no clue what 'flow' and 'practical' mean..

Then again interior designers might not have an idea what constructional changes can be made to achieve a little more of this 'flow' and 'practical'.

So if it's called Concept Planning that does both, I'd say find one of those! And have proper measured floorplans made of your house, with loadbearing walls and drainage pipes etc.

I find that often people think they are working with an architect but in actual fact they are just working with someone who says they are, or when pushed will say something like "well I can do the same thing as an architect". I frequently get builders giving me the number of an "architect" they work with as a reference, but when I call to check out the reference I find I'm not talking with an architect at all, but someone who is far less qualified.

While there are good and bad architects, you will find that all real and experienced architects, do understand "flow" and "practical".

So if you are searching for an architect make sure you check that the person you are considering working with is registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

It’s an offence to use the word Architect if you aren’t one ! You can be taken to court etc !

( as in, use the word to describe your services or as part of a brand name - not just to say the word ! )

Yes exactly - but so many do it. I find a lot of people come to me really dissatisfied with the work they've had done and really believe that they've worked with an architect. Then when I look at the drawings they have it's really clear that it wasn't an architect at all... People just don't know that architect is a protected title and you can check easily if they really are one or not. It doesn't take an average of 9 years to qualify as an architect for nothing!! :)

it completely depends on the conditions of the house:

does it require structural improvements?

is there any legal constraint?

does it require many trades?

How are plumbing and electricity?

if you are ok with the rooms, windows and floor conditions, you are not into any extension or loft or other construction works, an interior design would suffice.

Not all the Architects do interior, not all the ID have architectural knowledge, make sure you work with someone that understands your wishes!

I might be a bit late in responding to this question now, but approaching this from a builder's point of view, we have worked with some very talented Interior Designers and some very talented architects. If you would like me to have a look at your brief, I could point you in the direction that I would go in, knowing what I know.

I look forward to hearing from you

With best wishes

Eugene Crighton

Managing Director

Goodwood Fitch