Blog
Interior Designer or Architect? How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Project
Have you ever wondered whether you need an architect or an interior designer for your project?
In fact, you don’t always need both, but it’s crucial to know which one suits your specific case.
If you’re about to transform your home, office, or boutique space, choosing the right professionals can make the difference between a smooth process and a project full of unexpected issues.
In this article, we’ll clarify the roles of these two specialists and help you understand who you should involve in your project.
1. What’s the Difference Between an Architect and an Interior Designer?
The distinction may seem subtle, but it’s fundamental.
An architect has a regulated degree and mainly works on the building’s volumetric design and site placement. They ensure that the project complies with all legal and technical standards, especially for new constructions or projects involving structural changes.
An interior designer, or interior architect, on the other hand, focuses on the interior space: the layout, colors, finishes, lighting, furniture, and style. In addition to creating the design concept, they can manage the entire process, coordinate teams, and hire the right specialists.
2. When to Hire One, the Other, or Both?
The right answer always depends on the type of project you have.
New construction
If you are building from scratch, hiring an architect is mandatory. They ensure that everything complies with legal and technical regulations.
However, involving an interior designer from the start allows the interior to be planned in harmony with the architecture, avoiding forced adjustments or unnecessary expenses later on.
Interior renovations without structural changes
If you’re planning to renovate your home without structural changes, an interior designer can lead the entire process, from concept to execution. Still, even without touching walls, many projects benefit from subtle adjustments to the layout or space organization.
That’s why certain interior design and architecture studios, like RIMA, collaborate with engineers and architects whenever necessary to ensure that aesthetics, comfort, and functionality go hand in hand.
Rehabilitation with structural changes
For deeper interventions involving structural changes, a multidisciplinary team is essential. In addition to the interior designer, you’ll need an engineer to conduct the structural study and often an architect to handle legal aspects and permits. Studios like RIMA are experienced in coordinating these professionals, ensuring a harmonious, safe execution aligned with the client’s vision.
Working with an integrated team is key to keeping everything on track, from budget and deadlines to the final result. The most important thing is ensuring that the project meets your needs, complies with technical requirements, and enhances the space.
3. How to Choose the Right Professional?
More important than choosing a “title” is choosing someone you connect with — in style, communication, and working methodology.
This professional (or team) should help you:
• Turn your vision into reality;
• Understand the real needs of your space;
• Assemble the right technical team (architect, engineer, contractors);
• Ensure the project runs within budget, style, and methodology that suit you best.
At RIMA, we believe that a good project starts with empathy. We listen, translate, and propose, always aiming to create timeless, functional, and visually striking spaces.
The right choice transforms spaces
Choosing between an architect and an interior designer depends on the type of intervention, legal requirements, and the level of customization you’re looking for.
But most importantly, it’s about trusting the professional who will guide you through the process.
Ready to transform your space?
At RIMA, we help you define what you really need and build the ideal team for your project.
Cover Image: @studiogiancarlovalle
Some of the images used in this article are not the exclusive property of our company and are credited to their respective owners. We ensure proper acknowledgment to the copyright holders of these images. If there are any concerns about the use of a specific image, we request that you contact us so that we can address the issue appropriately.