Interior Designing Versus Interior Architecture
If you’re interested in planning indoor spaces for living and working, several career paths are open to you. Interior design and interior architecture are about creating attractive rooms and interior areas, but these areas have different roles and requirements.
Interior design is a practice that combines the art of design and the science of architecture, focusing on the technical aspects of planning and constructing spaces. This area is all about making the space safe and functional and designing aesthetically pleasing lighting, colors and textures into the space. Professionals practicing interior design usually combine structural elements, building materials, and artistic elements.
Interior Designer Jobs
Interior designers often have a complicated task when planning a room. Those focused on the latter analyze the existing internal structure of the space to assess constraints or requirements. Those who specialize in designing new spaces can work with other architects to ensure that interior plans work seamlessly with the rest of the structure.
Many interior designers manually sketch preliminary ideas before creating large-scale internal plans using CAD, drafts, and building information modeling (BIM) applications.
These plans often reflect the aesthetic aspects of the design along with structural elements such as electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Even the storage, cabinets are in mind when they consider aesthetics. Most storage and cabinets use joist hangers to ensure high-quality and durability of the furniture.
Interior Architect Jobs
Interior architects are also responsible for developing project plans, including cost estimates and proposed schedules. Interior designers often collaborate with other architects, interior designers, engineers, and construction teams, especially when working on complex projects.
They are responsible for making rooms and interiors comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Most interior designers begin their projects by assessing the client’s needs and goals. This typically includes how the space is used and how people move around the space.
After meeting with the client, the interior architect researches the materials and sketches plan ideas. Many interior architects use CAD and BIM programs to create 2D and 3D plans. These digital plans typically include room layouts, electrical and plumbing systems, wall and floor materials, and lighting and furniture specifications. In most cases, projects also have the necessary building permits to carry out the design.
Then they estimate the cost and schedule, order materials, apply for critical permits, and procure contractors to complete the work. Most interior designers manage small teams of contractors and work closely with architects, engineers, and artisans. They typically oversee all construction and installation work associated with the plan and may perform some design and installation work themselves.