I’ve always been fascinated by the magic that a great interior design and interior architecture create when an empty blank canvas is turned into a living artwork. Sometimes it feels like pure magic because space has the ability to transform a building into a home, and the rooms in the said home can have a positive impact on your mood. Growing up, I really wanted to be an architect so that I could build houses and dabble in some interior design. Although that dream didn’t pan out, I’m still very much passionate about design.
Did you know that there’s a difference between interior designers, interior architects and interior decorators? Although subtle, the differences (and similarities) are worth noting and I would like to shine some light on them today.
Interior architects juggle the artistic and the structural requirements of designing the space inside a building while taking into account all aspects of the building. Interior designers focus on creating functional spaces within a building based on their understanding of the people that will be using the space.
The difference between an interior architect and designer is that an interior architect is well versed in the science behind the structural needs of a building. Interior designers and architects are able to decorate a space to make it more beautiful. It is important to note that in order to refer to yourself as an interior architect in Australia, you need to be registered with the regulatory board in your state.
Interior decorators can only decorate a space making it more beautiful than it was – they cannot design a space in the same way that an architect or designer can. Interior decorators are sometimes referred to as interior stylists as they work with the existing ‘bones’ of the building, focusing mainly on cosmetic changes. Most interior decorators and stylists have a diploma in interior design.
I have this dream of creating an inviting space in my home where it feels like once you step into the home, all the stress and worries of the day are left outside. It is a private oasis where as a family, we can create memories and enjoy each other’s company. Even though I didn’t go on to study architecture, I am still interested in studying something in the interior field. Maybe an interior design diploma? In the meantime, I’ll continue to indulge my interest in the field by learning more and making small applications of the things I learn to my home and space.
Have you ever engaged any one of these when working on a home project? Feel free to share in the comments section.
Quite informative this. I’ll stop calling myself an interior designer when I tidy up my desk!