Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 11/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I wanted to know what is the difference between interior architect %26 design, and an interior designer.  Are both of these careers the same thing but with different names.  Please answer my question.

Thanks.

ANSWER: Gracie - thanks for your question!

Nope, they're not the same thing.  An interior Architect is an Architect who specializes or focuses on interiors; an interior designer is an interiors-only professional.

An Architect holds a license from each State he/she practices in.  The license is granted after getting a 5-year degree in Architecture, completing a 3-year apprenticeship, and passing a difficult board exam.  This person is licensed to perform all of the functions of an Architect, including interior design.  An "interiors architect" usually is a member of a firm that does large-scale commercial work, and is involved in choosing furnishings and fixtures.  It's not just about design, however - in commercial work those furnishings must meet many code requirements.

An Interior Designer goes through a similar process, but in most States only needs two years' education.  They also must pass an exam which is more narrow in focus than the Architect's exam.

Generally, an Interior Designer's work is much limited in scope than an Architect, but more specialized.  Many Architects (including myself) contract with Interior Designers on some projects to handle some of the interior work.

Each State's requirements are slightly different, check with yours for up to date info.

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtastudio.blogspot.com
www.rtaplans.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If im planning on taking my bachelor's degree in interior
architecture about how many years of college would I have
to attend?

Answer
Gracie - if you get into an Architecture program, you'll do your undergrad work in 4 years; if you want to get you license, you MUST do the 5th year and get the professional degree.  It would silly to do the 4 and not the 5, in my opinion.  If you do the 5th, you can get licensed; if you don't do the 5th, you CANNOT get licensed - you'll regret it, and your career will be limited.

If you want to do interior design only, the requirements vary by state.  You probably have an interior design licensing board in your state, check with them.

Regards,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtastudio.blogspot.com
www.rtaplans.com