(Photo Credit by Sherise Van Dyk)
As a home owner, you may be wondering what the difference is between a home designer, an interior designer, and an architect. The simple answer is: it depends on the scope of work & your level of quality. A home designer generally works with remodeling projects, while an interior designer focuses on the finishes and furnishings of existing spaces. An architect is usually involved in larger or more complex projects, such as home additions or new construction. But there are some overlaps in these roles – for example, an interior designer may also be involved in new construction projects. So if you’re not sure which professional to hire for your project, here’s a quick rundown of each one’s responsibilities.
| SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS | HOME DESIGNER | INTERIOR DESIGNER | ARCHITECT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ability to draw/design floor plans? | YES | YES | YES |
| Ability to draw/design the exterior? | YES | NO | YES |
| Ability to select finishes & furnishings? | NO | YES | YES |
| Ability to generate permit drawings? | NO | YES | YES |
| Liability on project? | NO | NO | YES |
| Licensed by the state? | NO | YES | YES |
| BUILDING SYSTEMS DESIGN | NO | NO | YES |
| Electrical Design | NO | NO | YES |
| Plumbing Design | NO | NO | YES |
| HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) Design | NO | NO | YES |
| Structural Design | NO | NO | YES |
| Construction Administration/Management | NO | NO | YES |
A home designer is someone who can design a home, is unlicensed and has very limited knowledge on structure and other building systems (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC). An interior designer is someone who designs the interior atmosphere by selecting finishes and furnishings. And an architect is a licensed professional who can design every component (both the inside and outside) of a house.
Home design and interior design are two different disciplines – home design is like a foundation and interior design is the finishing touches. A home designer is someone who can take your vision of home life and turn it into a reality. They can provide practical advice on home design principles, but they lack professional qualifications or licensure. Interior designers focus on creating atmospheres within home spaces and play a creative role by selecting finishes and materials which will bring your home to life. And for large or complex projects enlisting an architect for the entire home build – from inside to out – with license to guarantee the highest quality of work is essential. So, whether you’re looking for designing help from a home designer all the way up to an architect, the area you want to focus on will guide you through the choices you need to make..
A home designer focuses on the layout of the house and how it will look from the outside. An interior designer focuses on making the inside of a house look good and feel comfortable. An architect does both of these things.
When it comes to home design, you’ll want an expert with a clear vision and technical know-how. A home designer specializes in the layout of the home on the outside, giving it an attractive look that is unique to you. An interior designer is all about making a home feel and look great from within—providing your home’s occupants with comfort and aesthetic pleasure. But if you need both these functions working in harmony, an architect has the perfect combination of creativity and skills to make that happen. So when it comes to home design, whether it’s interior designing or exterior planning, don’t forget to call in the professionals!
Home designers typically work with builders to help people renovate their homes, and have no licensure or liability on the project. Interior designers work with clients to design spaces that are both functional and stylish. Architects often work with both builders and clients to create or renovate homes.
Home design has become more and more popular as people look to update their home with the latest trends. But, before diving into any home renovation project, it’s important to understand the differences between a home designer, interior designer and an architect. Home designers typically work alongside builders to help clients understand their home renovations. However they often don’t possess any licensure nor do they have any liability in regards to the project. On the other hand, interior designers are focused on creating a functional and stylish abode for their clients. They use the home’s existing structure to create stylish visual cues throughout the space, whereas architects can design every portion of the home to ensure the best quality from the ground up. Both interior designers and architects can seamlessly work together on projects to create an extra special living space for home owners!
If you’re looking to build a new home or build an addition, you’ll need to hire an architect. If you’re looking to renovate your home, you can hire an interior designer, a home designer, or an architect depending on what kind of changes you want to make.
When it comes to home renovations, it can be hard to know whether you need a home designer, an interior designer, or an architect. Generally speaking, if you’re looking for a home addition then you’ll want to hire an architect. But for smaller changes like recreating layouts (without any structural changes) or changing color schemes, you’re better off with either a home designer or an interior designer. In both cases, they’ll be able to help turn your home into the home of your dreams – and there’s no better feeling than that!
You may have been confused about the difference between a home designer, an interior designer, and an architect when beginning your research on the best professional to help with your home renovation or build. All three of these professionals work with their own area of expertise to create functional and beautiful homes. Now that you know the differences between each one, you can move forward in hiring the right person for your next big project.
If you’re ready to start discussing your New Jersey dream home project with our professional team, schedule a call here. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and help bring your vision to life.
