Architect vs Interior Designer: Who Do You Need for Your Project?
Spoiler alert: When it comes to renovations, remodels, and new home construction projects, you probably need both.
If you're building a home or planning a major remodel, you've probably wondered — do I need an architect, an interior designer, or both?
For anything beyond a surface-level refresh, the answer is usually both. Architects and interior designers bring different expertise to the table, and when they collaborate early, the results are more thoughtful, more functional, and better aligned with how you actually live.
Architects design the framework. We design for the life that happens inside it. At Sarah Stacey Interior Design, we partner closely with architects to create homes that are not only well built but also personal, functional, and tailored to the details that matter most.
Architect vs. Interior Designer: What’s the Difference?
The fields of architecture and interior design are distinct but inextricably intertwined fields. To better understand these roles, we’ll summarize the differences and similarities between architects and interior designers:
Architects
Architects design the structure — the shell of the home. This includes the layout, ceiling heights, window placement, how the house sits on the lot, and how everything meets local codes and engineering standards.
They create the overall framework. Depending on the firm, they may also make basic selections for finishes or cabinetry. But their focus is on getting the bones of the house right — structurally, spatially, and technically.
Interior designers
Interior designers refine how each space supports real life.
We think through how you move through your day, how furniture fits, how storage works, and where materials and fixtures need to be placed to support your routines. We go beyond basic layouts and help make sure functional details are integrated into construction — not added later as an afterthought. These details shape how your home feels to live in, and they’re easy to miss in architectural drawings.
It’s not just about looks. It’s about making the house work for the way you live.
For example:
• Drapery coves should be integrated into the rafters, not boxed in after framing
• Your favorite pieces — like an heirloom console or oversized lounge chair — should have a place from the start
• Kitchen cabinetry should be designed around what you actually own, not just standard sizes
• The coffee station should have a spot that keeps your counters clean and your mornings easy
These are the kinds of choices that separate a house that’s technically complete from one that actually functions — and they have to be planned early, not patched in later.
How Interior Designers and Architects Work Together
Interior designers and architects bring different strengths, but we’re both working toward the same goal: creating a home that feels considered, comfortable, and lasting. Here’s how the collaboration typically works:
Refining the Floor Plan
The architect creates the initial layout. We help refine how each room works — looking at circulation, storage, furniture placement, and how the space will actually function.
Small adjustments at this stage often make a big difference in how the home feels once you’re living in it.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
These areas require more precision than any other part of the house.
We work closely with your architect to position appliances, fixtures, and storage exactly where they need to go. Then we design cabinetry that supports how you cook, clean, and move through the space.
• Is the trash pullout in the right spot for prep?
• Are heavier pieces at a comfortable height for everyday use?
• Does the vanity layout match your actual routine?
These aren't decorative choices. They affect your daily life.
Cabinetry and Built-Ins
Cabinetry and millwork are a major part of most remodels — especially in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and living spaces.
Many architects provide basic cabinetry layouts, but interior designers usually handle the detailed drawings. At SSID, we map out how each cabinet and built-in should function and look, so your builder has a clear, precise plan to follow.
We design cabinetry that fits your space, supports your lifestyle, and brings in the character and function you actually need.
What You Gain by Working with Both
When your architect and interior designer collaborate from the beginning, you get a home that’s not just beautiful to walk through — it’s comfortable to live in. It supports your routines, fits how you use each room, and makes space for the things that matter to you.
More accuracy, fewer surprises
With both teams reviewing plans, you avoid missed details and costly changes mid-project. We catch issues early and help keep everything aligned from start to finish.
You shouldn’t have to buy extra furniture just to make things fit — with the right planning, it could have been built in or tucked into a designated closet from the beginning.
Clear communication
We know how to work with builders and architects. We help translate technical details into everyday language, keep tabs on the moving pieces, and make sure you’re not the one holding it all together.
Expanded resources
Your architect likely brings their trusted contractor or structural team. We bring our network of craftspeople, vintage dealers, custom fabricators, and local vendors — the people who help make your home feel personal and fully finished.
Looking for an Experienced Interior Designer in Texas or Nashville? Contact Sarah Stacey Interior Design Today
At Sarah Stacey Interior Design, we specialize in full-service design for new construction, remodels, and furnishing projects. We collaborate closely with architects from the start to make sure your home works for the way you live.
If you're starting a project and want a team that can support you from day one, we’d love to hear more.
FAQs
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An architect focuses on the structure, layout, and building systems of a home, ensuring it meets safety codes and functional requirements. An interior designer focuses on the look, feel, and functionality of interior spaces, including finishes, furnishings, and decorative elements. Both roles overlap in some areas, such as selecting flooring and lighting.
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For ground-up construction or extensive remodels, hiring both professionals often produces the best results. Architects ensure the structure and layout are sound, while interior designers make the interior functional, cohesive, and beautiful. Together, they help bring your vision to life.
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They collaborate on key stages like floor plans, space planning, and cabinetry elevations. The architect creates the structural design, while the interior designer refines it for functionality and aesthetics. Both work together to ensure the final result is cohesive and aligns with your goals.
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If you only hire an architect, your home may be structurally sound but lack the detailed interior touches that make it feel complete. If you only hire an interior designer, you might miss out on essential structural and code compliance expertise. For major projects, having both ensures a balanced and well-executed result.
