Architect vs. interior designer

We're about to buy a new loft apartment. It's totally bare, and we'd like to add a second floor to it. We'll also be designing our kitchen from scratch. My question is, which tasks does an architect do and which does an interior designer do? Do we need both? What's the best way to find a designer or an architect in a city we've never lived in before. Thanks in advance. Please email responses to

Oh no, hear goes another thread...

For the last word on this subject, check with you local permiting authority.

Because your going to be doing some structural work and changing the layout of the apartment, then you'll need the services of an architect. That person will produce a set of documents that the building permit office will want to review befor issuing a permit for construction or occupancy. A good source for a list of local architects wil be the nearest AIA (American Institute of Architects) offfice.

If your really concerned about finishes, style, and are looking for advice on buying furnishings and decorating, then you might want to hire an interior designer/decorator. Some architects might do this, but most won't get involved as much as the typical interior designer.

Rudy Beuc

Mr. Tarrago...

Good luck with your new project!

As for who you should hire to do this work, I personally encourage you to hire an architect...but only one who has demonstrated ability in handling interior spaces and details. Most architects have no interest in or talent for the design of interior spaces....but most interior designers have little sense of sturcture or spatial design. Actually, there are some highly qualified interior designers these days...so you should check with your city's building department to see what the relative licensing laws are.

I recommend that you talk with someone in the local architecture school (Madison?...Milwaukee?)...because there are many very professional architects in your area.

Of course if you insist on having the highest quality, you could always hire a good San Antonio/Mexico City firm!!!

Good luck!

The old ideas, just place the ad in a University, place for competition, sure you will get lot ideas from where to choose, good price and the best, you will not have to sell your house to paid a good architect, Ah oh course get an architect.

visit www.cadvis3d.co.uk

I have found that many interior designers charge way more than architects and then end up tacking on more for the items the purchase for the project. Some are great but I've seen some shady things go on. Good luck.

Hello, I'm geobiologist architect... feng Shui practitioner I invite you in the discovery of my work, site and the geobio french list that I have on the web, and where we talk about geobiology, architecture, fengshui and others... best regards vincent

bonjour je suis architecte géobiologue et praticien feng-shuiste je vous invite à découvrire mon travail au travers de mon site ainsi que la liste geobio que j'anime ou l'on parle d'architecture, de feng-shui et de géobiologie cordialement vincent

/ ICQ 73835775

Hello, I'm geobiologist architect... feng Shui practitioner I invite you in the discovery of my work, site and the geobio french list that I have on the web, and where we talk about geobiology, architecture, fengshui and others... best regards vincent

bonjour je suis architecte géobiologue et praticien feng-shuiste je vous invite à découvrire mon travail au travers de mon site ainsi que la liste geobio que j'anime ou l'on parle d'architecture, de feng-shui et de géobiologie cordialement vincent

/ ICQ 73835775

architects and then end up tacking on more for the items the purchase for the project.

Your project is more than renovation and decor.

To me, these two fields focus on differing priorities. In your case, an architect could be the best avenue for a first phase of such a project. The interior designer would help you gel everything to higher aesthetic standards.

It mostly depends on the caliber of the people you find.

Interior designers often derive a substantial portion of their income from commissions earned from the various things you have to buy which could skew the results if you are not conversant with interior design and the relative merits of the choices presented.

The best advice is to find comparable projects you like and contact the people who made these a reality.

Contractors often try to substitute for architects: sometimes it works, but it tends to be weak to a trained eye.

If you want professional results, why not find the right architect firm that also offers the services of qualified interior designers?

Sometimes, interior designers bring a wealth of considerations that will help you make the most of an architect's time, should you decide to place emphasis this or that way.

You may end up saving more than what these people ask for their services and get yourself a living environment much above your present expectations if you decide to pay for an interior designer, at least as a consultant. Which one is no meager question.

Andre Jean Quintal

Do we allow self adveritisng<G>?

Have you thought about an architectural designer versus an architect or interior designer. They usually specialize more and are capable of doing a lot without the cost. Depending on the area they may subcontract an engineer for the structural, but then again so do a lot of architects. Most architectural designers specialize in home and interior design. Look in the phone book under designers or contact your local A.B.I.D.

Good luck, Mark Owner of retail design firm.

First of all, There is no such thing as Architectural Designer, there is only "Architect".

Second of all, a building or a home really needs to be looked at exterior/interior as a whole and design as a whole, complete project.

Interior Designers only look at interior finishes if they are good at that, but an Architect will look at the project as a whole and architects generally provide better and professional service and you will end up happier with complete integrated design.

Architects have better education and goes through stricter licensing process to ensure the safety of the public and provide proper services. Interior Designers' education and training does not even come close to that.

Its true NOT ALL architects are interested in interior design, but a good number of them do and just simply go to AIA website and they will help you find a local architect to help make your dream a reality.

Good luck with your project!

There is such thing as an architectural designer. It is a licensed Architect who also has an Interior Design Degree. All they have to do is take the NCIDQ test and they can become registered.

Thanks for setting that right , Guest