Interior Architecture

We have been told one must be a licensed architect to carry the title 'Interior Architect' and the education they receive provides special emphasis on interior design. However, we have been unable to determine if these individuals have a thorough understanding of interior design or certification to prove their competency, other than a standard architectural licensing examination.

And, we are not sure if a firm (architectural or otherwise) adds 'Interior Architecture' to their business card, what this really means. Unfortunately, it seems to be a tactic to confuse the public regarding who 'IS' and who 'ISN'T' qualified. Is it a method by which interior designers can seem 'BETTER' qualified than their peers or is it a method by which architects can gain complete control over a project.

We believe, in this day and age, NO ONE can claim to be an expert at both.

What are your thoughts and what do you know about the subject?

What country, and what State?

In Florida, it is fraud to claim to be an architect unless the State agrees to license you as an architect. Likewise, Interior Designers require State licenses.

Interior decorating is an unlicensed activity, as is residential design. There is no designation as 'Interior Architect' in Florida.

The term 'interior architecture' or 'interior architect' is being used a great deal lately, nationwide, worldwide, internet-wide, but what does it mean?

An architect told me interior architecture is a sub-division of architecture with a special emphasis in interior design. However, another architect told me that most architects are not given the same level of training in interior design that professional interior designers receive.

Who is certifying them as competent to practice interior design? Are they required to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications exam to prove their proficiency? How much interior design education have they received in order to say this, if any? Do certified, licensed interior designers with architecture training (not a full architecture degree) qualify as well?

hello...

I actually have the same question. I went to a school that offers an interior architecture degree.I think they call it BFA major in interior architecture. Still I do not know what this means professionally. Most of the graduates there I presume goes into interior design. But I do not know if they qualify for any professional certification or license. I've seen most of their works and mostly it deals with spatial concepts.

I actually asked one of the people who teaches in the program what's the difference and he gave me a very vague answer.

I wonder if interior architecture is just a glorified name for interior design?