When you begin a new home or renovation project, having the right professionals on your team is essential. One of the first, and most important, professionals you'll need is an architect or architectural designer (and in some cases, they’re called a Building Designer). 

Without a solid detailed plan, your project cannot move forward. To finish and round out your plan you need an Interior Designer. These professionals are responsible for taking your vision and transforming it into a set of detailed, functional blueprints that guide the entire construction process.

The Value of Working with an Architect or Architectural Designer

Working with an architect or architectural designer brings incredible value to your project. Not only can they transform your vision into reality, but they also create a detailed set of plans that are essential for obtaining a building permit. More importantly, these plans are so detailed with the right amount of information, they’re able to guide anyone involved in building your home—no questions asked.

 and, more importantly, a set of plans that have all the information required for anyone building your home to know what to do without question. 

They can also identify design challenges early, make sure the project meets all local and state/provincial building codes, and save you from costly mistakes by coming up with creative solutions that align with both your vision and your budget. Whether it’s aesthetics, function, regulations, energy efficiency, or staying within budget, they ensure that your dream home isn’t just a dream—it’s something you can actually build. 

To give you a better idea, read this article.

The Differences Between an Architect and an Architectural Designer

It’s important to note that while an architect and an architectural designer serve similar roles, the main difference lies in their education and training. 

Architects have a more structured education in architecture and are licensed professionals, meaning they are legally qualified to design buildings that comply with complex regulations. They are completely capable of designing skyscrapers, as well as residential homes. 

Architectural designers may have varying levels of education and still possess the skills to create functional, well-designed homes. Wayne, our resident retired General Contractor and Carpenter, worked with many Architects and Designers on multi-million dollar homes—one of his favorites was an Architectural Designer with zero education, all fieldwork education.

Any builder can contest, working with both, there are some Architects that are better than some Architectural Designers, and there are some Architectural Designers that are better than some Architects. As one contractor put it in FineHome Building, “I wouldn’t even let some Architects I’ve worked with design my dog house.” 

Either one is essential to your project, but an architect may be required if your project involves complex structural elements, is above a certain size (square foot or number of storeys), or needs specific licensing for permits. You can, however, hire an Architectural Designer and have an Architect sign-off on their work.

Determine who is required, whether they’re a good fit for your project, what level of detail you’re looking for, and check past project plans, references, etc. 

An Architect or Architectural Designer plays a central role in turning your vision for a home into a detailed and functional design. They specialize in understanding how spaces work, look, and feel while ensuring your project aligns with local codes and regulations. Think of them as the creative problem-solvers who bring your ideas to life on paper (or screen).

The Differences Between an Architect/ural Designer and An Interior Designer

While architects/architectural designers and interior designers both play crucial roles in creating your dream home, their areas of focus are quite different, and it’s important to understand what each one brings to the table.

While Architect/ural Designers focus on the building, Interior Designers focus on the interiors. 

Key Differences:

• Architectural Designers/Architects: Focus on the architecture, on the design of the building itself—its shape, layout, and overall structure. They also have an understanding of structural engineering. They design the foundation, floor plans, roof, elevations, etc. They focus on creating a home that is not only beautiful, but also functional. 

• Interior Designers: Focus on the interiors, on making the interior spaces functional and aesthetically pleasing— designing and detailing the millwork, cabinetry and built-ins, and selecting furniture, fixtures, finishes, colours, etc. They ensure the spaces align with your vision for your home’s interior style.

Where They Overlap:

• Space Planning: Both architects and interior designers contribute to optimizing how spaces flow and function, ensuring that layouts make sense and meet your needs. For example, an architect may design the kitchen layout, while the interior designer refines and designs each cabinet (the interior and exterior elevation), the details, finishes, etc.

• Finishes and Materials: While an interior designer typically selects finishes like flooring, tile, and paint colors, an architect/ural designer typically focuses on the exterior materials but may offer recommendations or specify materials that complement the overall design concept.

• Custom Features: Elements like built-ins, cabinetry, or millwork can fall under both roles. An architect/ural designer might design the item into the home, while an interior designer refines their aesthetic details and functionality.

• Collaboration on Aesthetics: Both professionals aim to harmonize the home's exterior and interior styles. While the architect focuses on the building's form and structure, the interior designer ensures the interiors reflect and enhance that vision.

If you’re just looking to do an interior renovation, you can only hire an interior designer, but you want to make sure that they are qualified to provide permit drawings. 

Who to Look Out For

Many people call themselves Interior Designers but are Decorators. Do not confuse the two. An Interior Designer, while there are no requirements to be licensed, they can be. An interior designer will know CAD or computer-aided design and be able to provide detailed plans for construction. If they cannot provide that, they are Decorators.

Their collaboration ensures your home feels unified—from the way it’s built to the way it’s experienced inside. Having both on your team creates a seamless bridge between the architecture and the interior design.