Architect vs Interior Designer: What is Difference and Which is the Best Option?

Architect vs Interior Designer: What is Difference and Which is the Best Option?

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Feb 22, 2025 05:17 PM IST | #B.Des

Architects and Interior Designers both work to make the living spaces more interesting, functional, and aesthetic. The students who want to get into the field of improving the living spaces are often consumed by the query of architect and interior designer differences. Though both the professions have similar goals, there is a huge difference between an architect and interior designer. The students who want to understand the interior designer and architect difference must be aware of each aspect of both the professions. To get insights on the interior design and architecture differences go through the complete article.

This Story also Contains
  1. Architecture and Interior Design Difference
  2. Architecture and Interior Design Difference: Eligibility Criteria
  3. Architecture Vs Interior Designer: Entrance Exams
  4. Interior Design and Architecture Difference: Subjects
  5. Interior Designer and Architect Difference: Jobs Opportunities
  6. Architect and Interior Designer Difference: Salary
Architect vs Interior Designer: What is Difference and Which is the Best Option?
Architect vs Interior Designer: What is Difference and Which is the Best Option?

Architecture and Interior Design Difference

The professions of architect and interior designer are very different. The major difference between architect and interior designer is in terms of education, eligibility, and job profiles. The students who understand the interior architecture and interior design differences can easily make a choice in their career. The students will find the table given below beneficial to understand the difference between interior architect and interior designer.

Difference Between Architect and Interior Designer

Particular

Architect

Interior Design

Interior design and architecture difference in eligibility

10+2 or equivalent

Physics, Chemistry, Maths Compulsory

10+2 or equivalent

Architecture and interior design difference in entrance exams

NATA
JEE Main
GATE

CUET UG
NID DAT
UCEED

Interior design and architecture difference in Subjects


Engineering mechanics, engineering physics, engineering chemistry, building constructions, mechanics of solids, fluid systems, climatology, strength of material, structural analysis, concrete structures, water resources engineering

Theory of design, material exposure, technical drawings, computer applications related to interior design, building services, cost estimation, art and craft

Interior designer and architect difference in Jobs

Architects, interior designers, consultants, urban planners

Interior designers, researchers, product designers, furniture designers, consultants

Architect and interior designer difference in salary

Rs. 24.6 LPA

Rs. 4.1 LPA

Architecture and Interior Design Difference: Eligibility Criteria

Both architecture and interior design requires formal education for the students to get into the profession. For the students to get into the courses of architecture and interior design they need to fulfil certain eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for architecture is that the students have completed the 12th grade with physics, chemistry and mathematics as compulsory subjects. The students should have their 12th degree from any recognised board. Besides that the students must also have a 60% or more aggregate to get into the top design colleges. Many cases require the students to be between the age of 17 and 21 years old. The students who want to join the postgraduate courses in architecture need to have a bachelor's degree in architectural Engineering or related field.

Interior designing courses on the other hand required the students to have completed the 10 + 2 level of education from any recognised board. Though there is no prescribed stream for the students wanting to join interior designing the students must have basic knowledge of mathematics which is necessary. The students are recommended to have 55% aggregate or more to get into the best colleges offering interior design courses. Similar to architecture, the students aiming to get into interior designing colleges need to appear for certain entrance examinations qualifying which will grant them admissions into top design colleges.

Architecture Vs Interior Designer: Entrance Exams

The students also need to appear top entrance examinations in order to join the best architecture colleges.

Here are some commonly appeared entrance examinations to become an architect.

Below are some of the entrance examinations that the students need to appear for interior design.

Interior Design and Architecture Difference: Subjects

Both the professions aim to create aesthetic living spaces which are functional and feasible for the client. Though the goal of both professions are the same, the subjects taught in the courses are very different from each other. In architecture the students are taught about engineering mechanics, engineering physics, engineering chemistry, building constructions, mechanics of solids, fluid systems, climatology, strength of material, structural analysis, concrete structures, water resources engineering etc. The students also learn about the theory of architecture, estimation costing and valuation, behavioural architecture, History of architecture etc. The students must also be taught studio related activities in which they understand building construction.

Similarly, the students of interior designing learn about the theory of design, material exposure, technical drawings, computer applications related to interior design, building services, cost estimation, art and craft etc. Interior designs students also have Studio and practical classes which teaches them about various materials and how to handle them. Besides that the students are offered electives which include poetry, literature, still photography etc in many colleges.

Also Check:

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Interior Designer and Architect Difference: Jobs Opportunities

To understand the difference between an architect and interior designer the students need to understand the type of jobs and scope each profession has to offer. Understanding the difference between interior architect and interior designer nature of work can help the students understand what kind of jobs they would prefer to do. An architect can get hired in firms which provide them a stable job. We can become Architects, interior designers, consultants, urban planners etc. Due to the demand of sustainable and environment friendly building designs Architects are in high demand. The rise in living standards has also improved the job scope for Architects so that the cities and living spaces are designed in a way which provides comfort as well as functionality.

Interior designers also have several job opportunities as the youngsters are interested in enhancing the aesthetics of the room at the same time demanding functionality and feasibility. Interior designers are hired as researchers, product designers, furniture designers, consultants etc. Most of the interior designers are hired by the company and firms. Interior designers also have the scope of working freelance and get paid on the basis of the projects that they do.

Architect and Interior Designer Difference: Salary

Architects and interior designers get paid differently. This section below discusses the average salary of architects and interior designers. In India the average annual salary of an architect is about Rs. 24.6 LPA. The salary of an architect in India ranges in between Rs. 2.5 LPA to Rs. 45 LPA. It depends on the skills and experience of the architects. Interior designers on the other hand have an annual average income of Rs. 4.1 LPA. The salary range of an Interior Designer is about Rs. 1 LPA to Rs. 6.6 LPA. The portfolio of an interior designer is very important to land into the high paying jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is better, interior design or architecture?

Architecture and Interior Design are two different professions. It depends on the interest of the students on what they want to study and pursue.

2. Can architects do interior design?

Architects are often hired as interior designers because they have the basic knowledge of constructions and materials.

3. Who gets paid more, an architect or an interior designer?

An architect gets more salary as compared to an interior designer.

4. Is architecture a good career?

Architecture can be a good career in the current scenario because of the high demand for sustainable buildings.

5. Is interior design a successful career?

Interior designers can be successful with correct skills and experience.

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Questions related to B.Des

Have a question related to B.Des ?

Hello Kritika,

This will not affect your NIFT B.Des examination result. Here’s why:

  1. Common Issue – Many candidates forget extra photos, and NIFT provides a standard declaration form for such cases.
  2. Declaration Form Signed – Since you filled and submitted the declaration, your attendance is recorded.
  3. Admit Card Taken – Authorities collected it as part of their procedure, ensuring no rule violation.
  4. No Impact on Evaluation – Results depend on your performance, not administrative formalities.
  5. Confirm with NIFT – If concerned, contact NIFT's admission office for reassurance.

You're safe, but keep extra photos next time!

Wishing you the best !

Hello

the B.Des Common Entrance Test (CET) to aid in your exam preparation. While specific sample papers for B.Des CET may not be readily available , practicing with sample papers from similar design entrance exams can be highly beneficial. Here are some resources you can utilize:

1. NID Sample Papers : The National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam assesses design aptitude and creativity, similar to B.Des CET. Practicing these papers can help you get a feel for the types of questions you might encounter.

2. UCEED Sample Papers : The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is another exam that evaluates design skills. Reviewing these sample papers can provide additional practice.

3. MAH-AAC-CET Sample Papers : The Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test (MAH-AAC-CET) includes sections on design aptitude and general knowledge, which can be relevant for your preparation.

hope this helps you .

ALL THE BEST

Hello Greetings

Yes, you can modify your application to attempt both B.Des and B.F.Tech exams when the NIFT edit window opens.


According to the NIFT website, the edit window is a facility provided to candidates to make corrections or modifications to their application form. During this window, you can:


1. *Add or remove exam categories*: You can add B.F.Tech as an additional exam category.

2. *Make changes to your application form*: You can edit your personal details, qualification details, or any other information.


To make changes, follow these steps:


1. Wait for the NIFT edit window to open (dates will be announced on the NIFT website).

2. Log in to your NIFT account using your credentials.

3. Click on the "Edit Application Form" option.

4. Make the necessary changes, including adding B.F.Tech as an additional exam category.

5. Save and submit the changes.


Please note that the edit window is usually open for a limited period, so make sure to make the changes within the specified timeframe.

Have a great day

Hello,


Yes, you can change your course preference during the NIFT application correction window, provided the editing feature allows changes to the course selection. The NIFT application form typically offers an edit window for applicants to make corrections or updates to certain fields, including course preferences. Once the edit window opens, log in to your application portal and check if the course selection field is editable. If it is, you can change your preference from BFTech to BDes. Be sure to review all details carefully and submit the corrected application before the edit window closes.
https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam

Hi,

B.Des or bachelor of design is an undergraduate degree programme. B.Des course duration is four years, offered by many colleges and universities across India.

There are many best government and private colleges for bachelor of design in Pune. some of the best government colleges are given below

  • Department of Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
  • COEP Pune
  • Film and Television Institute of India Pune
  • Savitribai Phule Pune University Pune

For more government design college in Pune , you can check here.

Hope this information will help you

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