Do you want to pursue a career in Architecture or Interior Design?
Both career paths are popular, and while they are distinct, they do share some similarities.
This article has been put together to assist you in making a decision.
Architecture or Interior Design, Which One Should I Study?
Interior Design is more enjoyable with more freedom to be creative, and easier to learn than Architecture. However, Interior Design does pay’s less and is in less demand than Architecture.
Architecture is the art of structures, space, and mass, which makes it a heavyweight when compared to interior decoration, which deals with surfaces, materials, and colours while working within architectural space.
Architecture is large, permanent, costly, technical, complicated, slow, and difficult.
In comparison, interior decoration is on a smaller scale, lasts for a shorter period of time, is less expensive, and is less dependent on the environment.
If you follow the Holland Codes, both Architecture and Interior Design are suited to those artistic individuals who are creative and original and thrive in environments that allow for self-expression.
They are also typically enterprising, which means they are natural leaders who excel at influencing and persuading others.
So, now that we’ve addressed the main question, let’s move on to careers in architecture and interior design.
What Architects Do Everyday? (Explained)
Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they develop plans, meet with clients, and consult with engineers and other architects.
They also visit construction sites to prepare initial drawings and review the progress of projects to ensure that client’s objectives are met.
Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.
Duties
Architects typically do the following:
- Meet with clients to determine objectives and requirements for structures
- Give preliminary estimates on cost and construction time
- Prepare structure specifications
- Direct workers who prepare drawings and documents
- Prepare scaled drawings, either with computer software or by hand
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors
- Manage construction contracts
- Visit worksites to ensure that construction adheres to architectural plans
- Seek new work by marketing and giving presentations
What Interior Designers Do Everyday? (Explained)
Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials.
They must be able to draw, read, and edit blueprints.
They also must be aware of building codes, inspection regulations, and other considerations, such as accessibility standards.
Duties
Interior designers typically do the following:
- Search for and bid on new projects
- Determine the client’s goals and requirements for the project
- Consider how the space will be used and how people will move through the space
- Sketch preliminary design plans, including electrical and partition layouts
- Specify materials and furnishings, such as lighting, furniture, wall finishes, flooring, and plumbing fixtures
- Create a timeline for the interior design project and estimate project costs
- Place orders for materials and oversee the installation of the design elements
- Oversee construction and coordinate with general building contractors to implement the plans and specifications for the project
- Visit the site after the project is complete, to ensure that the client is satisfied
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Architecture or Interior Design, Which One Harder To Study? (Solved & Explained)
Architecture is harder to study than Interior design due to the heavy workload, complexity and broad range of subjects.
Interior designers usually need a bachelor’s degree with a focus on interior design.
There are typically three main steps to becoming a licensed architect: completing a bachelor’s degree in architecture, gaining relevant experience through a paid internship, and passing the Architect Registration Examination.
Architecture Or Interior Design, Who Earns More? (Solved)
Architects earn more than Interior Designers, with the median wage of Architects being $82,320 compared to Interior Designers at $57,060
The median annual wage for architects was $82,320 in May 2020…
In May 2020, the median annual wages for architects in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Government | $97,960 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | $81,320 |
| Construction | $79,840 |
Employment in architecture is projected to grow 1 per cent from 2019 to 2029
According to the Labor Bureau and Statistics, the median annual wage for interior designers was $57,060 in May 2020.
In May 2020, the median annual wages for interior designers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | $62,620 |
| Wholesale trade | $57,300 |
| Specialized design services | $54,330 |
| Furniture stores | $47,710 |
Interior designers may need to adjust their workday to suit their clients’ schedules and deadlines, including meeting with clients in the evening and on weekends.
The employment of interior designers is projected to decline 5 per cent from 2019 to 2029
Job prospects should be best in high-income areas because wealthy clients are more likely than others to engage in remodelling and renovating their spaces
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Final Thoughts
Architecture is seen to be better, since it’s more prestigious, pays higher wages and greater demand than Interior Design.
Interior design is more enjoyable, allows for more creative freedom, and is easier to learn than architecture.
Interior design, on the other hand, pays less and is in lower demand than architecture.
The decision of what to study is critical.
Speak with trusted friends and family members, and even seek advice from a career consultant.
Before deciding on a career path, consider your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your likes and dislikes.
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Source
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm
- Interior Designers: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
