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Is it ideal to have a background in architecture and focus on being a potential interior designer?

I am a graduating senior with a high interest in design. I love the arts specifically drawing, building and even fashion design. I do not have much experience with either careers but i do plan to explore it in College. I am not sure if the two careers are completely required or which road who be best to take. I was told that both careers are hard to get in to and it is even more difficult when there aren't many opportunities within the type of city I live in. I wanted insight and just opinions on which is best to begin with. #career-path #design #architecture #architect #interior #interior-decorating

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khushhal’s Answer

having architecture background is always ideal for interior designing specially when you are doing commercial real estate interiors like hotels/corporate interior & retail industry where MEP services has bigger role to play and being a interior designer you need to coordinate all services with your interior design aesthetic. architectural back ground make you more comfortable and authentic to deal with various aspects execution of interior project and give you better control over project.

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Kassondra’s Answer

Hello! I work in the fashion industry, and have friends in the architecture/interior design industry. So, for a little outside perspective, I would recommend first figuring out which aspects of building and fashion design you are most attracted to. Is it the aesthetics? Is it working with people? Knowing the upcoming trends? I would look into getting a part-time job as a retail sales associate in a store you could see yourself working in, either fashion or home goods. See if you like it, and maybe it will help you figure out which direction to go in. As far as going into a field as specific as Interior Design or Fashion Design, I would definitely do research on actual job outlooks. Both of those are very specific and very limited, especially in a down-turn economy. That being said, you may also want to look into jobs within those industry's that are always in demand. Wholesale for fashion is always looking for new comers, working in showrooms, doing product development, or visual merchandising... All of these are great, fun careers you can pursue in either fashion or interior design fields. I went to FIDM, and I currently work there. I would definitely suggest taking a look at their majors. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is an amazing school for anyone interested in both those fields. So is the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, or Harrington School of Design in Chicago. Just explore your options, and dig a bit deeper. There are way more avenues to go down if you want to be involved in fashion or interior design than just the obvious.


Hope that helps! :-)
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your help! Cameo
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Yvonne’s Answer

Having a background in architecture can be a valuable foundation if you're interested in pursuing a career in interior design. These two fields share some similarities, and having architectural knowledge can give you a unique perspective and skill set as an interior designer. However, it's not a strict requirement, and you can certainly become an interior designer without an architecture degree.

Here are some considerations to help you decide:

**Architecture Background:**
- **Pros:**
- A deep understanding of space, structures, and construction techniques.
- Strong spatial and technical skills, which are valuable in interior design.
- Potential to work on projects that involve both architectural and interior aspects.

- **Cons:**
- Longer educational path (typically 5 years for a bachelor's in architecture).
- May require additional interior design education or training to specialize in interiors.

**Directly Pursuing Interior Design:**
- **Pros:**
- Quicker path to entering the interior design field (usually a bachelor's degree in interior design).
- Focused education on interior concepts, materials, and design principles.

- **Cons:**
- You might not have the same level of architectural knowledge, which can be advantageous in certain interior design projects.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your interests, career goals, and the type of work you aspire to do. If you're passionate about interior design and want to specialize in creating beautiful and functional interior spaces, pursuing a direct path in interior design could be a suitable choice.

However, if you're equally intrigued by architectural aspects and wish to work on projects that involve both interiors and buildings as a whole, starting with architecture and then transitioning or specializing in interior design could be a rewarding route.

Regardless of your choice, gaining experience through internships, part-time work, and building a strong portfolio will be crucial in either field. Remember that both architecture and interior design are competitive fields, so dedication, creativity, and a commitment to learning will serve you well in pursuing a successful career.
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Mai’s Answer

Hi!
I'm an interior designer in Chicago.
Architects and Interior Designers work along side one another, depending on the firm you get into.
While in school, I picked up a lot of graphic skills which puts me in a great position. The firm I am at I am able to do some graphics for clients to go in the space, pick finishes, and work on floor plans, layouts, elevations. I work with mostly architects so I get to jump into a lot of the drawings that they do. If you're a very technical person, you should def look into architecture, especially if you're good at math and physics. If you're not so good at the math and physics, you should look into Interior Design. Whatever your skills are make sure you are 100% comfortable with technology. Getting to know some photoshop early on will help you. eventually you'll learn autocad, or revit in college either major, you will have to learn it. Architects are leaning more toward BIM technology.
If you haven't looked into some architects, I would do that and see if any of their work calls out to you.
Zaha Hadid
Hernon Alonso Diaz
Greg Lynn
Frank Lloyd Wright
Le Corbusier
Louis Sullivan


also look up a couple of firms to see what type of work theyre doing
architecture:
Studio Gang
Adrian Smith & Gordon Gill
Interiors:
HOK
Gettys Group


there are many more firms but depending on what type of work you want to get into.
Also, research the schools, they have a lot to do with where your career goes. Your portfolio definitely makes an impact on whether you get an interview or not.

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Linda’s Answer

Don't listen to people that tell you it is hard to become what ever it is you are going to become because truth it's up to you. You can do what ever you put your mind to, I did. The thing about artistic or creative ability and financial success is this , Art is subjective and appeals to our soul not our logic. For example you may fall in love with a piece of art that moves you deeply and never know why, you just love it. Could be style or colors or subject even movement , on and on. Well all of the previously mentioned parts of of a creative concept is unique to you the artist/designer and therefore never been seen before. Only you have the ability to exercise your style and asteadic so how can anyone know how the world will react to you as an artist. Great example Photo of a Campbell's soup can???? Who could have guessed how that can moved society. No one. Never let anyone discourage your artistic stamp on the world and stay confident and true to you. I say this all the time, if you glue 3 popsicles sticks together and hang them from a string in the window and it delights and moves you it is art and no one has the authority to judge art. Sorry soap box. Back to the question at hand No you do not need any architectural training to be an incredible interior designer. The two are quite different different as design plays out. Architecture is much more technical and demands a astute analytical mind conceptually other words serious thinkers. As a interior designer for many years I have had the pleasure of working with Architects and there designs become there children with the same commitment as a parent would hold. Interior design is less confining and fun because our visions don't hold the same restraints inherent to architecture.. Sorry about the tangent, we artist should always support each other. Good luck I hope this made sense and will help you planning you future.
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