Architecture vs. Interior Architecture

I have come across your ARCHCareers blog quite a few times during my research of architecture education. Thank you for taking the time to keep it on-going. Last May, I graduated with a B.A. in journalism. If I had to do it over I'm pretty sure I would major in architecture and interior design. In fact when I was younger, I said I would major in journalism and minor in architecture, but as you're well aware of architecture isn't really an area you minor in - at least if you want to be a practicing architect. Over the past year, I have been researching architecture and interior design programs, but due to uncertainty of which path to take, I have have not applied to any. I want to be able to work in both fields. 

At first I leaned more toward interior design and taking architecture courses to complement. However, I'm realizing that while I want to be able to work in the field of interior design, I also am drawn to structural knowledge, renovation and preservation projects, urban design and planning, and the social impacts that architecture can have. Ultimately, I would want to have the ability to be very hands-on in the design and full visualization of whatever project I'm working on. Given that, a graduate architecture degree would probably provide more career diversity. I would appreciate your feedback on possible educational routes I can take. 

I would also like your perspective on the following:

Through research, I see interior architecture is an area I'm drawn to. However, the only program I've come across that seems to focus on interior structures as the basis for their IA program is the masters program at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. With other programs, interior architecture is simply another term for interior design. Do you know of any other programs that focus on interior architecture in the interior structures since?

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I appreciate your comments on the ARCHCareers blog.  Also, congrats on your interest in architecture and interior design.

When individuals share that they are interested in architecture and interior design, my simply reply is that "architects can do interior design - interior designers cannot do architecture."  As you state, a Master of Architecture would create greater career flexibility especially given both of your interests. 

Your statement -- "I would want to have the ability to be very hands-on in the design and full visualization of whatever project I'm working on." -- leads me to think that a graduate degree in architecture is better suited for what you wish to accomplish.

One resource to explore is the Interior Architecture Knowledge Community of the AIA (see below):

http://network.aia.org/interiorarchitecturecommittee/home/
The Interior Architecture Knowledge Community provides leadership and expertise to  practitioners of interior architecture and design, working cooperatively with its members and other interiors organizations to address relevant, timely practice issues, markets, and trends, such as licensing, liability, environmental, and technological considerations.

In terms of the Interior Architecture program in Chicago, I know of no other direct programs except perhaps Miami University in Oxford, OH - One suggest is to pursue the MArch at an institution that also offers a degree in interior design. For details on those programs, visit CIDA -- http://www.accredit-id.org/

To the extent possible, have conversations with professionals in both disciplines and keep asking questions.  Another resource at Becoming an Architect and Becoming an Interior Designer both published by Wiley.

Best.

BA (hons) interior design to M.Arch program

I am having difficulties in making decision. I was wondering whether you can help me.  I am currently a diploma graduate with electronics engineering. But i am interested in architecture and want to pursue study in architecture field.

I applied BA (hons) interior design (3 yrs) program at Lasalle college of arts (singapore)  and also B.Arch architecture (4 yrs) at NUS (singapore) a few months ago. I have got offer letter from Lasalle college for interior design program. But for BArch program at NUS, the admin replied me that my diploma is not applicable for BArch architecture program at NUS. So, they might reject my application.

My point here is, should I take the offer from Lasalle and go for BA(hons) interior design (3yrs) first and after graduate, go for M.Arch ( which u mentioned in some post that it is applicable to apply to M.Arch with interior design degree and good portfolios). Or, should I take some relevant short-termed certificate course to get to B.Arch program at NUS for next year intake?

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The key to making an important decision is having all the information you need to make the decision; as well, what are the most important criteria when making this decision - time to graduation, cost, other?

As I am not familiar with the degrees you outline, it is hard for me to provide any direct insight.  From working with many students over the years, most will typically take the most direct path to graduation.

Best.

GED to Community College to Architecture

I am eighteen years old and I truly admire you. I have been following your blog for two days and I am reading as much as I can from it and I believe you are the best person to ask my questions about architecture. You are formal and to take the time  to write your responses which I love. I have been looking for a person like you for weeks! I would ask a university admissions counselor, but you are experienced in the field and can help me with the questions I have for the life after university. 

I have a few. I hope it doesn’t bother you.

1)    Because of unfortunate events, I have to get my GED, but I intend to score as high as possible, does this look bad for an architect? 

2)    What classes should I take in community college to catch up on what I missed in high school? I believe you mentioned physics.

3)    I have made my decision to transfer to a four year university after community college. Do you recommend I take my community college’s architecture program or wait until I attend the four year university to start?

4)    Does going to one of the top schools of architecture really help for an architecture career, and how so?

5)    In general, is the life of an architect hard? I mean economically, personally, and work.

This is the big question I have .

Should I study interior architecture first and then get a Master’s in architecture? Both interest me a lot, but interior architecture interests me a bit more. I am really confused in what I should and shouldn’t do. I hope you can answer my questions. I would really appreciate it. 

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Replies to your questions/comments are listed below:

1) The important aspect of your educational background is that you have what is necessary to move to the next level.  Having a GED allows you to move to the next level of education.

2) To best answer that question, contact the architecture programs to which you plan to apply and ask them.  Most architecture programs will require you to take calculus and physics.  Take mathematics courses until you are able to complete calculus.  Other courses to consider include general education - humanities, social sciences, composition, etc.

3) Again, be in touch with the architecture program to see if what architecture courses will transfer to their program.  In some cases, courses at a community college will not transfer.  Personally, I prefer students to transfer as soon as they are able given their circumstances.

4) I would not worry about attending a "top" architecture program and work to apply to the best school for YOU.  You must determine what is important to you in selecting a program.

5) I am not an architect so I cannot say from personal experience, but I would not say it is hard; it is challenging, but it is also rewarding.  If possible, try to meet with some architects and ask them the question.  Another source is to read the profiles in Becoming an Architect, 2nd Ed.

Interior Architecture - I would still suggest you obtain a Master of Architecture which will allow you to do interior design, but perhaps pursue your degree at an institution that also has interior design.  Visit CIDA for a list of accredited Interior Design Programs -- http://www.accredit-id.org/

Best in your path!

Interior Architecture

I have a Bachelor and Master Degree in Architecture from accredited universities in the US and have practiced with architectural firms for over 6 years.  I do not have my architecture license, however, I am interested in starting my own business in Interior Architecture, including custom millwork, kitchen and bath, and other interior construction such as floor and ceiling design.  I know that there are showrooms that specialize in bathroom and kitchen design that do not have licensed architects, so I am guessing this type of work is permissible, but do not know for sure what the extent of the work I can do without a license is. Is there also any exterior work that can be done without a license?  Also what are the limitations on what I can call myself or my business.  For example is "Architectural Designer" legally an acceptable title, or can I say I practice "Architectural Design"? 

Your help would be truly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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First, I would ask how close you are to completing licensure as you may encounter clients that would require the services of an architect through your new business.

With that said, my expertise does not include the legal aspects of what type of work an architect can or cannot do so I went to the source - the state department of professional regulation.  You can obtain a list of them from NCARB -- http://www.ncarb.org/Getting-an-Initial-License/Registration-Board-Requirements.aspx

What is listed below is from the State of Illinois Practice Act; if you note, the items A-D states that an architect is NOT needed for the following.  You will need to check with your particular state to see if there may be difference.



http://www.idfpr.com/dpr/who/archt.asp

The involvement of a licensed architect is not required for the following: (A) The building, remodeling or repairing of any building or other structure outside of the corporate limits of any city or village, where such building or structure is to be, or is used for farm purposes, or for the purposes of outbuildings or auxiliary buildings in connection with such farm premises. (B) The construction, remodeling or repairing of a detached single family residence on a single lot. (C) The construction, remodeling or repairing of a two‑family residence of wood frame construction on a single lot, not more than two stories and basement in height. (D) Interior design services for buildings which do not involve life safety or structural changes.

However, when an ordinance of a unit of local government requires the involvement of a licensed architect for any buildings included in the preceding paragraphs (A) through (D), the requirements of this Act shall apply. All buildings not included in the preceding paragraphs (A) through (D), including multi‑family buildings and buildings previously exempt from the involvement of a licensed architect under those paragraphs but subsequently non‑exempt due to a change in occupancy or use, are subject to the requirements of this Act. Interior alterations which result in life safety or structural changes of the building are subject to the requirements of this Act. (Source: P.A. 96‑610, eff. 8‑24‑09.)

As for your title, again check with your state and I would be very careful; another reason to continue with obtaining your architectural license.  You may wish to consider contacting the following association.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association
http://www.nkba.org/

As well, consider joining ASID - American Society of Interior Designers - www.asid.org

Best!

 

Dr. Architecture

Architecture to Other Design Disciplines

I have a question about my career choice.

I am a freshmen in college and have recently decided to pursue a major in architecture.

Let's say I do get my degree in architecture, but rather than just design buildings I want to maybe seek a job in industrial design or interior architecture. Would I be able to do that with my degree in architecture or should I just pursue a degree in the subjects directly? ex: Industrial design, interior architecture.
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Excellent question!

In my opinion, the education that you gain as an architecture student would be well-suited if you later decided to pursue another design related discipline like industrial design or interior design. More than anything, you learn the design process as an architecture student. How to take a problem statement, generate possible solutions, further develop those solutions and eventually finalize a single solution for presentation. You would do something very parallel in industrial design or interior design. The difference is the scale of the problem and the palette of materials and tools you use to develop your solution. For industrial design, you may be asked to design the next child's toy or household appliance while in architecture you are designing a public library or civic building.

With that said, another approach would be to pursue a straight design degree as an undergraduate and upon graduation decide on your next step; if it is architecture, you can pursue the Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for those that do not have an undergraduate degree in architecture. Your option to become an architect has different paths.

Below are some resources --

Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition

Becoming a Product Designer

Becoming an Interior Designer, 2nd Edition

National Assn. of Art and Design Schools

Finally, a note on interior architecture; this truly is architecture and not a separate discipline like industrial design. Think of a doctor who later specializes in cardiology (heart). An interior architect is an architect who later specializes in interiors.

I hope this helps. Do let me know.

Dr. Architecture

Career Decision.

Hello Dr. Architecture,

First off, I am convinced that you are an architecture angel (an arch angel! haha.) Your posts have been extremely helpful and easy to understand. But...the time has come, where I feel like my situation is too strange to base my decisions off of other people's special circumstances.

I currently attend University of Oregon and I am pursuing a double major in Judaic Studies and Interior Architecture(accredited 5 year program). I am in my second year of college..but technically a first year in the architecture school because I applied & got in as a sophomore. I realized recently that I am able to graduate as a Judaic Studies major next year. This realization left me with two options
1) Continue with my original plan - interior architecture & Judaic studies degree until my IARCH degree is finished in 2013 & graduate as a double major(IARCH & Judaic Studies) & triple minor: business, architecture, art history

2) Graduate with just a bachelor of arts in Judaic Studies and then apply for a M.Arch 3-4yr program at a graduate school. Assuming that I got into a graduate school and did the Grad program for 3 years...I would also be graduating in 2013, but this time...with a Masters degree.

What should I do? Stick with my original plan? Or graduate early as a Judaic Studies major & apply for Grad school? If I graduate early I could have the option to attend a different university - which would be nice to get another perspective. However, what do archiecture firms like better? A B.IARCH and Judaic Studies OR A bachelor of Judaic Studies WITH a Masters of Architecture/IARCH?

Thank you so much!
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As to your situation, what you do depends on what your career goals are? Continue with #1 if you wish to graduate with an interior architecture and Judaic Studies degree; this will depend on what your career goals with these degrees. You would NOT be able to pursue licensure as an architect with only the Bachelor of Interior Architecture.

Instead, switch to #2 if you wish to pursue the professional accredited Master of Architecture after receiving your BA in Judaic Studies degree. This route leads you to the necessary degree to become a licensed architect.

Thus, what do you wish to be doing 10-20 years after graduation and which plan will allow you to get there.

Thanks and best wishes with your decision.

Dr. Architecture