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I need to choose between taking up Architecture and Interior Design. Which course would be better to take up?
Is it possible to take up both? Would that be a good idea?
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- Hi, I am an Architect in Australia and I have taught construction at an interior design college. Here are some differences to help you decide. I enjoy being an architect personally. The items listed are not in any particular order Architecture - many years of study (6 in Australia) with a wide range of subjects including physics and fairly high level maths and legal studies, generally has high level of legal responsibility for work done so more vulnerable to being sued, legally required to maintain professional expertise and be able to prove it, has opportunity to design the whole of building, in Australia at least is poorly paid compared to other professions, design freedom limited by government regulations and construction practicalities (ie you want a free form roof and ceiling you have to be able to build it so it can stay up on it's own), have say on over all design, high level of technical and construction expertise required, can specialise in a wide range of types of work - design, site supervision, contract administration, client liaison and more as well as interior design! Interior design - short study time, fewer legal responsibilities, work with interiors only so have little say in the building form etc, often work for architects, generally fewer limits set by government regulations and construction and structural practicalities (for example you can hang a free form ceiling from the existing ceiling so it does not have to be structural in itself), focused on colours, materials, style and use of space etc, fewer legal requirements to be able to work, Some interior designers go on to become architects effectively in what they do, others get the interior design qualification, work for a while then do the architecture degree. One thing to investigate are the regulations for qualifications for architects - in some countries you cannot do the work of an architect without full architectural training. However you can work as an interior designer even with a basic correspondence course training. Questions to ask yourself - What interests you about architecture and interior design? Do you have any interest the technicalities of structure and construction? Do you prefer to focus on finishes, colours, materials, use of space etc? How many years do you want to or can you afford to study for?
