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what is the difference between a degree in interior design and interior architecture?

are these the same degrees with different names? some colleges' interior design programs are within the architecture dept. and some are within the fine arts dept. the coursework doesn't seem that different. does anyone know which degree would be the best choice for future career income? i'm currently looking at the art institute of dallas..id degree in fine arts. help!

Public Comments

1. this is kinda like that tricky square rule, that a square can be a rectangle but a rectangle cant be a square. architecture can be design, but design doesnt mean its architecture if that makes sence. architiecture can be artful and be classified or considered design, but interior design could range from furniture to wallpaper, and have nothing to do with structure, wall placement, layouts, etc.
2. Architecture is what holds up the walls and the ceiling, including details like entries and windows. Design is how the room is filled and decorated. Of course, there are crossover elements, such as when a designer decides that exposed redwood beams need to be replaced with gothic arches. In such a case, it takes an architect to determine a safe way in which that ceiling can be redone. The designer is interested in "the look." The architect is interested in making sure the ceiling doesn't collapse. On the inverse, an architect has esthetic choices as well. If he wants "cathederal ceilings" and lofty staircases, he has only do design the structure in such a way that it, too, does not collapse. The course work may have some similarities, but, an architect has more knowledge of physics and engineering principles while the designer would have more detailed knowlege of color theory, fabrics and such.