Is Interior Architecture the Same as Interior Design?

What Is The Difference Between An Interior Architect And

Interior Designers?

At SARCO, we believe that the best design concepts are the ones that have been planned effectively from start to finish. This is why in addition to exterior architecture, we have an in-house team of interior architects to ensure your design works on all levels.

But what exactly do interior architects do? And how are they different from interior designers?

Interior architecture

To understand interior architecture, it’s important to remember that at SARCO, we are primarily an architecture firm. While interior designers tend to focus on adding finishing touches to an existing interior structure or complete plans, the design elements of interior architecture are usually incorporated during the design process and fully documented in final plans.

“For example, the decision to make a mirror and LED light fixture flush or floating against your tiles will require forethought and planning. Integrating this sort of detail from the design plans and specifying the correct fixture to make the detail work allows the construction of your project to run more smoothly. This is because you’re outlining the exact information contractors need with technical drawings and documentation that keeps everyone on the same page.”  –Roderick Anderson, SARCO Architects

This usually involves the design of a space from a structural and functional standpoint. This can include the selection of materials and finishes for your home, as well as interior details that require structural, electrical or plumbing planning. For this discipline, technical drawings and documentation can be provided, with scale and design optimization a particular focus.

Interior architecture also places an important focus on planning ahead.  Working on materials, fixtures, and equipment selection at this step is highly important.  This way, everything can be properly planned and clearly detailed in the design plans. 

This is so important nowadays, when we are still experiencing the effects of manufacturer delays with lots of products such as appliances, plumbing fixtures, etc.  Having everything properly selected and specified allows you to place orders with sufficient lead time to contend with these manufacturer delays.

Because interior architecture can significantly impact cost estimates and the efficiency and timeline of any project, it’s essential to consider interior architecture from the beginning of your project.

Interior design

This usually deals with the final finished feel of the rooms and incorporates furniture, fabrics, colors, textures, accessories, art, and decorative lighting to make your space aesthetically pleasing.

Even though interior design should be considered as early as possible, it’s common for interior designers to only appear on construction sites once the main structural elements of your home have been completed.

What Are the Key Differences Between Interior Architecture and Interior Design?

One of the key differences between interior architecture and interior design is the type of objectives each discipline sets out to achieve. When it comes to interior spaces, an interior architect will look at ways to elevate the design through structural elements. Therefore, functionality and technical aspects will be a key focus. 

On the other hand, interior designers tend to focus more on interior decoration and aesthetic elements. Often working with existing spaces to enhance your design, an interior decorator or designer won’t have control over project management and will not prepare technical drawings.

“To better understand SARCO’s approach to interior architecture, we often tell our clients to imagine their house is turned on its side and gets shaken around. Anything that remains intact (for example, fixtures, tiling, built-in cabinetry etc.) is something that interior architecture will cover.” — Roderick Anderson, SARCO Architects

Our in-house interior architecture services include working with our highly-experienced team of interior architects to help you select the best materials and finishes for your home. This can include (but is not limited to):

• Flooring
• Coordination of design features with Architectural Lighting design
• Fixtures and fittings (incl. light switches, faucets, accessories, appliances, electronics, etc.)
• Millwork
• Custom cabinetry
• Ceiling and wall finishes (this can also include specialist millwork and tilework) 
• Electrical provisions (incl. socket and switchboard placement)
• Plumbing systems, pipes, and drainage
• Ventilation
• Dimensions and scale (often important for kitchen cabinets, appliances, islands, fireplaces, large bathtubs, etc.)

We can then collaborate with interior designers (we can recommend excellent options from our extensive network of partners) to add some final touches to perfect your custom home in Costa Rica.

This can include:

• Furniture
• Fabrics
• Mirrors
• Non-integrated lighting
• Home styling
• Art Installations
• Accessories
• And more

Why is Interior Architecture So Important in Costa Rica?

If you’re building a custom home in Costa Rica, you’ll likely know that building in a tropical climate doesn’t come without its challenges. This is why selecting an architectural firm that can come up with solutions to any issues you face (from an external and internal viewpoint) is vital.

As mentioned, interior architecture services can include everything from choosing the best materials for hot climates to adapting ventilation systems to improve the overall functionality of your home. However, there are other services that an interior architect can also be involved in.

At SARCO, our interior architecture specialists will also be able to collaborate on:

Solar analysis

This involves analyzing sun placement around your custom home and determining the best use of materials and surfaces with the consideration of the solar orientation and the sun's impact on the interior spaces.

Preventive Materials and Systems Specification

Costa Rica can get hot! People love to stay here for the warm weather and sunny skies. Understanding the impact of natural conditions allows an integrated architecture approach to help select the right door and window types, specifying the correct type of solar control glass, which can make your home significantly more comfortable, more long-lasting, and more efficient to run. 

The Relationship Between Interior Architecture and Interior Design

The relationship between interior architecture and interior design is an important one. Ultimately, both disciplines must work together to create an aesthetically pleasing living space. However, without a solid interior structure to work from, your interior designer will struggle to perfect your design to the level you want. 

It’s also possible that when an interior designer joins a team without the solid foundations of interior architecture to work from, the design elements they put forward might not be within the scope of your project or may actually cause delays in the project by making suggestions or design changes at a point when it's simply too late for that. This is why it’s always best to let an interior architect have the final say over which design elements are viable for your structure.

A professional interior architect can create a structural layout that considers the occupants’ needs, while also creating a space that allows for all design requirements to be met. 

An interior designer can then add the finishing touches to create a comfortable and attractive living space. 

The Benefits of Integrated Interior Architecture

While many architects and architectural firms choose to hire out interior architecture, at SARCO, we believe the best approach is to integrate this service into the entire design process. With an in-house architect specializing in interiors, we can ensure your interior spaces work smoothly in your total home design.

With integrated interior architecture, the attention to detail and peace of mind it provides greatly benefits our clients. With the ability to elevate your design and maximize your use of the space, our in-house interior architects will optimize and elevate the value of your property from the beginning.

Some other benefits of integrated interior architecture services include: 

• The ability to more accurately estimate final costs 
• Greater control over building materials and final construction plans
• Increased ability to deliver your final design more efficiently and cost-effectively
• The ability to ensure the design elements you want (e.g., a specific type of bathtub or shower) are integrated into the technical drawings and final design concept
• Knowledge of the type of firm you’re hiring and exactly what your service will include ahead of time

Overall, with interior space and exterior elements in mind, your interior architect is best positioned to understand and advance your design needs at every level — while keeping your project on track.

Note: An interior architect will also be able to help provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for occupants. With functionality and aesthetics of equal importance, your interior architect will always strive for perfection.

Integrated Interior Architecture is Key to a Successful Home Project

Interior architecture and effective project management can make all the difference to any real estate development and investment in your new luxury home in Costa Rica.

This is because getting your building structure right requires an alignment of several parts — something architects offering an integrated interior architecture service will be able to help with.

With the right understanding of interior architecture and interior design, you’ll be better able to plan your project and enlist the right expertise to get your project off the ground. This is something we hope this blog has given you the right insights to do.

As an award-winning design-build architecture firm, we know how to get projects right the first time. With an extensive portfolio and proven track record in developing luxury Costa Rican homes, we have the experience and expertise to cater to all your interior and exterior architectural needs. 



To find out more, call 1-646-712-9299  or click here to schedule one of our Next Steps Calls to find out how we can help you.