If you’re renovating a flat or building a house, you’ll quickly hit this question. Do you need an architect, an interior designer, or both? The answer depends on what you’re changing.
the short version
- Building a new house, adding a floor, or changing structure or the building’s exterior? You need an architect.
- Redoing the inside of an apartment without structural changes? An interior designer can do it, but an architect who designs interiors brings extra skills.
- Renovating an older flat with plumbing, wiring, layout and waterproofing work? This is where an architect-led approach is most useful.
what an architect does
In India, the title “architect” is protected. Only professionals registered with the Council of Architecture may use it. Architects are trained in:
- Building design: planning, structure (with engineers), climate, light and ventilation.
- Construction and services: how buildings are actually built and kept dry, and how plumbing, drainage and electrical systems fit in.
- Approvals: preparing drawings for building permissions and coordinating with authorities.
- Contract administration: tendering, site supervision and quality control.
what an interior designer does
An interior designer focuses on the inside of a space:
- Space planning within existing walls.
- Joinery, kitchens and storage.
- Materials, finishes, colours and lighting.
- Furniture, furnishings and styling.
Good interior designers are skilled specialists. Interior design isn’t a protected title in India, so experience, portfolio and references matter a lot when you’re choosing one.
where the line blurs
Most real projects sit in between. A typical Mumbai renovation involves:
- moving a kitchen or bathroom (drainage, slopes, waterproofing)
- opening up walls (structure, society approval)
- replacing old plumbing and wiring (services)
- and joinery, materials, lighting and furniture (interiors).
That’s why many clients prefer a studio that handles both, so the same people who understand the building also design the cupboards. We describe these checks in renovating an old Mumbai apartment.
how we work
We’re architects who design interiors. Both founders are trained architects: Anushri at the Academy of Architecture, Mumbai, and Maitri with a Master’s from IAAC, Barcelona. We design the architecture and the interior as one, whether it’s a 386 sq. ft. Breach Candy renovation or a holiday home.
questions to ask whoever you hire
- Are you registered with the Council of Architecture? (If they call themselves an architect.)
- Have you done projects like mine, in buildings like mine?
- Who will actually design and supervise my project?
- What exactly is included in the fee: drawings, revisions, site visits, furniture?
- Can I speak to a past client?
See our services, how a project runs and our FAQ, or start a conversation.