What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer?

Do you have a renovation or construction project in Lausanne and are unsure whether to hire an architect or an interior designer? These two professions are often confused, but they address different needs and have complementary skills. Understanding their specific roles will help you select the right professional for your project in the canton of Vaud.

Two professions, two training programs

The architect: project manager for the structure and the building envelope

An architect is trained in the design of buildings as a whole. Their university education (5 to 6 years) covers the structural, technical, and regulatory aspects of construction. They are familiar with the strength of materials, load calculations, building physics, and all Swiss building standards.

In Switzerland, the title of architect is protected and requires registration with the Register of Architects (REG). Architects design new buildings, extensions, and additions, working on structural work. Their expertise ranges from foundations to roofing.

The interior designer: expert in layout and the lived experience

The interior designer, on the other hand, works on improving and redesigning existing interior spaces. Their training, whether at a university or specialized school, focuses on ergonomics, design, functional layout, lighting, acoustics, and the overall atmosphere of a space.

He redesigns interior spaces to make them more practical, aesthetically pleasing, and tailored to the occupants' needs. He has a mastery of finishing materials, furniture, and colors, and knows how to create atmospheres suited to your lifestyle, making the most of every square meter of your Lausanne home.

Areas of responsibility: who does what?

What the architect does

The architect primarily works on projects that affect the building envelope or structure. He designs new houses, extensions, openings in load-bearing walls, roof or frame modifications, and loft conversions in the canton of Vaud.

His work also includes all the administrative procedures related to construction: building permit applications, compliance with municipal zoning plans, compliance with SIA (Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects) standards, coordination with civil engineers and calculation of load-bearing structures.

For any project subject to building permit in Lausanne or in the canton of Vaud, the involvement of an architect registered in the register is generally mandatory.

What an interior designer does

The interior designer works on the layout of the interior space without altering the structural elements. They rethink the distribution of rooms, move non-load-bearing partitions, optimize circulation, create custom storage solutions, and choose all the finishes.

His areas of expertise include: complete apartment renovations, kitchen and bathroom design, creation of harmonious decorative atmospheres, optimization of small spaces in Lausanne, and the design of built-in furniture. He also coordinates all the trades involved in the finishing touches: carpenters, painters, tilers, and electricians for decorative lighting.

The interior designer is a master in the art of transforming an existing space into a custom-designed, functional and aesthetically pleasing living space, without altering the building's structure.

When should you ask for one or the other?

Hire an architect if your project includes

You must hire an architect for a new house construction in the canton of Vaud, an extension to your house, an addition of a story or an extra floor, major structural transformations such as opening load-bearing walls or modifying the roof structure.

An architect is also required for any project requiring a building permit, major renovation of an old building with structural upgrades, or projects subject to heritage constraints in the old quarters of Lausanne.

Hire an interior designer if your project involves

The interior architect is the specialist for the complete renovation of the interior of your Lausanne apartment, the functional redesign without structural modification, the optimization of small or poorly arranged spaces, or the design of a harmonious and personalized decoration.

You can also call on this professional for kitchen and bathroom design, the creation of custom-made dressing rooms and storage, changing the atmosphere with new finishes and new furniture, or optimizing interior lighting and acoustics.

If your project does not require a building permit but you want to transform your interior, an interior designer is your ideal partner.

Can they collaborate?

Yes, and it's even recommended for large projects! Working with an architect and an interior designer allows for a comprehensive and coherent vision of your renovation or construction project.

Complementary skills

On a new construction or major renovation project in the canton of Vaud, the architect designs the structure, the envelope and takes care of the technical and regulatory aspects, the interior architect then intervenes to optimize the interior spaces, design the tailor-made layouts and create the final atmosphere.

This synergy ensures that your future home is not only technically flawless and compliant, but also perfectly functional and pleasant to live in on a daily basis.

Examples of collaborative projects

For a villa in Lausanne, the architect designs the building and manages the structural work, then the interior designer takes over for the kitchens, bathrooms, dressing rooms and all the interior decoration.

As part of a major renovation of a penthouse apartment with structural modification, the architect manages the opening of the load-bearing walls and the technical aspects, the interior designer optimizes the new layout and chooses all the finishing materials.

For a house extension with complete redesign of the existing structure in the canton of Vaud, the two professionals collaborate to achieve harmony between the old and the new.

Legal obligations in Switzerland and in the canton of Vaud

For the architect

In Switzerland, the title of architect is protected. Only architects registered with the Register of Architects (REG A) are authorized to use this title. This registration guarantees a recognized level of training and competence.

For any project requiring a building permit in Lausanne or the canton of Vaud, the signature of a registered architect is often mandatory. This requirement aims to ensure that projects comply with building regulations and local zoning plans.

For the interior designer

The title of interior architect is not protected in Switzerland, but serious professionals are often members of professional associations such as the VSI-ASAI (Swiss Association of Interior Architects and Industrial Designers).

Interior designers have free rein over interior layouts that do not alter the building's structure and do not require a building permit. However, certain alterations, even interior ones, may require authorization, particularly in listed or protected buildings in Lausanne's historic center.

How to choose for your project?

Ask yourself the right questions

Does your project involve structural or finishing work? If so, an architect is required. Do you need a building permit? An architect's signature will be required.

Do you want to improve and enhance your existing interior without altering the structure? Then an interior designer is the ideal professional. Do you want a comprehensive approach encompassing both structure and interior design? Imagine a synergy between these two skill sets.

Estimate the nature of your project

For a simple apartment renovation project in Lausanne, an interior designer is sufficient. For new construction or an extension, start with an architect. For a complex project combining structural transformation and high-quality interior design, the involvement of both professionals will be most beneficial.

Meet the pros

Don't hesitate to schedule appointments with different professionals to present your project. Their expertise will help you define your real needs and find the most suitable path to achieve your goal.

A good professional will also refer you to a colleague if your project requires additional expertise. This transparency is the hallmark of a true professional who cares about the success of your project.

HEMMAMIA Council

At HEMMAMIA, we bring together the best of both worlds. Our team includes both an architect and interior designers, allowing us to support your projects in their entirety, whether they require structural interventions or focus on the layout and optimization of your interior spaces in Lausanne and French-speaking Switzerland.

This complementary expertise allows us to manage both complete renovation projects with structural modifications and sophisticated interior design, offering you a single point of contact for your entire project. You thus benefit from a coherent vision from start to finish, without having to coordinate multiple professionals.

Transform your interior with HEMMAMIA's complete expertise

Now that you understand the difference between an architect and an interior designer, you know that at HEMMAMIA, you don't have to choose. Our multidisciplinary team can handle all aspects of your project, from structural work to final decoration, including administrative procedures and site supervision.

Contact us today for an initial consultation and let's explore together how to transform your space, whatever the scope of your project. From simple interior renovations to complete structural transformations, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life with professionalism and passion.

Let's talk about your project!