Probably one of the hardest questions to answer because each one is different, and like anything else in life, you find good, bad, ugly and everything in between. We’ll try to summarize as simply as possible here.

Architect

An Architect literally designs and creates a blueprint for the project, ensuring all the structural, fire, and safety components are all accounted for, all while making it aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Some architects prefer not to be involved in some of the components such as kitchen and bath layouts, finishes, and fixtures; while others prefer to touch every aspect of the project, to ensure their vision is relayed in all the finer details.
Some architects will provide project supervision to their contract and fees, with regular site visit checks to ensure the builder or contractor is following what was specified.
Architects are required to keep up with Continuing Education in order to maintain their licensure, so they should be fluent in current building codes, etc.
Sub-specialties exist such as:
- Urban Design & Planning
- Green Architecture
- Historic Preservation
- Commercial Architecture, etc.

Architectural Designer

They are usually an unlicensed architect, meaning they’ve gone through most or all of the schooling, but do not keep active licensure.
Some architectural designers have earned their keep through experience and will rely on structural engineers or licensed architects to review and stamp the architectural drawings if necessary.
Often times, Architects, Contractors, and Design-Build firms employ Architectural Designers to do much of the CAD Drawings.

Interior Architect

They usually design the house from the inside out. Meaning, they design the layout based on use and function within the existing exterior structure and usually provide further architectural details such as custom built-ins, millwork, and moldings…

Interior Designer

Usually misunderstood and/or used interchangeably with Decorator, some states in the US have Title laws restricting the use of this title.
Interior Designers study human behaviors, lifestyle, and human scale and proportion to design spaces within a building.
They have usually studied other areas such as the history of art, architecture, furniture design, lighting design, and building technology; and study how humans interact with all of these elements in a space.
Many sub-specialties exist (and sometimes carry their own degrees) such as:
- Kitchen/Bath Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Furniture Designer
- Commercial/Office Designer
- Hospitality Interior Designer
- Historic Preservation
- Sustainable or Green Designer

Interior Decorator

Usually involved in the decoration of the space, within the existing walls of a space.
They can typically provide guidance on furniture arrangement, window treatments, color consultations, and other furniture, art, accessory, and finish selections.
Sub-specialties exist:
- Window Treatment Designers/Installers
- Closet Designers
- Color Consultants
- Feng Shui Consultants

Contractor

This person will execute and construct the design intent/vision provided by the Architect, Designer, or sometimes a homeowner.
They are responsible for complying with local building codes throughout the construction.

General Contractor

Usually coordinates and oversees the many trades-people involved in the construction of a project (plumber, electrician, plasterer, flooring installer, painter, tile installer, and others)
Liability is passed through them, as the trades-people are often sub-contracted through them; meaning the General Contractor hires them, not the homeowner.
Most jurisdictions require Licensing and Certifications to maintain this business and ensure they are knowledgeable and compliant with current Building and Life Safety codes.

Design-Build Firm

These firms usually offer a bit (or a lot) of the above wrapped into one.
While each firm operates differently, many Design-Build firms will typically have an in-house architecture and/or design team to design the space, and will typically serve as the General Contractor to hire, schedule, and oversee the trades-people and execution of the project.

As you may have noticed, there are many different ways to approach your individual project.

Who the best fit for you will be will depend on so many factors like your experience, budget, timeline, and scope of work, among many other factors. See our FAQ’s for more info and guidance.

Are you looking for an Interior Designer in Massachusetts? Please Contact Us to get started today! We can assist you with any Interior Design services you may need.