What Is the Difference Between Architectural & Interior Design?

What Architectural Design Covers

Architectural design is about the structure of your home—the “bones” that give it shape and flow. An architect is trained to plan and modify layouts in a way that is both functional and safe, while making sure the design complies with building codes and city restrictions.

Common areas of focus for architectural design include:

• Space planning and floor plan reconfiguration

• Moving or removing walls

• Designing additions or new structural elements

• Exterior changes that impact curb appeal and integration

For example, if you’re expanding your kitchen footprint into a dining room or planning an addition to your home, architectural design will guide how the new structure ties seamlessly into the existing house.

What Interior Design Covers

Once the structure is set, interior design defines how you’ll live within those spaces. An interior designer is focused on both the aesthetics and the functionality of your rooms, helping you select finishes and layouts that align with your daily life.

Interior design typically covers:

• Material and finish selections (cabinetry, tile, countertops, flooring, paint)

• Lighting design and fixture placement

• Furniture layout and flow between rooms

• Details that enhance style and comfort

If you’re searching for a kitchen designer in Minneapolis, you’re likely looking for an interior designer who can help you choose cabinetry, appliances, and surfaces that feel both timeless and functional.

How They Work Together

The strongest renovations happen when architectural and interior design collaborate from the beginning. While architects decide where walls, doors, and windows go, interior designers help ensure those choices enhance daily living. For instance, an architect might design a kitchen expansion with an island, while the interior designer ensures there’s enough seating at the island that works for family meals and entertaining.

A design-build approach can bring both architectural and interior design under one roof. This allows homeowners to avoid juggling multiple firms or running into disconnects between structure and style. With both disciplines working together, projects tend to move more smoothly—balancing technical requirements with the details that make a home feel complete.

Deciding What You Need

If you’re wondering who to hire, think about the nature of your remodel:

• If you’re making structural changes—such as moving walls, building an addition, or altering the roofline—you’ll need architectural design.

• If you’re focused on aesthetic upgrades—like updating finishes, reworking a kitchen layout within its current footprint, or refreshing your primary suite—an interior designer is likely the right fit.

• If your project combines both structure and style, a design-build firm in Minneapolis can streamline the process and save you from costly redesigns.

Final Thoughts

As you weigh your own project, consider not just the end result you want, but also the steps it will take to get there. If your goals include opening up walls, adding on to your home, or altering the structure, architectural design is essential. If your focus is on finishes, furniture, and the way a space feels once it’s complete, interior design will guide those choices. And for many homeowners, the best path is one where both perspectives work together toward a unified vision.