Comparing Interior Industry Roles
Designers and architects take a comprehensive technical approach grounded in formal training while stylists and decorators concentrate on the decorative finish and aesthetics of spaces.
There are several professional roles involved in interior design projects. This guide will compare interior designers, stylists, decorators, and architects so you understand the distinctions when hiring for your next space.
Interior designers, stylists, decorators, and architects all work on interior spaces but have distinct differences:
- Education: Interior designers and architects require formal education and licensing. Stylists and decorators learn through work experience.
- Services: Designers and architects handle technical planning and construction tasks. Stylists focus on aesthetics for shoots and events. Decorators style and furnish spaces.
- Process: Designers follow a systematic project process. Stylists prepare for shoots and events. Decorators work room-by-room. Architects manage complex builds.
- Technical skills: Designers use CAD and understand building systems. Stylists arrange spaces and style. Decorators have color and furnishing skills. Architects draft plans and ensure code compliance.
- Clients: Designers work with businesses, developers, and residential. Stylists partner with photographers and brands. Decorators assist individual homeowners and small businesses. Architects consult on large commercial projects.
In this post we’ll cover:
- How to decide who
- Education and training
- Services provided
- Scope of work
- Best clients
- Technical skills
- Industry recognition
Learn more: How to start and operate interior design firm
I am trying to decide who to select for my design project?
The right interior professional for your project depends on your needs:
- Interior designers handle major renovations and new builds requiring space planning, construction oversight, and project management.
- Interior architects are suited for large commercial projects that need coded plans and technical expertise.
- Interior stylists are ideal for photoshoots and events requiring short-term aesthetic styling.
- Interior decorators work best for residential refresh projects focused on furnishings, color, and styling vs. major layout changes.
Assess whether your project requires technical planning and construction work or a cosmetic refresh.
Large scale and highly complex projects call for interior designers or architects. Minor styling and decor needs may be met by decorators or stylists. Choose professionals with strengths matching your goals.
Education and Qualifications
Interior Designers
- Formal degree programs
- Study space planning, CAD, color theory
- Licensing required in some states
Interior Stylists
- May enter from other creative fields
- Learn on the job or short courses
- No formal education required
Interior Decorators
- Background in color theory, styling
- Vocational courses common
- No license or degree needed
Interior Architects
- Architecture degree required
- Licensure mandatory in most areas
- Work experience required for licensing
“Formal design education is required for designers and architects only.”
Services Provided
Interior Designers Offer:
- Concept development
- Space planning
- Technical drawings
- Construction oversight
Interior Stylists Provide:
- Styling spaces
- Editorial shoots
- Sourcing props
- Affiliate decor links
Interior Decorators Focus On:
- Color consulting
- Furniture arrangement
- Sourcing furnishings
- Making soft furnishings
Interior Architects Handle:
- Plan drafting
- Feasibility studies
- Code compliance
- Coordinating consultants
“Architects and designers take a technical approach, while stylists and decorators focus on aesthetics.”
Need help with a project to visualize?
Scope of Work
Process
- Designers: Systematic, phased process
- Stylists: Prepare for shoots and events
- Decorators: Style room-by-room
- Architects: Manage complex projects
Spatial Planning
- Designers: Optimize layout, design and furniture construction, and flow
- Stylists: Arrange for photogenic spaces
- Decorators: Furniture arrangement
- Architects: Building systems and code compliance
Problem Solving
- Designers: Integrate technical and creative solutions
- Stylists: Enhance spaces for events and shoots
- Decorators: Color schemes and furniture layouts
- Architects: Construction challenges, interior architecture and constraints
“Each role solves different problems based on their specialty.”
Best Clients
The key is selecting an interior professional whose skills and services align with the scope and needs of the specific project, whether residential refresh or large-scale commercial development. Each role tends to attract different types of clients.
Interior Designers Work With:
Interior designers often work best with homeowners planning major renovations that require reconfiguring layouts and structural changes.
- Businesses and corporations
- Developers and contractors
- Residential renovations
Interior Stylists Collaborate With:
Interior stylists commonly collaborate with photographers, brands, and creative agencies that need styling services for editorial and commercial shoots.
- Photographers
- Editorial teams
- Brands and retailers
Interior Decorators Assist:
Interior decorators are a great match for residential homeowners wanting to update the look of rooms through new furnishings, accent pieces, wall colors and decor.
- Individual homeowners
- Small business owners
- Store managers
Interior Architects Consult For:
Interior architects are ideally suited for large corporate build-outs, commercial high rises, and other substantial projects that demand technical expertise.
- Large-scale developments
- Government projects
- Commercial high rises
What Does an Interior Stylist Do?
- Interprets client briefs for photoshoots and events
- Styles spaces for editorial and commercial shoots
- Sources props, furniture, and accessories
- Decorates spaces in line with shoot aesthetic
What to Expect From an Interior Stylist
Interior stylists are creative professionals who use their expertise in color, texture, and composition to style beautiful, photogenic spaces. They combine products, props, lighting, and layouts to achieve a desired look and bring client concepts to life.
Although they may suggest décor pieces to purchase, their services focus on the short-term appearance for events and photography rather than long-term interior design.
Key Roles of an Interior Stylist:
- Interpreting client briefs – Understand shoot goals and translate ideas into design concepts
- Styling for photo shoots – Arrange spaces, furniture, props and accessories for editorial and commercial shoots
- Sourcing – Find and obtain ideal props, furniture and accessories to showcase
- Decorating spaces – Design cohesive decor and aesthetics aligned to shoot concept
“Interior stylists focus on aesthetics and short-term styling rather than long-term interior design.”
Interior Stager
Interior stagers prepare and stage properties to maximize their appeal and selling price. Their services optimize homes for the real estate market.
What Does an Interior Stager Do?
- Collaborates with realtors on property goals
- Makes beneficial pre-sale alterations
- Arranges furnishings for optimal flow
- Repurposes rooms to add value
- Decorates to attract ideal buyers
What to Expect From an Interior Stager
Interior stagers combine home styling and marketing strategies to showcase properties for maximum profit. They make renovations, rearrange layouts, and decorate to appeal to target demographics.
Their services are temporary, aimed at a successful sale. Stagers transform everyday homes into attractive offerings that garner interest and prime buyers.
With their broad range of services, interior designers can reimagine and renovate spaces to the client’s vision, handling everything from layouts to finishing touches.
Key Services of an Interior Stager:
- Collaborating with realtors – Align on property goals, market analysis, and target buyers
- Pre-sale alterations – Make beneficial updates like paint, fixtures, repairs
- Furniture arranging – Reposition furnishings for optimal flow and openness
- Repurposing spaces – Stage underused areas like dining rooms as offices
- Decorating – Style and furnish homes in line with realtor guidance
“Interior stagers optimize properties for maximum resale appeal and profit.”
Interior Decorator
Interior decorators focus on enhancing the aesthetic look and feel of interior spaces. They provide services related to color, furniture, accessories, and overall style.
What Does an Interior Decorator Do?
- Translates client vision into interior design
- Creates inspirational mood boards
- Advises on styles, trends, and color schemes
- Designs look and layout of rooms
- Upcycles and repurposes furniture
- Decorators do not design but decorates spaces
What to Expect From an Interior Decorator
Interior decorators possess expertise in color theory, furniture arrangement, and creating holistic styles. They help clients select furnishings, paint colors, window treatments, accessories, and more based on the desired aesthetic.
Their services enhance the appearance of spaces rather than modifying layouts or built-ins. They provide finish selections and decor to reflect client personality and style.
Key Services of an Interior Decorator:
- Translating client vision – Develop moods and styles aligned to client preferences
- Mood boards – Create inspirational boards to capture aesthetic goals
- Style advising – Provide guidance on trends, color schemes, patterns, etc.
- Designing room look – Plan furniture layouts and select pieces to achieve desired style
- Furniture upcycling – Reinvent existing furniture with repairs, paint, new upholstery
- Decorating spaces – Source and place accessories, art, textiles to complete rooms
“Interior decorators enhance the look and feel of spaces through stylistic services.”
Interior Architect
Interior architects are licensed professionals who handle technical and spatial aspects of interior design projects. The title requires specific education, experience, and examination in most regions but they do not do design and construction altogether.
What Does an Interior Architect Do?
- Converts client briefs into interior designs
- Drafts architectural plans and documents
- Researches and specifies finishes and materials
- Coordinates with project consultants and contractors
- Oversees installation and construction
- Ensures compliance with building codes
What to Expect From an Interior Architect
Interior architects utilize architectural and engineering expertise to create functional space plans and technical drawings. They research, select, and specify design elements, materials that meet project goals.
With their specialized training, they provide technical oversight across the design process while also delivering creative and aesthetically pleasing results.
Key Services of an Interior Architect:
- Design concepts – Interpret client needs into creative interior designs following fundamental design principles
- Plan drafting – Create detailed architectural plans and documentation
- Materials research – Identify appropriate finishes and building materials
- Consultant coordination – Liaise with engineers, contractors, and other project partners
- Construction oversight – Manage and approve on-site installation
- Code compliance – Ensure designs adhere to building regulations and standards
“Interior architects combine technical knowledge with design creativity and oversight.”
Interior Designer
Interior designers work on commercial and residential spaces, providing a wide range of services spanning concept development, technical planning, project management, and installation.
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
- Conducts feasibility studies for spaces
- Develops design concepts aligned to client needs
- Specifies interior finishes and materials
- Handles interior space planning
- Designs custom furniture pieces
- Manages overall project timelines
- Provides final styling and accessories
What to Expect From an Interior Designer
Interior designers may manage projects from initial planning through completion, including decorating and styling.
Interior designers are also able to address both functional and aesthetic elements, ensuring spaces meet technical requirements while reflecting client style.
Key Services of an Interior Designer:
“Interior designers are generally able to provide end-to-end services to bring client visions to life.”
- Feasibility studies – Assess opportunities and constraints for renovations
- Concept development – Design spaces, create design directions reflecting client preferences
- Specifying finishes – Select optimal interior materials and finishes
- Space planning – Design efficient and functional room layouts
- Custom furniture – Design bespoke furniture suited to the space
- Project management – Oversee schedules, budgets, contractors, and installation
- Styling – Provide final accessories, art, greenery to complete rooms
Need help with a project to visualize?
FAQ Interior Designer vs Decorator?
While interior designers and decorators both enhance interior spaces, key differences exist in their training, scope of work, and optimal projects:
- Interior designers complete formal education in space planning, CAD, architecture principles. Many pursue licensing. Decorators may enter from other fields and focus on aesthetics.
- Designers offer a wide range of services including technical drawings, construction specifications, project management. Decorators provide style guidance and furnish/accessorize spaces.
- Designers handle major renovations, new builds, commercial spaces. Their work requires spatial and technical expertise. Decorators excel at residential refresh projects focused on surfaces and furnishings vs. layouts.
- Designers collaborate with architects, contractors, developers. Decorators work directly with individual homeowners and small businesses on styling projects.
- In summary, designers address structural and functional considerations while decorators focus on the aesthetic finish. Match project goals to the suitable professional.
FAQ Interior stylist vs interior designer?
Interior stylists and designers both work on interior spaces, but with different focuses:
- Stylists have expertise in aesthetics, composition, and using décor to achieve a desired look for photoshoots and events. Designers have technical spatial and architectural skills.
- Stylists provide short-term styling services for editorial and commercial projects. Designers do long-term planning and renovation work.
- Stylists source furnishings and props to style spaces. Designers handle technical drawings, construction specifications, and project management.
- Stylists work creatively to style spaces for visual appeal. Designers analyze client needs and redesign layouts to improve functionality.
- Stylists collaborate with photographers, brands, and agencies needing styling. Designers work with developers, contractors, and residential clients on build-outs.
- In summary, stylists provide stylistic services while designers address both aesthetic and functional/spatial considerations in long-term renovation projects.
