Do Architecture Firms Do Interior Design?

[TOPIC: Do architecture firms do interior design | Architect vs interior designer | Scope of architectural services | Interior design integration in architecture firms | Benefits of combined design services | Design-build coordination]

Introduction

Potential clients often ask us if our architecture firm provides custom interior design.
The answer: some do. Including us!

Our firm is, after all, filled with professionals who have studied the science of spaces.
Why wouldn’t we include interior design?

But architecture and custom interiors don’t always go hand-in-hand.
Not all architecture firms provide work on interiors.
Conversely, many interior design firms focus entirely on interior aesthetics, without much — or any — collaboration with architects.

If you’re hiring someone to design your home, should you look for a firm that includes interior design or not?

We think you should.
Here’s why.

Section 1 — You Can’t Separate the Structure from Its Interior

Before thinking about interior colors and materials, we make sure the space has the flow, drama, and views that complement the architecture.
We take the interior feeling of the space into consideration first.

To us, not integrating interior design with architectural design feels a lot like serving up just the turkey for Thanksgiving — it’s good, but you’re left looking for side dishes, wondering if something’s missing.

Your finished home should be an experience.
We look at:

• The integrity of the walls, floors, and roof
  

• The way interior spaces function for their occupants
  
  

Examples include:

• Vaulted ceilings in key locations to capture natural light
  

• Lowered ceilings in cozy corners for reading and rest
  

• Interior soffits to soften transitions or to house lighting fixtures
  
  

We also consider flow — how people move through the space:

• Does one room lead to the next naturally?
  

• Is the kitchen connected but distinct from the living area?
  

• Can you glimpse parts of one room from another?
  
  

All these decisions inform our full interior designs.

Section 2 — Your Interior Reflects (and Affects) Your Lifestyle

Before design begins, we ask: what is your home for, beyond sleeping, bathing, and eating?

If you plan to entertain or love bright open spaces, your design will differ from that of someone who prefers cozy corners and quiet gatherings.
If you have young children, your home will differ from one built for siblings or couples.

In other words, you dream up the space that feels most right for you.
We dream up ways to make it materially possible, beautifully functional, and aesthetically rich — all in a way that complements the architecture.

Section 3 — Interior Choices Affect Your Health and Well-being

We specialize in healthy structures, including buildings with high-quality indoor air.

Designing interiors allows us to integrate healthy building principles into your project.
By choosing less toxic or non-hazardous materials, we improve air quality over the life of the building.

Even without a full “green” budget, we help you prioritize materials and finishes that make your home healthier.

Section 4 — The Interior Design Process Is Smoother and Less Stressful

Because we design with an architect’s eye and precision, every aspect of your custom interior is organized and planned — down to the millimeter.

We’ve heard unfortunate stories of beautifully designed spaces gone wrong due to:

• Missing tile diagrams
  

• Unclear lighting elevations
  

• Incomplete documentation
  
  

These omissions can lead to costly re-dos or disappointing results.

We avoid this by:

• Starting with product research
  

• Maintaining a detailed project database
  

• Communicating plans through 3D interior models, just as we do for exteriors
  
  

By documenting everything, we make the process less stressful for both installers and clients.

Section 5 — The Outcome Is More Beautiful

A well-planned process results in a more beautiful final product.

We think deeply about transitions — for example, how a kitchen backsplash tile meets the drywall corner.
When details like this are done well, the space achieves a resolved aesthetic.

We’ve seen many clients disappointed by off-center tile cuts or awkward transitions after hours of perfect material selection.
Thoughtful installation is a big part of making a space feel right.

Section 6 — Your Vision Gets to Shine

Even though we have strong, informed design opinions, we never limit your personal style.
We know interiors are deeply personal, so we take time to understand your vision — ensuring you can live exactly as you want.

We’ve designed:

• All-wood interiors inside an octagonal house
  

• A steampunk ’80s castle
  

• Minimalist cottages
  
  

At the end of every project, we want you to feel like yourself in your new, incredible space.
You deserve to live in a sculpture for the rest of your life.

© Artisans Group Architecture + Planning — Sustainable Architecture, Passive House, and Passive Building Design Experts