Architect vs. Interior Designer in Los Angeles: Who Should You Hire for Your Dream Home?
- Anton Baklan
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 24
When planning a custom home or major renovation in Los Angeles, one of the most common questions is: “Do I need an architect or an interior designer?” Many homeowners assume an architect alone can handle everything, but in reality, architects and interior designers play very different — and equally important — roles.
At SOIA Design, we specialize in luxury residential and commercial interiors across Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and beyond. Our work often begins where architecture ends: transforming structural spaces into refined, livable, and unforgettable environments.
Areas we serve
SOIA Design provides luxury residential interior design and commercial interior design services throughout Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Downtown LA, Malibu, Hidden hills, Calabasas, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Pasadena, Encino, Sherman Oaks, West Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Venice, Culver City, and throughout Orange County, including Newport beach, Irvine, Laguna beach and beyond.
The Architect’s Role: Building the Framework
An architect is responsible for the structure and compliance of your home. In California, licensed architects handle:
Site planning and building orientation
Structural design (walls, ceilings, foundations)
Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical coordination
Construction drawings for permits and city approvals
In short, architects ensure your house stands, functions, and passes code. Without them, there’s no home to build.
The Interior Designer’s Role: Shaping the Experience
An interior designer focuses on how you live inside that architectural shell. At SOIA Design, we bring luxury, comfort, and personality into every project by:
Designing interior layouts for flow and lifestyle
Selecting fine materials, finishes, and color palettes
Crafting custom millwork, cabinetry, and detailing
Curating lighting, art, and furniture for balance and mood
Delivering 3D visualizations and mood boards so you can “feel” the space before it’s built
This is where a house becomes a home — unique, elegant, and perfectly aligned with your vision.
Why You Need Both ( Architect + Interior Designer )
in California
In Los Angeles and across the U.S., many architects include interiors in their services. However, without a dedicated interior designer, clients often end up with a technically sound home that feels generic or unfinished.
“An architect will design your home’s structure — the walls, ceilings, and code compliance. But the way you live every day — the mood, the flow, the quality of light, the feeling of luxury — that’s what we design." — SOIA Design |
When you bring in SOIA Design, you’re not just getting interiors. You’re getting:
A holistic design that complements the architect’s work
A lifestyle-focused approach that goes beyond walls and codes
A seamless journey from concept to completion, including furniture and décor
The difference of Architect vs Interior Designer Los Angeles?
Think of it this way: Architect — design the house vs. Interior Designer — design the life inside it.
Architect vs. Interior Designer in Los Angeles:
Who Does What
Focus Area | Architect | Interior Designer |
|---|---|---|
Main Role: | Designs the structure of the home or building, ensures safety, permits, and compliance with California codes. | Designs the way you live inside the space — atmosphere, finishes, lighting, and furnishings tailored to your lifestyle. |
Scope of Work: | Site planning, structural layouts, building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), code approvals. | Space planning, interior flow, materials, color palettes, custom millwork, luxury finishes, furniture, lighting, and art integration. |
Strength: | Function, safety, and structural integrity. | Emotion, comfort, and experience — making interiors feel refined, cohesive, and unforgettable. |
Deliverables: | Architectural drawings for permitting and construction. | Mood boards, 3D visualizations, detailed finish schedules, furniture curation, and bespoke interior detailing. |
Client Experience: | Ensures the house stands, works, and passes inspections. | Ensures the house feels like you — luxurious, livable, and timeless. |
“If you only rely on the architect, you risk ending up with a great house shell, but interiors that feel unfinished, generic, or disconnected from your lifestyle.” — SOIA Design |
The best time to bring us into your project is:
At the very beginning (concept stage): We collaborate with your architect to make sure the architecture and interiors grow together.
After your architect finalizes the structure: We step in to elevate the finishes, atmosphere, and details that bring your vision to life.
Either way, the earlier we’re involved, the smoother your project will be.
Final Word
If you’re building or renovating in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades or anywhere in Southern California, don’t stop at just hiring an architect. Partnering with an interior design studio like SOIA Design ensures your home isn’t just well-built — it’s extraordinary, personal, and timeless.
Explore our projects or contact us today to see how we can transform your vision into reality.
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