In the world of construction, renovation, and decoration, it is common to have questions about the responsibilities of each professional involved in the process. Often, the
architect,
engineer, and interior designer are seen as interchangeable figures, but each one works with
distinct focuses and training.
Understanding the differences between these professions helps in making more informed decisions when planning a project, avoiding overlaps, rework, or misaligned expectations. Below,
CASACOR Explica translates the
roles, responsibilities, and particularities of each of these professionals.
What does an architect do?
The architect is the professional responsible for
conceiving and organizing spaces, integrating functional, aesthetic, and technical aspects. Their work involves everything from creating architectural plans to overseeing constructions
– including material selection, study of natural lighting, ventilation, and
environmental impact. Besides the project itself, the architect considers the
relationship between the space and its occupants.
It is the architect who thinks of solutions that harmonize
comfort, safety, functionality, and beauty, taking into account client desires, the urban context, and current legislation. Another fundamental point is that the architect can, legally,
sign projects and obtain approvals from public entities, which sets them apart from the interior designer. In this case, a degree in Architecture and Urbanism, with a five-year course and registration with the Council of Architecture and Urbanism (CAU), is required.
What is the role of the civil engineer?
While the architect designs the spaces, the civil engineer is the
technical responsible for executing the work, ensuring that it is viable and safe from a structural point of view. This professional is responsible for developing and approving
complementary projects (such as structural, hydraulic, and electrical), as well as monitoring deadlines, budgets, materials, and
construction techniques.
The engineer can also act with
technical reports, foundations, surveys, and soil analysis. In more complex constructions, like buildings and large renovations, their participation is essential. Like the architect, the engineer needs to have a university degree (with five years of education) and professional registration with CREA (Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy). Basically,
the engineer ensures the physical feasibility of what the architect envisioned.
Finally, the role of the interior designer
The interior designer works on the
aesthetic and functional composition of internal projects, focusing on the selection of finishes, furniture, color palette, artificial lighting, and decoration. Their focus is on the
experience of the finished space, aiming to translate the client's identity through
solutions that optimize the use of the projects.
Although the designer also works with plans and sketches, they are not qualified to modify the structure of the property, create openings, or sign projects with public entities. Therefore,
their work usually complements that of the architect and can be particularly valuable in the final stages of the construction. Training in Interior Design can occur through technical, technological, or bachelor's courses. Thus, the professional can register with ABD (Brazilian Association of Interior Designers).
When to hire each professional?
The decision on whom to hire depends on the
type of intervention wanted in the property. For a
structural renovation, for example, it is necessary to involve both an architect and an engineer. For layout changes, custom carpentry, selection of finishes, or furniture replacement, an interior designer may be sufficient.
There are also
situations where all three professionals work together, each within their specialty, collaborating for a more complete and coherent result.
High-end projects often involve this integration of areas, reflecting
excellence in both conception and execution and finishing of the projects.
CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho. 
