Interior Stylist

Education

Interior stylists do not require formal training as they focus primarily on aesthetics and do not generally take part in structural planning or construction documentation. They often come in after construction and renovations are complete and focus on the aesthetic qualities of the space. However, it is important to note that even though formal training is not required, interior stylists craft their skills over years of practical experience and international travel.



What They Do

Photoshoots for editorial and advertising, trend forecasting, artistic/creative direction, marketing suite styling and show home styling. You will often find stylist contributions in popular home magazines such as Elle Decoration and Living Etc, also collaborating with brands for advertising campaigns.



Who They Work With

Interior stylists work with magazine and brands for editorial projects. However, stylists also work with developers and architects/designers to furnish and style show homes or marketing suites, like Cereal Magazine's collaboration with Greenwich Peninsula. They also work with furniture makers, upholsterers, and other industry professionals to aid their projects - these relationships are key to the success of a project.

Interior Designer

Education

Interior design is a profession that requires specific education and formal training. The work involved usually includes software training, drawing, space planning, furniture/joinery design, architecture and more. Upon graduating, designers often work for an established design studio before moving on to create their own companies. Some interior designers choose to be a member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), which offers different levels of membership:

Associate, £245 + VAT per year

BIID Registered Interior Designer £395 + VAT per year.



What They Do

Furniture specification, concept design, design management, programming, spatial planning, technical drawing (including joinery design), site management and client management. Understanding of building systems and components, building regulations, equipment, materials and furnishings.



Who They Work With

Interior designers work with developers, contractors and architects to design a range of projects from residential homes, offices, hotels, restaurants and more. Most interior designers will prefer either small or large scale projects.

Interior Architect

Education

Under the 1997 Architects Act, it is illegal in the UK to refer to yourself as an Interior Architect unless you have had the education, training and experience needed to become an architect (RIBA Part 1 to 3). You also need to be registered with the Architects Registration Board, which is the UK's statutory regulator of architects. In the UK, interior architects do everything architects do except that they start with an existing structure.



What They Do

Room layouts, architectural detailing, building regulations and planning applications. Interior architects are often required to have a higher level and wider variety of software skills, outside of the basics. For example, instead of the AutoCAD or Vectorworks plus Photoshop, InDesign and Sketchup, as taught on interior design course. Revit, Cinema4D and 3DS Max will be taught on an architecture or interior architecture degree.



Who They Work With

Interior architects work with contractors on structural and/or technical elements of buildings internally. Usually on larger projects involving technical as well as artistic and aesthetic skills, they have an important say during all stages of the construction process due to their training.