When building or renovating a home, two important professionals come into the picture: the architect and the interior designer. Both play different roles, but their work is closely connected. In a well-planned home project, these two experts work as a team from start to finish.
Many people in Pakistan—especially in cities like Lahore—don’t fully understand the difference between these two professions, and how they can work together to make a house functional, beautiful, and long-lasting. This blog will explain in easy terms how interior designers and architects work hand-in-hand and how this teamwork helps in making your dream home a reality.
Let’s explore everything about their roles, coordination, planning, and how they follow important steps like Grey Structure Guidelines to complete the project successfully.
What Does an Architect Do?
An architect is the person who creates the main layout and structure of your home. Their job is to make sure your building is safe, strong, and follows all the construction laws in your area.
Main Roles of an Architect:
- Making the map (layout plan) of the building
- Designing the structure like foundation, walls, beams, roofs
- Following Grey Structure Guidelines such as RCC structure, lintel levels, ceiling heights, etc.
- Ensuring the design suits local weather, plot size, and family needs
- Getting approvals from local authorities like LDA or TMA
- Planning the drainage, water tank, ventilation, and staircases
In simple words, an architect lays the solid groundwork for the entire home project. Without this, the house can’t be built properly.
In cities like Lahore, choosing a professional architect in Lahore is important because they understand local construction rules, building codes, and soil conditions.
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
Once the building is up and the grey structure is ready, an interior designer steps in. Their job is to plan how the inside of the house will look and feel. From furniture to lighting, and from paint colours to tile patterns—they design everything inside the home.
Main Roles of an Interior Designer:
- Planning the use of each room (drawing room, living room, bedrooms)
- Choosing colour themes, textures, wallpapers, and paint types
- Selecting tiles, flooring, curtains, ceiling designs, and furniture
- Designing kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, and shelving
- Working with electricians for proper lighting layout
- Giving life to the home by adding style and comfort
So while the architect makes the outer frame, the interior designer fills it with personality.
In areas like DHA, Bahria Town, and Model Town, hiring a smart interior designer in Lahore helps create modern yet practical homes that reflect personal taste and cultural values.
How Do They Work Together?
Although they have separate roles, architects and interior designers must work together as a team for a successful project. Here’s how:
1. Initial Planning Together
From the first day, both should sit together and understand the homeowner’s needs. For example, if you want an open kitchen, the architect will plan the space and ventilation, and the interior designer will decide how it looks.
2. Respecting Grey Structure Guidelines
Pakistan has its own construction standards. Both professionals must follow Grey Structure Guidelines to ensure safety and function. For instance:
- Beam placements must allow for ceiling lights
- Wall thickness must support wardrobes or kitchen cabinets
- Bathroom size must allow for tile and fitting layouts
So they need to discuss these elements early, so nothing gets disturbed later.
3. Electric and Plumbing Planning
Architects provide the basic lines for electricity and water. Interior designers suggest where to place switches, lights, and geysers. For example, a bedroom needs light points near beds, which an interior designer plans, and the architect adjusts the wall layout if needed.
4. Material Coordination
Sometimes, materials like tiles, wooden flooring, or false ceilings require structural adjustments. If an interior designer selects heavy marble flooring, the architect needs to make sure the structure can bear the load.
This close coordination avoids future cracks, breaks, or extra costs.
Benefits of Working Together
Having both experts work on the same page brings many advantages:
1. Saves Time
When they plan things together from the start, there are fewer changes and delays later. No need to break walls or re-do work.
2. Avoids Extra Expenses
Changing things after construction starts is expensive. Good communication between architect and designer avoids such situations.
3. Smooth Project Flow
From grey structure to finishing, the work moves forward in a straight line without confusion. Labour teams also work better when there’s one plan and clear instructions.
4. Better Results
When both experts share their knowledge, the home becomes both strong and beautiful. It reflects good planning, personal taste, and local living styles.
Real-Life Example in Lahore
In Lahore’s modern societies like Lake City, Bahria Town, and DHA Phase 6, many home projects now follow this teamwork approach.
For example, when a homeowner in DHA wanted a modern, minimal-style house with maximum sunlight and air flow, their architect in Lahore planned large glass windows and an open layout. Later, the interior designer in Lahore selected neutral colour palettes, soft lighting, and furniture to match the architectural theme. Together, they created a stunning yet practical space.
Things Homeowners Should Know
1. Always Involve Both Experts Early
Don’t wait until the grey structure is complete to hire an interior designer. Let them be part of the design discussions early.
2. Share Clear Requirements
Tell both your architect and interior designer about your needs—number of family members, storage needs, hobbies, and lifestyle. This helps them plan better.
3. Focus on Practicality
Beautiful homes must also be functional. Architects and designers must work together to ensure that every part of the home is usable, not just pretty.
Conclusion
A perfect home isn’t just about walls and roofs. It’s also about comfort, beauty, and long-term use. When an architect in Lahore and an interior designer in Lahore work together from the start, your home becomes a balance of strength and style.
By following proper Grey Structure Guidelines and planning every detail with care, you can avoid expensive mistakes and delays. Whether you’re building a 5 marla house or a 2 kanal villa, this teamwork approach ensures your project stays on track—and turns out just the way you imagined.
