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Know The Difference: Architecture vs Interior Architecture

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14 Mar 2025

6 Min Read

The Taylor's Team (Editor)
IN THIS ARTICLE

In a world where design shapes how we interact with our surroundings, the disciplines of architecture and interior design play a crucial role in creating functional, innovative, and aesthetically appealing spaces. Whether it’s designing buildings that redefine urban landscapes or crafting interiors that enhance everyday experiences, these fields offer exciting opportunities for creative minds.

 

At Taylor’s University, the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Architecture provide two distinct pathways into the design and construction industry. While both programmes nurture creativity and technical expertise, they cater to different interests and career goals. This article explores the unique features of each programme to help you determine which path aligns best with your aspirations.

Programme Overview

 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture

 

This programme is designed for students who aspire to shape the built environment through innovative architectural solutions while providing options for them to explore architecture through the realms of sustainable design or heritage and conservation. The curriculum integrates theoretical and practical knowledge, with core modules such as Architectural Design, Asian Architecture, Advanced Architectural Construction and Architectural Project Management, providing a strong foundation.

 

Students develop their design skills through hands-on studio projects, working on conceptual and technical drawings while exploring construction methods and materials. Exposure to industry tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D printing facilities  allows students to stay ahead of technological advancements. With an emphasis on critical thinking and spatial problem-solving, the programme prepares graduates for further studies in architecture and careers in various industries involving planning, design, and management.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Architecture  

 

The programme emphasises designing interior spaces that are both functional and meaningful, with a focus on creating future-forward interior environments. It strikes a balance between theoretical, experimental, and practical knowledge, ensuring students are well-equipped to not only thrive in the industry but also to create, disrupt, and shape future jobs within the field of interior architecture. Core modules within streams under Design Process and Theory, Communication, Rules, Regulation and Technology, Products and Materials, Humanities and Environment, and Professional Practice and Management, combine both experimental approaches and practical skills to form the foundation of the curriculum.

 

Students engage in design studios, where they also work on real-world projects with specific clientele, honing their skills in spatial planning, materiality, design communication, and site narratives. Industry internships provide invaluable hands-on experience, equipping interior architecture graduates with practical skills and real-world insights. A six-month internship duration allows students to immerse themselves fully in professional environments, enhancing their design capabilities, project management skills, and industry knowledge. As a result, graduates are better prepared to navigate career challenges and excel in the competitive interior architecture field. The final-year project is a self-directed brief, allowing students to develop their unique identities and prepare for careers that not only address current industry needs but also disrupt the future of interior architecture.

Key Differences

Focus Areas  

 

The Architecture programme focuses on designing buildings and urban spaces that are contextually responsive, structurally sound, aesthetically innovative, and environmentally sustainable. The curriculum covers technical aspects such as materiality and buildability, climate-responsive architecture, and advanced digital modelling. Students engage in rigorous design studio work, developing solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in large-scale construction projects.

 

Meanwhile, the Interior Architecture programme focuses on creating interior environments that balance creative novelty, functionality, and meaning. The programme integrates comprehensive practice of creating an interior environment that adresses, protects, and responds to human needs. It is the art and science of a creative, technical, sustainable and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of how to shape interior environments that not only serve practical needs but also evoke emotions and resonate with the human experience.

Career Pathways  

 

Graduates from the Architecture programme are prepared for roles such as architectural assistant, architectural designer, inspector of works, or property development executive. These careers involve designing and managing large-scale construction projects, ensuring buildings meet safety regulations, sustainability standards, and aesthetic principles. Graduates may work in architectural firms, real estate development, or urban planning sectors.

 

On the other hand, the Interior Architecture programme prepares graduates for diverse roles such as interior designer, furniture designer, installation artist, or exhibition designer. Careers in this field involve creating spaces that balance practicality and design novelty, with a strong emphasis on the poetics of materials, atmosphere, and regulatory compliance. Graduates may find opportunities in interior consultant firms, construction project management, environment design, furniture design, film theatre set design, 3D visualization, offering a broad range of career prospects across various creative and construction industries.

Future Opportunities  

 

The Architecture programme positions its graduates for further studies in Master of Architecture, and subsequently allowing them to pursue professional accreditation as registered architects. Opportunities also exist in urban design, urban planning, spatial planning, sustainable engineering, and computational design, where innovation and technical expertise drive the future of the built environment.

 

For students of the Interior Architecture programme, future opportunities often lie in advancing interactive interior environments, Internet of Things (IoT) integration, and culturally inclusive design practices. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue specialisations in areas such as spatial coding, performative spaces, metaverse design, and lighting design. With a focus on creating dynamic and engaging environments, this programme offers a solid foundation for postgraduate studies or serves as a pathway to the Professional Interior Design Licensure Examination (IDLE) for registration as an interior designer under the Board of Architects Malaysia. This comprehensive preparation ensures graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in diverse interior architecture disciplines.

Choosing The Right Path

When deciding between the two programmes, it’s crucial to reflect on your personal strengths, interests, and aspirations.

 

The Architecture programme is ideal for those who are passionate about designing buildings and large-scale structures, with keen interest towards sustainable design or heritage and conservation. If you enjoy problem-solving, technical detailing, and conceptualising how spaces interact with the urban environment, this path will provide the skills needed to thrive in architecture and construction-related industries.

 

For those who enjoy creating meaningful human experiences within interior environments, the Interior Architecture programme is the right fit. This pathway suits individuals who have a strong sense of aesthetics, a passion for creative expression, and an interest in storytelling through design. Graduates will have the opportunity to craft profound, engaging interior spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also evoke emotions and enhance everyday experiences.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Architecture depends on your interests and long-term career goals. At Taylor’s University, both programmes provide the foundation for a creative and impactful career in design, with unique opportunities depending on whether you prefer to design entire buildings or focus on crafting the spaces within them.
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