{"id":7922,"date":"2026-10-20T09:42:19","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T07:42:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/actualites\/interior-architect-or-interior-decorator-who-should-you-hire-for-a-complete-renovation\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T09:52:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T07:52:01","slug":"interior-architect-or-interior-decorator-who-should-you-hire-for-a-complete-renovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/news\/interior-architect-or-interior-decorator-who-should-you-hire-for-a-complete-renovation\/","title":{"rendered":"Interior Architect or Interior Decorator: Who Should You Hire for a Complete Renovation?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In short<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A decorator works on the look and feel of an existing space: colours, materials, furniture, lighting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An interior architect transforms the space itself: room layout, volumes, light, electrics, plumbing and materials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For a complete renovation, they are the first professional to call.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A decorator does not coordinate contractors or oversee the building work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In France, the title is not regulated: only the designation \u201carchitecte d\u2019int\u00e9rieur CFAI\u201d is protected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As soon as they design or oversee building work, this professional must hold ten-year liability insurance (assurance d\u00e9cennale).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A registered architect (inscrit \u00e0 l\u2019Ordre des architectes) is only mandatory when a building permit takes the total floor area above 150 m\u00b2, which mainly concerns extensions or adding a storey to a detached house. At first glance, the two professions look alike. They share a vocabulary, a design culture and an eye for light and materials. Their scope, however, has almost nothing in common.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So the real question is not who has the better taste. It is who draws the new layout, who checks that it can actually be built, and who manages the contractors.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Differences between an interior architect and a decorator: it all starts with scope<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A decorator dresses an existing room<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An interior decorator works on what you can see and touch: colour palette, wallpaper, furniture, freestanding lamps, curtains, rugs and accessories. Their work focuses on the atmosphere of a space whose layout stays exactly as it is.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They listen to their clients\u2019 tastes and preferences. A decorator puts together mood boards (collages of images, colours and samples), selects furniture and sometimes helps with purchasing. They do not reconfigure rooms, draw electrical plans or request quotes from contractors. When building work is needed, they refer clients to other professionals.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To furnish a new-build flat or warm up a living room that already works well, a decorator is often all you need. Just don\u2019t expect any building work if you hire one.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An interior architect redesigns the space<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their role begins with reading the place and the people who live in it: who lives there, at what times of day, with what light, and what storage they need. They analyse the space, its volumes, how people move through it and the constraints of the building, then propose a new layout.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their design work covers how the rooms are arranged, where the kitchen and bathrooms go, the electrics and plumbing, built-in lighting, acoustics and built-in storage. They set it all out in <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/graphic-pieces\/\">technical drawings, cross-sections and 3D visuals<\/a>, so that every decision is made before the first hammer swings.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can also take on <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/about\/\">full project management<\/a>(ma\u00eetrise d\u2019\u0153uvre), meaning they run the building work on the client\u2019s behalf. In practice, they have contractors price the same set of tender documents, coordinate the tradespeople and monitor progress right through to handover. Handover is the final inspection, where you check together that everything has been done as specified. Decoration then comes last, as the finishing touch to the project.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about a DPLG or HMONP architect?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A third professional often comes into the comparison: the registered architect, listed with the French Order of Architects (Ordre des architectes). DPLG refers to the former qualification, awarded until 2007. HMONP is the licence that now allows an architect to practise under their own name. The title is protected by the French law of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legifrance.gouv.fr\/loda\/id\/JORFTEXT000000522423\">3 January 1977<\/a>. Their core territory is new builds, extensions, fa\u00e7ades and roofs.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To transform the interior of a flat or house without extending it, you are not required to hire one. It becomes mandatory for a private individual when a building permit takes the total floor area (surface de plancher) above 150 m\u00b2. Put simply, floor area means the enclosed, covered space with a ceiling height of more than 1.80 m.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For changes that only require a simple prior declaration to the town hall (d\u00e9claration pr\u00e9alable), such as replacing windows, an architect is never required.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One point to watch for properties held through a French property company (soci\u00e9t\u00e9 civile immobili\u00e8re, or SCI): a company must hire an architect whenever a building permit is required, whatever the floor area.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An interior architect, on the other hand, specialises in transforming existing spaces. That is exactly what a complete renovation calls for.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Roles compared: who does what?<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Task<\/td><td>Decorator<\/td><td>Interior architect<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Colours, materials, furniture, lighting<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New room layout, partition walls added or removed<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Electrical, plumbing and lighting plans<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bespoke furniture designed alongside the layout<\/td><td>Rarely<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tender documents describing the work, for contractors to price<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes, with full project management<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Coordination of the different trades<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes, with full project management<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Site supervision and final inspection<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes, with full project management<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Opening up a load-bearing wall<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Designs it, with a structural engineer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ten-year liability insurance (d\u00e9cennale)<\/td><td>No, it is not part of their job<\/td><td>Yes, it is mandatory<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short: a decorator only works on the first row of the table, the one covering colours, materials and furniture. Everything else in the project happens before the decoration stage and falls outside their remit.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Training and qualifications: two professions, two paths<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Five years of study for a qualification<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interior architecture takes five years to learn, at a school specialising in interior architecture and design. This can be a public school of applied arts, a university programme or an accredited private school.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The training combines:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>drawing and spatial design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>building techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>regulations (fire safety, accessibility)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>light and materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>project organisation and site supervision<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Experience does the rest: this profession is learned as much on building sites as in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A point that is often overlooked: in France, the title is not protected. Nothing prevents someone with no qualifications or proven skills from using it. Training and recognition by peers therefore become the real criteria for choosing.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A profession open to all, with no qualification required<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interior decoration requires no formal qualification. Backgrounds vary widely:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a BTS in interior fit-out design (\u00c9tude et r\u00e9alisation d\u2019agencement), a two-year higher education diploma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a DNA in design (dipl\u00f4me national d\u2019art), the national art degree awarded by fine arts schools after three<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>years of higher education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>private courses, in person or online<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or simply experience in the industry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some decorators have a real flair for composition. Their skills do not, however, extend to building techniques or coordinating tradespeople.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the French Council of Interior Architects guarantees<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The French Council of Interior Architects (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfai.fr\/fr\">Conseil fran\u00e7ais des architectes d\u2019int\u00e9rieur, CFAI<\/a>) is the leading professional body for interior architecture in France. It awards the protected designation \u201carchitecte d\u2019int\u00e9rieur CFAI\u201d, which requires one of the following two conditions:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>having studied at a school recognised by the CFAI and completed three years of professional practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>having presented a portfolio of completed projects and passed an interview before a panel of professionals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In both cases, the professional commits to following a code of professional conduct and ethics. For a private client, it is the simplest way to check someone\u2019s qualifications in an unregulated profession. Christophe Sarlandie, a <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/about\/\">CFAI-accredited interior architect<\/a>, served as the council\u2019s vice-president for several years.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Switzerland, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vsi-asai.ch\/fr\/home\">VSI-ASAI,<\/a> the Swiss professional association for interior architects, offers a comparable benchmark. It is useful if you are looking for an <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/interior-architect-geneve\/\">interior architect in Geneva.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Liability and insurance: what people check too late<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ten-year liability insurance: who does it apply to?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ten-year guarantee (garantie d\u00e9cennale) covers, for ten years, serious defects that compromise a building\u2019s structural soundness or make it unfit for use. Since the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legifrance.gouv.fr\/loda\/id\/JORFTEXT000000522720\">Spinetta Act of 1978<\/a>, any professional who can be held liable under this guarantee must be insured.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legifrance.gouv.fr\/codes\/article_lc\/LEGIARTI000006443512\">French Civil Code<\/a> (Article 1792-1) classes the following as \u201cbuilders\u201d:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>architects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>contractors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>technical specialists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>more broadly, anyone bound to the client by a contract to design or build a building or interior works<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An interior architect who designs building work or oversees its execution falls within this scope. Ten-year liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance are then mandatory.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A decorator who sticks to aesthetic advice and choosing furniture is not affected, because they do not alter the building itself. Good practice: ask for an insurance certificate in the professional\u2019s own name, valid on the date work starts on site, that clearly lists the activities they carry out. At Atelier Christophe Sarlandie, insurance is included in the <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/fees\/\">interior architect\u2019s fees<\/a> and set out in every written proposal.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Load-bearing walls: who designs, who calculates, who approves?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You often read that this professional \u201cdoesn\u2019t touch the building\u2019s structure\u201d. The reality is more nuanced.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can design the opening of a load-bearing wall, or an opening in a floor to fit a staircase. They do not do the calculations themselves: a structural engineering firm checks and approves the solution. In a co-owned building (copropri\u00e9t\u00e9), load-bearing walls are generally part of the common areas, and opening one up must be approved by a vote at the co-owners\u2019 general meeting.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the process followed to <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/project-jean-mace\/\">combine two flats in Lyon<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>precise measurements of the existing flat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>study with the structural engineer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>proposal presented to the co-owners, followed by a vote at the general meeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>design of a 190 m\u00b2 family home, created from a 95 m\u00b2 flat and the flat next door<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ce type d&#8217;op\u00e9ration sort enti\u00e8rement du champ de la d\u00e9coration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>R\u00e9novation compl\u00e8te : pourquoi faire appel \u00e0 un architecte d&#8217;int\u00e9rieur ?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Une r\u00e9novation compl\u00e8te ne se r\u00e9sume pas \u00e0 une addition de pi\u00e8ces refaites. Elle engage l&#8217;organisation g\u00e9n\u00e9rale du logement, l&#8217;\u00e9lectricit\u00e9, la plomberie, la lumi\u00e8re et le budget. Elle suppose aussi de <strong>coordonner une dizaine de corps de m\u00e9tier<\/strong> : ma\u00e7on, plaquiste, \u00e9lectricien, plombier, menuisier, carreleur, parqueteur, peintre, cuisiniste.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lire le potentiel d&#8217;un lieu<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/victor-hugo-project-lyon\/\">Haussmann-style flat on Rue Victor-Hugo<\/a>, the kitchen was moved into the room next to the living room. That single change connected the living room, dining room and kitchen into more than 70 m\u00b2 of living space. It also made it possible to put all the bedrooms on the quiet courtyard side. No sofa could have achieved that.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Furniture never fixes a poor layout.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anticipating technical constraints from the very first drawings<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Lyon\u2019s older buildings, constraints quickly come to light:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>timber floor structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>uneven floors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>irregular walls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ageing electrics and plumbing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>difficult site access on the Presqu\u2019\u00eele or the slopes of the Croix-Rousse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anticipating them on paper avoids improvised decisions along the way, which are costly and compromise the result. That is the whole point of the <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/news\/how-does-a-complete-high-end-renovation-actually-unfold-interior-architect-in-lyon-and-gex\/\">stages of a high-end complete renovation<\/a>: comparing several options, refining every detail, then drawing up the tender documents so that every contractor prices exactly the same work.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Keeping to budget and schedule<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/news\/how-much-does-a-complete-renovation-cost-in-lyon-in-2026\/\">cost of a complete renovation in Lyon<\/a> usually ranges from \u20ac1,500 to \u20ac2,000 per m\u00b2, including VAT, as soon as rooms are reconfigured. At that level, a poorly compared quote or an overlooked interface between two contractors\u2019 work can quickly add up to thousands of euros.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under a project management contract, their role is to:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>compare quotes on a like-for-like basis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>draw up the schedule<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>check the quality of workmanship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>carry out the final inspection with the client<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When a decorator is enough<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A decorator remains the right person to call when the layout works, the electrics and plumbing are recent, and all you want is to change the feel of a room without any building work. That might mean furnishing a new-build flat, furnishing a bedroom or making a living room feel warmer. Hiring an interior architect to choose cushions would make little sense.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interior architecture and decoration: two roles that work hand in hand<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Les deux approches ne s&#8217;opposent pas. Dans une r\u00e9novation compl\u00e8te, la d\u00e9coration <strong>arrive en fin de parcours<\/strong>, une fois les volumes, la lumi\u00e8re et les mat\u00e9riaux arr\u00eat\u00e9s. Dans les projets que l\u2019Atlier Christophe Sarlandie accompagne, elle se met en place apr\u00e8s le d\u00e9part des entreprises, quand plus rien ne bouge dans le plan.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the same professional handles both, the decor naturally extends the design choices. In the e<a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/appartement-building-boulevard-des-belges-in-lyon\/\">legant period flat on Boulevard des Belges<\/a>, overlooking the Parc de la T\u00eate d\u2019Or, the furniture works in dialogue with what was preserved or newly created:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>furniture: a Togo sofa by Ligne Roset, a black marble table veined with white<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fixtures and finishes: the original fireplace, antique herringbone parquet flooring, and steel panels with a rust-coloured patina<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/pieces-of-furniture\/\">Bespoke furniture <\/a>(bookcases, walk-in wardrobes, built-in storage), on the other hand, clearly falls within interior architecture: it is designed at the same time as the layout.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to choose your interior architect<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before signing, six points are worth checking.<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Training and accreditation. A degree in interior architecture, plus the CFAI designation in France or VSI-ASAI membership in Switzerland.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insurance. Up-to-date certificates for ten-year liability and professional indemnity insurance, in the professional\u2019s own name.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comparable projects. The same type of property and scale of work, with floor areas and budgets stated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exact scope of the assignment. Design only, or full project management through to the final inspection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A written contract. Stages, deliverables, fees and payment schedule, all in black and white.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your point of contact. Knowing who does the design and who actually comes on site.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Un premier rendez-vous sert \u00e0 clarifier tout cela. \u00c0 l&#8217;atelier, ce rendez-vous conseil de deux heures est factur\u00e9 190 \u20ac TTC. Il permet d&#8217;\u00e9tablir le cahier des charges du projet, autrement dit la liste pr\u00e9cise de vos besoins, avant l&#8217;\u00e9tude de conception.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Les erreurs fr\u00e9quentes quand on h\u00e9site entre les deux<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Entrusting a major renovation to a decorator, then finding yourself dealing with the contractors alone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Starting with the decor. Mood boards and furniture chosen before the layout is finalised often have to be redone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relying on the title \u201cinterior architect\u201d alone, without checking training, professional accreditation and insurance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bringing in multiple professionals (decor consultant, kitchen fitter, a builder who \u201cdoes it all\u201d) with no one to coordinate the whole project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Believing a registered architect is required to transform a flat, and delaying the work for no reason.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deciding based on what will change in your home<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there is no building work involved, a decorator may be enough. As soon as you touch the room layout, the electrics, the plumbing, the walls or anything built into the fabric of the home, such as a bathroom vanity unit, a kitchen or a door, an interior architect becomes the natural choice, ideally with full project management.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Based in Lyon and Divonne-les-Bains, Atelier Christophe Sarlandie handles complete renovations of flats and houses, from design to site supervision. Whether you are looking for an <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/\">interior architect in Lyon<\/a> or an <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/interior-architect-pays-de-gex\/\">interior architect in the Pays de Gex,<\/a> the approach is the same: a single point of contact from the first sketch to the final inspection, with decoration included if you wish.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get a sense of your budget, the <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/fees\/\">cost estimator<\/a> gives you an initial price range. You can then <a href=\"https:\/\/christophesarlandie.com\/en\/contact\/\">discuss your project with the atelier<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ: key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interior architect or decorator: which should you choose for a complete renovation?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An interior architect. As soon as the layout, electrics or plumbing change and several contractors are involved, you are outside the scope of decoration. Whenever there is building work, they are the one with the expertise.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What training should you expect from an interior architect?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five years of specialised training, ideally at a school recognised by the CFAI, and verifiable experience on properties comparable to yours.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you open up a load-bearing wall with an interior architect?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. They design the opening to fit the overall project, an engineer does the calculations and, in a co-owned building, the co-owners\u2019 general meeting must approve it.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need a DPLG architect to renovate a flat?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, unless a building permit takes the floor area above 150 m\u00b2, for example for an extension or adding a storey to a house, or if the property belongs to a company (including an SCI) that applies for a permit.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can an interior architect also take care of the decoration?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. It comes at the end of the process, which ensures consistency between the volumes, materials and furnishings.<br\/><br\/><br\/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Roles, training, insurance: what really sets these two professions apart, and why the choice becomes clear-cut as soon as your project involves the layout, electrical work, plumbing or walls.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6688,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7922","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interior-designer-role-and-choice"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Interior Architect vs Decorator: Who to Hire? - Christophe Sarlandie<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Interior architect or decorator for your renovation? 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