Architect vs. Interior Designer: Which Profession Changes How We Live More?
Architecture was born around the 27th century B.C.E., when the Egyptian high priest Imhotep discovered columns were handy for keeping roofs in place. Interior design dates back even further, some 64,000 years ago, when Neanderthals in what is now modern-day Spain started dabbing their cave walls with red paint (fine, yes, technically more of a burnt umber). Today’s architects and decorators are, of course, far more sophisticated, by which we mean expensive—and, for that matter, mean. Between these two notoriously entitled professions, which wants to fill you with satisfaction, and which is really there to sate its own ego? Most importantly, which makes wiser use of your hard-earned cash? In the battle of house against home, the answer could come down to who’d be more fun to have a drink with.
WHO YOU WANT TO HIRE More from Robb Report
Deborah Berke, | WHO YOU WANT TO HIRE BY Rafael de Cardenas. |
WHO YOU WANT TO AVOID Rex Heuermann. | WHO YOU WANT TO AVOID Anyone suggesting Schoolhouse White paint, barn doors, or animal-print anything.  WilleeCole/Getty Images |
WHAT THEY NEED BEFORE THEY CAN START A professional degree from an accredited program, reams of licensing, sign-off on the floor plan, and a close, 20-year friendship with the perfect contractor.  Getty Images | WHAT THEY NEED BEFORE THEY CAN START Your AmEx.  Supplied |
WHO’S EASIER TO GET IN TOUCH WITH DURING THE JOB? “Oh, you’d like to add a third new wing to the stable-block renovation? Of course, I’ll put you right through.” | WHO’S EASIER TO GET IN TOUCH WITH DURING THE JOB? They’re in Avignon with your AmEx looking for end tables and cannot be reached. |
WHO DID BETTER AT VERSAILLES? Over the course of 150 years, the structure evolved from a simple hunting lodge to Europe’s most influential palace—despite not having flushing toilets until the 18th century.  Wengen Ling/Getty Images | WHO DID BETTER AT VERSAILLES? Those 2,300 rooms didn’t gold-leaf themselves.  Hemis/Alamy |
WILL YOU STAY FRIENDS? You rejected their hedge maze. They have new clients who understand their genius. | WILL YOU STAY FRIENDS? They’re still drinking Champagne on the original Jorge Zalszupin Cubo sofa they sourced for your living room. |
WOULD RATHER NOT TALK ABOUT The headquarters of the defunct Longaberger Company in Ohio was designed to look like one of its signature baskets—complete with handles on top.  Stan Rohrer/Alamy | WOULD RATHER NOT TALK ABOUT Whichever brilliant mind pioneered carpeted bathrooms.  Mark A Paulda/Getty Images |
Best of Robb Report
Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
