Interior Architecture vs. Interior Design - What’s the Difference?
At Top Down Studios, we often get asked about the difference between interior architecture and interior design — and it’s a good question. The two share similarities and often overlap, but they each bring a different focus and depth to a project.
Interior Architecture is slightly more comprehensive. It deals with the structure and functionality of a space — things like how people move through and interact with the environment, lighting, and the integration of materials and systems. It’s about how a space works as much as how it looks
Interior Design, by contrast, is more focused on the decorative side — the furniture, colour schemes, lighting fixtures, and finishes that give a space its personality and style.
So while both disciplines aim to create thoughtful, functional, and beautiful spaces, Interior Architecture goes a bit deeper into the how and why of the space itself.
At Top Down Studios, we start with the vision — the bones, the structure, the essence — and shape every detail around it. Because for us, the best design outcomes begin from the Top Down.
Who We Are
Top Down Studios is a small, design-led interior architecture studio with a big-picture mindset. We're passionate about creating spaces that work - and work well - for the people who use them.
Our team brings together experience across architecture, interiors, and project delivery, with a shared love of good design, clean lines, and clever details.
We're collaborators by nature, always aiming to make the design process feel approachable, flexible, and tailored to each client.
Whether it’s a home, a workspace, or something in between, we bring the same care and creativity to every project.
