Home › Guides › Interior designer or architect

Homeowner guide

Interior Designer or Architect? What the Law Says in India

In India anyone can design interiors, but only a person registered with the Council of Architecture may use the title "architect". The Supreme Court confirmed this in 2020, and the Council warned the public again in August 2026 to check registration before hiring anyone who calls themselves an architect.

What the Supreme Court said

In Council of Architecture v. Mukesh Goyal (17 March 2020), the Supreme Court held that the Architects Act, 1972 does not stop unregistered people from doing architectural or design work, but it does stop them from calling themselves architects. [1]

The Council's 2026 warning

On 2 August 2026 the Council of Architecture issued a public notice that only people with recognised qualifications who are registered with it may use the title "Architect". It asked the public to check registration on its website before engaging anyone, said misuse can be prosecuted under sections 36 and 37 of the Act, and runs a complaint portal for reporting it. [2]

What this means when you hire

  • An interior designer does not need to be registered to plan and execute your interiors.
  • Anyone who calls themselves an architect should be on the Council's register. Check before you sign.
  • For work that changes walls, structure or plans that need approval, ask who will sign the drawings.
[2]

What to ask before you sign

  • Are you a registered architect, or an interior designer? If registered, what is your registration number?
  • Is the price a design fee, a percentage of the project, or a turnkey quote with materials?
  • What are the payment stages, and what work is finished at each stage?
  • Which brands and grades of material are in the quote?
  • Who handles society or building permissions, if any are needed?

Looking for a interior designer? See the top rated interior designers in 70 cities, ranked from public reviews.

Find one near you

Questions

Does an interior designer need a licence in India?

No. Anyone can do interior design work, but only people registered with the Council of Architecture may call themselves architects.

How do I check if an architect is registered?

Check their registration on the Council of Architecture website, as the Council advised in August 2026.

Can an unregistered person call themselves an architect?

No. The Supreme Court held in 2020 that the Architects Act bars unregistered people from using the title.

Sources

  1. Unregistered individuals can practise architecture but can't designate themselves as architects, SCC Online (Mar 18, 2020)
  2. Council of Architecture warns against misuse of 'Architect' title, Free Press Journal (Aug 2, 2026)

This guide is general information, not professional or legal advice. It summarizes the sources above, which were last checked on October 23, 2026. Talk to a registered architect or a lawyer about your own situation.

Top rated interior designers by city