Top Job Alternatives for Architects and Interior Designers

Architecture and interior design can be incredibly rewarding, but let’s face it—they can also be exhausting. Between the late-night deadlines, demanding clients, and the constant pressure to balance creativity with practicality, it’s no wonder many of us start looking for job alternatives for architects and interior designers. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your career path, you’re not alone. In fact, careers similar to architecture and interior design are more accessible than you might think, thanks to the highly transferable skills these professions develop. Whether you’re exploring alternative careers for interior designers or considering a complete pivot, the landscape of opportunity in 2025 and beyond is wider than ever.

Shifting careers isn’t uncommon in our field. The good news? There are plenty of opportunities that allow us to leverage our skills in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re craving more flexibility or simply want a change of scenery, exploring alternative careers for architects and interior designers could be the fresh start you need. From jobs like architecture to roles in tech, sustainability, and education, the options are vast and rewarding. Many professionals are now asking what are some jobs related to interior design or architecture that still tap into their creative and technical strengths—and the answers may surprise you.

Why Architects and Interior Designers Seek Alternative Careers

Before diving into specific career alternatives for architects, it’s worth understanding why so many professionals consider a change. According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), common reasons include burnout from long working hours, salary dissatisfaction, and the desire for better work-life balance. A 2024 AIA compensation survey highlighted that many licensed architects earn less than peers in adjacent fields like UX design, product management, and tech consulting—fueling interest in alternative architecture jobs. Interior designers face similar pressures, with tight project timelines and client management challenges driving many to explore jobs similar to interior design that offer more flexibility. The core skills you’ve built—spatial thinking, project management, visual communication, and problem-solving—are highly valued across dozens of industries, making the transition smoother than you might expect. If you’re wondering about related jobs to a interior designer or architect, the list is longer than most people realize.

Exploring Alternative Careers for Architects and Interior Designers

Creative Alternatives: Jobs in Design and Media

Architects and interior designers possess unique skills in visual composition and design principles, making them ideal candidates for creative alternatives jobs in media industries. These jobs like interior design and architecture tap directly into your existing strengths. Examples include:

• Creative Director: Directs and coordinates projects by designers, artists, and copywriters at marketing and advertising companies, focusing on creating cohesive visual styles.
• Movie Director: Directs films by guiding actors and crews, controlling artistic elements like lighting and dramatic elements like pacing and impact.
• Concept Artist: Creates conceptual illustrations for films, animations, and video games. They assist art directors in establishing visual styles and may also work in fashion or retail.
• Animator: Produces sequential images for animated films or cartoons, often relying on drawing talent or 3D modeling skills.
• Magazine Editor: Manages the content and visual layout of magazines, leveraging skills in articulation and visual aesthetics.

These roles are excellent examples of jobs that are like interior designer or architect positions in that they require strong visual literacy, an understanding of composition, and the ability to manage complex creative projects. Many of these creative alternatives jobs also offer higher starting salaries and more flexible work arrangements compared to traditional practice. For those looking for even more ideas, ArchDaily’s career section regularly features stories of architects who have successfully made these transitions.

Technical and Construction-Related Roles: Jobs Similar to Architect Positions

Architects and interior designers can transition to roles focused on the technical and construction aspects of projects. These jobs similar to architect positions utilize their expertise in precision and detailed design work. Examples include:

• Specifications Writer: Works within architectural firms or construction companies to create detailed specifications and process descriptions. These documents support the blueprint creation and project execution.
• Technical Designer: Drafts creative designs for specialized products, often collaborating with manufacturing professionals and ensuring finished products meet quality standards. They might work in various industries, from fashion to consumer products.
• Urban Planner: Uses architectural knowledge to create comprehensive city layouts that enhance living conditions and community functionality. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, urban planners earned a median annual wage of $83,720 in May 2024, with employment projected to grow 3% through 2034.
• Landscape Architect: Focuses on designing outdoor spaces by blending natural elements with architectural aesthetics. Projects often aim for sustainability, such as urban green spaces and public parks.
• BIM Manager: Oversees Building Information Modeling processes, coordinating between design teams, contractors, and clients using 3D visualization technology. This is one of the fastest-growing alternative architecture jobs in the construction technology sector, with demand surging as more firms adopt digital twin technology and AI-assisted design workflows.

Educational and Consulting Positions

Architects and interior designers can impart their knowledge and experience by taking up roles in education and consultancy. These positions allow them to guide and influence new generations and contribute to ongoing industry developments. For those exploring careers related to interior design, teaching and consulting are among the most fulfilling paths. Examples include:

• Academic Instructor: Teaches architectural or interior design courses at universities or professional schools, shaping future professionals in the field.
• Industry Consultant: Provides expert advice on various architectural and design projects. This might involve consulting on sustainable building practices or innovative design solutions.
• Author or Critic: Articulates architectural concepts and critiques in writing. They might contribute to architectural magazines, write design books, or create educational content for online platforms.
• Workshop Facilitator: Leads educational workshops or seminars for aspiring architects and designers. These sessions might cover specific skills like CAD software, sustainable design, or project management.

By considering these alternative careers, architects and interior designers can effectively transfer their skills and expertise into diverse and rewarding fields. If you’re just starting to explore your options, our guide on careers in the architecture field offers a broader look at the professional landscape.

Popular Job Alternatives in the Creative Sector

Graphic and Industrial Design

Graphic and industrial design present exciting career shifts for architects and interior designers. In graphic design, professionals use visual compositions to communicate ideas and concepts. They’re responsible for creating logos, advertisements, product packaging, and digital media. Skills in design principles and visual composition, honed through architectural training, translate seamlessly into this field. These are among the most popular jobs like architecture for creatively minded professionals.

Industrial designers focus on product design, blending aesthetics with functionality. They create prototypes, mock-ups, and detailed CAD drawings for a range of products, from household items to advanced tech gadgets. An architectural background provides a strong foundation for understanding both form and function, making the transition smoother. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for industrial designers continues to grow, making it one of the more lucrative architecture alternative careers.

UX/UI Design and Virtual Reality

UX/UI design is another promising avenue and one of the most sought-after careers similar to interior design. UX (User Experience) designers focus on improving how users interact with digital products, ensuring they are intuitive and efficient. UI (User Interface) designers create the visual elements that users see and interact with. Both roles require a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of user behavior, skills that many architects and interior designers possess. In 2025, the demand for UX/UI designers with spatial design backgrounds has increased significantly, as companies developing AR and mixed-reality applications actively seek professionals with three-dimensional design experience.

Virtual reality (VR) design involves creating immersive digital environments. VR designers work on simulations for various industries, including gaming, education, and real estate. They develop 3D models, animations, and interactive environments. Familiarity with spatial design and digital modeling tools gives architects and interior designers an edge in this rapidly growing field. For more on how technology is reshaping alternative jobs for architects, including metaverse and AI-driven design, the opportunities are expanding rapidly.

These alternatives showcase how our specialized skills in architecture and interior design can open doors to diverse and rewarding careers in the creative sector.

Technical Roles Beyond Traditional Architecture: Jobs Similar to Architecture

Urban and Landscape Planning

Urban and landscape planning involves designing and organizing spaces in urban, suburban, and rural contexts. Urban planners work on large-scale projects, focusing on infrastructure, transportation systems, and zoning laws. Landscape architects concentrate on green spaces, including parks, gardens, and recreational areas. Both roles demand strong planning skills, knowledge of environmental sustainability, and an understanding of community needs. Career advancement in these fields often requires a mix of creativity and technical proficiency, making them suitable for architects and interior designers looking to shift their career focus without leaving the design sector. These jobs similar to architecture remain among the most natural transitions for design professionals.

Environmental and Sustainability Consulting

Environmental and sustainability consultants help organizations develop and implement eco-friendly practices and policies. They advise on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable resource management. Professionals in this field aim to minimize environmental impact through balanced and innovative solutions. With a background in architecture or interior design, transitioning to sustainability consulting allows us to leverage our expertise in building materials, energy-efficient design, and spatial planning to promote environmental stewardship. Organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) offer LEED certification programs that can strengthen your credentials for these alternative careers architects find rewarding. The growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting has further increased demand for professionals who understand both the built environment and green building principles. This role not only offers a sense of contributing to environmental protection but also responds to increasing demand for sustainable development across multiple industries.

Real Estate and Preconstruction Management

Real estate and preconstruction management roles involve coordinating the planning, design, and execution of building projects. Real estate managers oversee property development, ensuring projects remain feasible and profitable from conception to completion. Preconstruction managers focus on early project phases, including cost estimation, design evaluation, and contractor selection. These roles require strong project management skills and an understanding of construction processes. Transitioning into these positions can be rewarding for those with a background in architecture or interior design, as it allows us to apply our project planning, budgeting, and design knowledge in new ways while maintaining a pivotal role in the construction and real estate industries.

By considering these technical roles, architects and interior designers can explore various pathways that utilize their unique skills while addressing the industry’s evolving demands. You can also explore side hustles and freelance opportunities as a stepping stone before committing to a full career change.

Interior Architecture Careers and Design-Adjacent Roles

For those interested in interior architecture careers that don’t follow the traditional path, several design-adjacent roles deserve attention. Set designers create visual environments for film, theater, and television productions—a role that directly leverages spatial thinking and material knowledge. Exhibition designers develop immersive displays for museums, galleries, and trade shows, combining storytelling with spatial design. Furniture designers translate architectural sensibilities into functional objects at a smaller scale, and lighting designers apply knowledge of how light interacts with space to create atmosphere in both residential and commercial settings.

These jobs with interior designers‘ skill sets are particularly appealing because they allow professionals to remain within the design world while exploring new creative challenges. If you’re considering one of these paths, building a targeted portfolio that highlights relevant projects is essential. Platforms like Dezeen Jobs regularly list opportunities in these specialized areas. Recently, demand has also grown for computational designers and parametric design specialists—roles that bridge interior architecture careers with digital fabrication and advanced manufacturing. Professionals asking what’s a related jobs in interior design should consider these tech-forward paths as well.

What Are Some Jobs Related to Interior Design? A Closer Look

One of the most common questions professionals ask is what are some jobs related to interior design that still allow them to use their creative skills daily. The answer spans a surprisingly wide range of industries. Color consultants work with brands and manufacturers to develop palettes for products, interiors, and marketing materials. Visual merchandisers design retail displays and store layouts to maximize customer engagement and sales. Home stagers prepare residential properties for sale by arranging furnishings and decor to appeal to potential buyers—a role that directly applies interior design expertise.

Other related jobs to a interior designer include kitchen and bath designers who specialize in these high-value renovation areas, wayfinding and signage designers who create navigational systems for large-scale environments like hospitals and airports, and healthcare facility planners who design patient-centered spaces. Each of these roles represents a jobs that are like interior designer position, requiring spatial awareness, material knowledge, and client communication skills. For a deeper look at salary expectations in these roles, check our guide on interior designer salary in the USA.

Educational and Advocacy Roles

Teaching and Academic Research

Many architects and interior designers find rewarding careers in academia. Professors in architecture and design programs instruct undergraduate and graduate students in various subjects. They create and curate curricula, grade assignments, and support students. Professors also engage in academic research, contributing valuable knowledge to their field. According to recent data, the average salary for architecture professors in the United States ranges between $65,000 and $95,000 per year depending on experience and institution. This role not only allows for the dissemination of knowledge but also provides a platform to influence the next generation of architects and designers. For those exploring careers like interior design in an academic setting, this path offers stability and intellectual fulfillment.

Public Policy and Urban Development

Architects and interior designers can significantly impact community planning by transitioning to roles in public policy and urban development. Urban planners collaborate with public officials, developers, and stakeholders to devise plans for public land use. They conduct market research, perform analyses, and examine environmental impact studies. The median annual wage for urban planners is approximately $83,720 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data), with employment projected to grow steadily through 2034. By engaging in public policy, professionals can apply their design expertise to create more livable, sustainable, and equitable urban environments. This is one of the most impactful jobs like architect roles that allows you to shape entire communities. Organizations such as the American Planning Association (APA) offer certification programs and professional development resources for those interested in making this transition.

Historical Preservation

Another fulfilling career path involves historical preservation. Preservationists work to protect, restore, and maintain historical buildings and sites. They research the history and architecture of structures, document their findings, and develop restoration plans. This role often collaborates closely with local governments, historical societies, and community organizations. Although specific salary data for historical preservationists varies widely based on the employer and location, it provides a unique opportunity to blend architectural skills with a passion for history and conservation. The field of historic preservation continues to grow as communities increasingly recognize the value of protecting their architectural heritage.

Jobs Similar to Interior Design and Architecture in Tech

The technology sector has become one of the most promising destinations for design professionals seeking jobs similar to interior design and jobs similar to architecture. Beyond UX/UI roles, architects and interior designers are increasingly finding their skills valued in computational design, where they develop algorithms for generating spatial configurations. PropTech (property technology) companies actively recruit professionals with design backgrounds for roles in digital space planning, 3D scanning and modeling, and smart building systems integration.

AI-assisted design tools and generative design platforms represent another emerging area. Companies developing these tools need professionals who understand the design process intimately—making architects and interior designers ideal candidates for product management, quality assurance, and design evangelism roles. The metaverse and virtual world-building also offer exciting architecture alternative careers, where spatial design knowledge translates directly into creating immersive digital environments for gaming, retail, education, and social platforms. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, our guide on freelance side projects and job opportunities for architects provides practical steps for entering this space.

Transferable Skills That Make the Transition Easier

One of the biggest advantages when pursuing alternative careers for architects and interior designers is the depth of transferable skills these professions develop. Design systems thinking translates directly into UX strategy and operations management. Client and stakeholder communication skills are invaluable in consulting, planning, and management roles. Technical visualization and spatial logic provide a strong foundation for careers in UI design, BIM management, and product development. Project coordination abilities—including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation—are sought after in construction management, real estate development, and tech project management.

When planning your career transition, consider which of your skills align most closely with your target role. Many professionals find success by first taking on freelance side projects in their desired field before making a full switch. This approach lets you build a relevant portfolio and test the waters without the risk of leaving your current position entirely. For a comprehensive overview of paths available to you, explore our career resources on Illustrarch.

Conclusion

Exploring job alternatives for architects and interior designers expands our professional horizons and utilizes our specialized skills in innovative ways. With backgrounds enriched by rigorous training in design, planning, and problem-solving, we possess unique attributes that highly benefit numerous industries.

Transitioning into graphic and industrial design allows us to leverage our understanding of visual composition. UX/UI design calls for our expertise in creating user-friendly interfaces, ensuring that applications and websites offer excellent user experiences. Virtual reality design integrates our knowledge of spatial dynamics, enabling us to create immersive digital environments.

Technical and construction-related roles offer another avenue for our skills. Urban planning and landscape architecture benefit from our ability to plan efficient and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Environmental consulting leverages our commitment to sustainability, where we can advise on green building practices and ecological impact reduction. Real estate and preconstruction management require our project management capabilities, ensuring that developments proceed smoothly from inception to completion.

Educational roles enable us to shape the next generation of designers and planners. By becoming professors or instructors, we share our knowledge, inspire students, and contribute to academic advancements. Urban planning roles in public policy allow us to steer city development toward sustainable and community-focused futures. In historical preservation, we blend our design expertise with a passion for conserving architectural heritage.

These diverse career alternatives for architects and interior designers showcase the multifaceted potential of our skills. Whether you’re drawn to jobs similar to architecture, careers similar to interior design, or entirely new fields, the key is recognizing that your design training has prepared you for far more than one career path. By exploring these paths, we can find fulfilling roles that not only leverage our expertise but also align with our passions and values, leading to rewarding and impactful careers. For more career insights and opportunities, explore the career section on Illustrarch.