What does "INTERIOR DESIGNER" really mean in New Zealand?

The Many Faces of an Interior Designer

MICHAEL MURRAY STUDIO Completed Renovation. Photography Jono Parker

“Interior designer” is a term that covers a surprisingly wide range of skills in New Zealand. From detailed technical designers producing construction documentation to stylists curating colour and texture, the role can mean very different things depending on who you ask.

At one end of the spectrum are technical interior designers — those who live inside CAD drawings, elevations, and joinery details. They’re the ones working closely with architects, builders, and cabinetmakers, translating creative vision into drawings that can actually be built. These designers understand materials, manufacturing, construction and compliance. Their work often overlaps with architecture, especially on high-end residential and commercial projects. At MICHAEL MURRAY STUDIO, we sit firmly on the design and documentation side; a CAD studio focused on the practical, technical and creative resolution of interiors. Our work begins with the vision and ends with construction detail, ensuring every idea is documented and ready to be built.

Then there are decorative interior designers, sometimes called interior stylists or colour consultants. Their strength lies in the the colours, fabrics, finishes, and furniture. They may not produce detailed documentation or use CAD to produce working design drawings.

In between sits a large group of designers who do a bit of both — technically capable, but also drawn to the creative freedom of styling. Many small New Zealand studios blend these skills, moving seamlessly from concept to documentation to final styling. This hybrid approach is increasingly common, especially in residential design where clients want both creative vision and practical detail delivered by one person.

It’s worth noting that not all “interior designers” in New Zealand are formally trained or registered. The industry is largely unregulated, which means anyone can use the title. That’s why it’s important to look at a designer’s background and experience — do they produce detailed plans and specifications, or do they focus on the aesthetic layer? Neither approach is better; they’re just different disciplines serving different needs.

A technically focused designer is essential when you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom, or renovation that requires precise detailing and coordination with trades. A stylist or colour consultant might be perfect when your home is already built, but needs warmth, cohesion, or character through furnishings and finishes.

At the heart of it all, interior design is about creating spaces that feel good to live in — whether that comes from a meticulously drawn joinery detail or the perfect linen curtain. The best designers know their strengths, collaborate with others, and understand that good design happens when creativity meets clarity.

Michael x