Architect, Maître d’Œuvre, Interior Designer, Builder… Who Does What in France?

When you start a building or renovation project in France, you’ll encounter several types of professionals ready to help. You might ask yourself, “Do I really need all these experts?” The right choice depends on your project objectives and legal obligations in France. Here’s how each role fits into the process and who does what.

Architect in France

In France, “architect” is a protected title. Only professionals registered with the Ordre des Architectes may use it — a guarantee of rigorous training, ethics, and independence.

An architect’s mission goes far beyond designing beautiful spaces. From concept to completion, they shape your project as a coherent whole — architecture, interior layout, structure, and materials — while ensuring harmony between function and aesthetics.

They also handle key administrative and technical aspects: planning permissions, coordination of consultants, selection of contractors, contract management, and on-site supervision. At each step, the architect represents your interests, ensuring quality, transparency, and compliance.

By law, architects cannot have financial ties to construction companies — a safeguard that guarantees impartial advice and protects clients from conflicts of interest.

Tip from DN Architectes:

On the official website of the Order of Architects , you can consult an exhaustive list of registered architects for each area, as well as verify an architect’s registration.

Maître d’Oeuvre or Project Manager

A “maître d’oeuvre” (literally “project manager”) can sometimes perform roles similar to an architect and, confusingly, some architects also act as maîtres d’oeuvre. However, being a maître d’oeuvre is not a regulated profession in France. Their qualifications, services, and ethical standards may vary—some may just coordinate building works, while others offer design advice as well.

Key distinctions:

• Unlike architects, maîtres d’oeuvre are not legally required to act independently from construction companies.

  
  

• Only registered architects can submit building permits for new houses larger than 150 square meters. For smaller projects, a maître d’oeuvre may be sufficient, but for larger or more complex builds French law requires an architect—at least for the design and permitting stage. To learn more about when an architect becomes mandatory, read our article Do I Need to Hire an Architect in France?

Architecte d’intérieur or Interior Designer

Despite the similar-sounding title, an “architecte d’intérieur” (interior designer) is not an architect in the legal French sense. Interior designers cannot carry out structural changes or manage urban planning permissions if an architect is required by law.

When should you use an interior designer?

If your project focuses on layouts, atmosphere, color schemes, materials, or selecting furnishings but does not require structural construction or official permits, an interior designer is a suitable choice. Some interior designers may even offer project management services, overseeing renovation and installation works on site to ensure everything is completed according to your vision.

It is important to remember that interior design is not a regulated profession in France. As a result, interior designers are not required to maintain independence from construction companies and may have financial relationships with the contractors they recommend.

Constructeur de maisons individuelles, or Builder

In France, a “constructeur de maisons individuelles” is a builder who manages new home construction projects from initial plans to completion. Many clients are drawn to this approach because it is straightforward:

• The price and schedule are agreed upfront in a contract called the CCMI (Contrat de Construction de Maison Individuelle).

• One single contract covers the entire project, from bare land to move-in ready house.

Important limitations:

• The design phase is generally basic, often limited to selecting from a catalogue of standard models with some minor customization.

• Builders operate independently from your choice; you accept the companies they appoint.

• Legally, a builder can only deliver complete projects for houses under 150 square meters. For larger homes, a registered architect must be involved during at least the permitting stage.

Who Does What?

We hope this article has clarified the distinctions between architects, maîtres d’oeuvre, interior designers, and builders in France. If you have further questions about construction law, building permits, or choosing the right professional for your project in France, please feel free to contact DN Architectes for expert guidance.

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