对室内设计含义的理解，以及它与建筑设计的关系，从不同的视角、不同的侧重点来分析，许多学者都有不少具有深刻见解、值得我们仔细思考和借鉴的观点，例如：认为室内设计“是建筑设计的继续和深化，是室内空间和环境的再创造”。认为室内设计是“建筑的灵魂，是人与环境的联系，是人类艺术与物质文明的结合”。
Understanding the meaning of interior design and its relationship with architectural design, from different perspectives and focuses, many scholars have profound insights that are worth careful consideration and reference. For example, they believe that interior design is a continuation and deepening of architectural design, a recreation of indoor space and environment. It is believed that interior design is the soul of architecture, the connection between people and the environment, and the combination of human art and material civilization.
中国前辈建筑师戴念慈先生认为“建筑设计的出发点和着眼点是内涵的建筑空间，把空间效果作为建筑艺术追求的目标，而界面、门窗是构成空间必要的从属部分。从属部分是构成空间的物质基础，并对内涵空间使用的观感起决定性作用，然而毕竟是从属部分。至于 外形只是构成内涵空间的必然结果”。
Mr. Dai Nianci, a senior Chinese architect, believes that "the starting point and focus of architectural design is the architectural space of connotation, and the spatial effect is the goal pursued by architectural art. The interface, doors and windows are necessary subordinate parts to form the space. The subordinate parts are the material foundation of the space and play a decisive role in the perception of the use of connotation space, but after all, they are subordinate parts. As for the appearance, it is only the inevitable result of forming the connotation space." .
建筑大师普拉特纳（W.Platner） 则认为室内设计“比设计包容这些内部空间的建筑物要困难得多"，这是因为在室内"你必须更多地同人打交道，研究人们的心理因素，以及如何能使他们感到舒适、兴奋。经验证明，这比同结构、建筑体系打交道要费心得多，也要求有更加专门的训练"。
Architectural master W. Platner believes that interior design is "much more difficult than designing buildings that encompass these internal spaces," because indoors, you must interact more with people, study their psychological factors, and how to make them feel comfortable and excited. Experience has shown that this is much more laborious than dealing with structures and building systems, and requires more specialized training.