INTERIOR ARCHITECT?
Did you say, Interior Architect? Yes, I did.
I don’t handle residential interiors exclusively. That is for Interior Decorators. Interior Designers handle commercial and residential, while I go beyond industrial and institutional whenever the need arises.
In as much as I can upgrade any interior, I also conceptualize an entire interior from its bare structure to its completion. It includes its transformation from one function into another contrasting one. For example, a church into a restaurant or a warehouse into a hotel, to name a few. This takes into account all the technical aspects from the bare structure to its targeted function. The installations and fittings are analyzed by experts for the eventual traffic and function. The masonry, electricals, plumbing, heating/cooling, sound, and joinery, are among the several elements to be carefully studied to achieve the eventual purpose successfully.
In short, I am one step short of being a fully-fledged architect or civil engineer.
All projects require careful research, preparations, and study:
- Accurate survey of existing premises and the orientation.
- Research and organized visits to similar functional locations, for non-residential projects.
- Anticipated human traffic of all kinds, including children, the elderly, the handicapped, pets, etc.
- Ergonomics: the design to suit the users and ensure their safety and efficiency.
- Safety and security to qualify for insurance coverage.
- Formalities and permissions required prior to and after execution.
I also provide custom designs in steel, wood, or other materials and commission works of art, say for commercial interiors. These require visuals to present to clients for their approval. Sometimes designs present obstacles in execution. Therefore, I have to prepare prior technical drawings and perhaps scale models, that will eventually guide the skilled who have to carry out these jobs and ensure that my final design corresponds to expectations. This is also what an Interior Designer should be able to do, but not necessarily an Interior Decorator.
Landscaping or designing the exterior environment, be it bare or planted or even high-rise is an important component, to harmonize with the interior’s concept creating an extension of space. This will include, projecting natural plants or finishes into the interior, creating a unified whole. These aspects may also be covered by Interior Designers and Decorators if they are susceptible and responsive enough.
I am also in charge of sourcing, supplying, and controlling the quality and application of all materials used on the site, to ensure the best and most durable while avoiding waste, pilferage, or losses.
In short, that is an overview of my job, not to bother you with the technicalities and it should guide you on which classification you require.
Soft furnishings, matching finishes, and decorations are covered by all 3 disciplines and habitually attributed to Interior Decorators. It is basically, redecorating a residential interior which includes the selection of furniture, fittings, and fixtures to tastefully blend into a particular style or unified theme. Whereas, the Interior Designer goes technically one step further, by designing custom-made furniture like wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, or furniture. Understandably, the Interior Architect transforms, blends, and provides the turn-key project, taking charge of everything from scratch to finish, from floor to ceiling.
One piece of advice for home decoration. This is an intimate and most likely, a permanent space. Involving any of the 3 requires that you already have your personalized ideas or concepts. After all, you not only require comfort and safety, but you also require IDENTITY. For example, you may feel comfortable with certain colors, you may have some favorite furniture, or simply have some contrasting ideas you wish to match tastefully and not haphazardly to look distasteful. That will be a good reason to consult a professional, and in the same vein provide the challenge to such a person. Without a challenge, there is no creativity.
I hasten to add, you must never be submissive to a professional taking total control of deciding all aspects of your interior, otherwise, it will be a ‘showcase’ and not a home. Personally, I appreciate a client has certain clear ideas, which he/she will not compromise. It is only then that I am comfortable knowing that I have to work with these ‘limitations’ and be reassured that he/she will not keep changing their mind or hesitate over decisions.
Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. I make it a point to answer every email.
Sammy RNAJ — sammy.rnaj.writer@gmail.com
