Frequently Asked Questions

Interior Architecture v Interior Design​​​​​

Interior architecture focuses more on structural design, with an emphasis on adaptive reuse and the remodelling of existing buildings. Whereas interior design is the practice of creating interior atmospheres – focusing on finishes, furniture and colour palettes. 

Both interior designers and interior architects have a similar set of skills but need to apply these skills in diverse ways. Interior design and interior architecture are both creative and innovative disciplines and when applied properly can help transform the way we use spaces to live, work and play. 

Interior Architecture

​An interior architect will come up with concept designs based on the functionality and structure of an existing building. Interior architects design with adaptive reuse in mind, often focusing on the sustainable re-modelling of existing buildings. They will be predominately designing for specific communities or for a particular user group and their needs. They work on residential, hospitality, exhibition and commercial and pop-up / experiential projects but could also work on public projects such as the design of hospitals, museums, schools or theatres.

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Interior architects are usually involved throughout the duration of a design project, taking conceptual schemes through to technical and material specification. During this process they will regularly communicate progress to the client as well as collaborate with a myriad of different specialists, such as structural engineers, lighting specialists, building contractors and material suppliers. 

​An interior architect needs to have the creative skills to explore new conceptual designs and layouts to reimagine interior environments. They need to be good problem solvers and be able to pitch, model, draw, simulate and test their design proposals. They also need to be good communicators, both visually and verbally, and most importantly they need to understand the fundamentals of interior architecture and adaptive reuse. ​

Interior Design​​​

An interior designer will understand the principles of design and create interior spaces for residential, hospitality, exhibition and commercial and pop-up / experiential projects. They will liaise with clients and brands to understand their needs in order to create beautiful, functional and safe spaces. Interior designers incorporate technical design, colour palettes, textiles, furniture placement and material specification to enhance the look and function of a space. During a project, interior designers may liaise with contractors, electricians, painters and plumbers to ensure the client’s brief and budget is met. 

​An interior designer needs similar skills to an interior architect, however there is more of a focus on the decorative and atmospheric aspect of design. An interior designer needs to have a good knowledge of historic design periods, colour theory, and classic design ranges. They need to have an eye for style when selecting furniture, fittings and equipment required for each unique project. Interior designers also need to be good communicators and well organised to bring a project to fruition.  ​​​​

Branded Environment Design​​​

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When you step into an office, public building, or retail store environment like for example Starbucks, you almost instantly know you are in the famed coffeehouse, and not at a McDonald's, some company and organisations have or indeed chose to have more subtle brands. Apart from the uniformed staff and a giant sign at the door, there are countless other factors that make a Starbucks look like a Starbucks. Textures, materials, shapes, colors, layouts, furniture, and lighting all contribute to the experience of being in a branded environment. These elements in Starbucks and McDonald's case are replicated globally to create an identifiable image. Obviously an independent high street trader can also benefit from expressing their Brand. As economic patterns change, brands are looking at extending their identities into spatial experiences in order to better engage with their customers in their daily lives. 

Brands are everywhere. People are in constant interaction with brands and forming opinions about them, from the perfume you use every morning to the watch you wear. This omnipresence is reinforced with messaging and advertisements both online and offline. Brands are on a mission to stand out, attract, entice and engage with people, aiming to convert them into loyal employees or customers. By physically interacting with the company in a personalised way, it is believed that the employee or customer would connect better with the brand and become a strong advocate of it.

​FF&E Curation

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Both Interior Architecture & Interior Design study involves understanding the creative application of the fine arts including painting, textiles, print and sculpture, crafted furniture, lighting and so on and their relevance to interiors and architecture. This knowledge gives qualified designers the academic basis to be able to more easilly curate Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment for a Residential and Commercial project.