Fusing Interior Design & Interior Architecture
Fusing Interior Design and Architecture
When is an interior designer also an interior architect?
The former exists more in the realm of art and the latter in the discipline of science. Though differences can be drawn between interior design and interior architecture, the two are just as easily fused together in project work.
“It’s this fusion that forms an essential aspect of CMID’s work as our studio is both an interior design and interior architecture practice.”
From a client standpoint, it’s useful to know more about both the differences and the fusion to better understand how interior architecture can impact a design project.
Interior architecture – sometimes called spatial planning or space planning – can be an overlooked aspect in the work of an interior designer. It relates primarily to changing the structure of a space, thus affecting its layout, and how the space relates to adjacent spaces. It is technical work around activities such as wall removal or repositioning, and reconfiguring window or door locations. It affects the functionality and usability of a space.
Interior design works principally to enhance the aesthetic of a space through the use of textures, materials, colour, and fixtures. Function plays a key part in these processes as well. The choice of furniture, for example, can impact how space is used and enjoyed. The application of a paint scheme can open up a room bringing in more light and thus altering its character, while also forming the perfect backdrop for hanging artwork. The choice of finishes – such as a kitchen benchtop – can beautify a space and offer a robust surface to work on.
In some cases, interior architecture is the foundation upon which the interior design is developed.
“The two must work cohesively, for when it doesn’t, problems arise and the design can feel disjointed and lack in harmony. ”
CMID recently worked on a project that merged interior architecture with design in a way that proved highly complementary.
In this Wellington house, our starting point was a clear understanding of the existing architecture — as seen in the original plans below — to ascertain what needs to be altered to meet the needs of the client. From a structural standpoint, those needs were a new modern kitchen, dining, and family room – united in one space.
In its initial form, the home’s kitchen and dining room were cut off from each other behind walls. The clients want the two spaces merged into a single space. This new plan (seen below, highlighted in blue) required removing the wall and relocating the dining space to the other side of the kitchen.
CMID Karori Kitchen, Dining, and Family Rooms: Existing First Floor Plan.
To help manage this change, we also widened the kitchen to occupy the dining room’s original space. The new kitchen was now in a bigger area to accommodate its larger dimensions in better service of its role as the hub of the family home. We also moved the French doors providing a greater connection with the garden outside.
CMID Karori Kitchen, Dining, and Family Rooms: Proposed Floor Plan Option 2.
CMID’s interior architecture breathed new life into the home by unifying the entire space under one open-plan setting. And aligned with our interior design, it helped deliver a wonderful fit-for-purpose outcome for our happy clients.
BeforE – KARORI KITCHEN, DINING AND FAMILY Room:
“Ultimately, interior architecture and interior design share the same goal. To improve the harmony and function of one or more spaces. They should work on tandem. ”
Words by: Craig Greaves.