What does an Interior Architect do?

Have you ever noticed how a well-designed space instantly makes you feel good? What is it that’s doing all the magic? Let’s find out!

There are many details and nitty-gritty that go into creating a successful project. Each space and design element has an impact on our psyche, it takes a professional touch from concept to execution to curate a holistic space. And that’s where the world of Interior Architecture begins, and as tangible as it sounds, it has an ethereal intangible facet to it. 

Interior Architect: A Definition

An interior architect is a professional designing and carrying out the building of interiors exploring the nuances of design along with a practical aspect to it as well. The importance of aesthetics and functional concepts are taken forward by a professional working in an interior architecture career.

What makes them different from Architects and Interior Designers?

Interior Architect: They are the subject matter experts due to their niched-down experience. 

Architect: They determine the enclosures of a structure while laying out the spatial planning. 

Interior Architect: They are the ones offering micro-solutions as per the style and function suiting the context.

Architect: They work with a macro-level approach where work begins with a concept and the architect is associated till the execution.

Interior Architect: They deal with the enclosed spaces while establishing a balance between comfort and style.

Architect: They develop a concept and work with the envelope of the facade along with the interior spaces.

Interior Architect: They enter into the picture once the basic structure is erected on-site.

Architect: Their involvement is essential while planning a project from its scratch.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. An understanding of client requirements through a design brief. 
2. Defining the zoning of spaces based on the set function
3. Curating a budget list and an inventory for workers, materials, and stakeholders.
4. Identifying and proposing structural changes in the interior layout (if any are required).
5. Mapping out and optimizing the building services like mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and ventilation.
6. Conceptualizing a design theme and creating a suitable material palette. Apart from the procurement of materials, they need to guide the clients to buy relevant items that go well with the design theme.
7. Working on various software programs to generate required sets of drawings. 
8. Supervising the placement of orders, receiving materials, installation, and operation of various building services.
9. Understanding the strength of materials and apt use of colours and textures in the interiors.
10. Planning or remodelling spaces based on the demands that enhance the functionality and charm of the interiors.

Work Environment and Schedule

• The day-to-day life of an interior architect is divided between on-site and off-site work. While the planning phase takes place on a desk, the execution demands them on the construction site.
• Upon receiving the brief, the software is utilized for the development of plans and timelines along with budgets are evaluated.
• They have to collaborate with other design teams while managing a complex project for a clash-free execution that stays at par with the deadlines.
• The on-site execution and quality assessment is the role taken up during site visits.
• Interior architecture offers full-time jobs with varying working hours. The complexity of tasks and deadlines might demand overtime as well.
• Timelines for the project are developed by interior architects and computer-aided tools are utilized for design development.
• The off-site travel time for interior architects include vendor meetings and material exploration as well. 

When and Where is an Interior Architect required?

1. Residential Sector: Residential interiors can be enhanced and welcoming with their design approach.
2. Workspaces:  Offices and workspaces can be designed by interior architects to enhance productivity and comfort.
3. Hospitality Sector: Hotels, cafes, spas, rejuvenation centres, retreats, etc., are filled with glam with the work of an interior architect.
4. Retail Sector: A one-of-its-kind flagship store can be designed for statement-making brands.
5. An artistic touch to the art galleries and exhibition spaces can only be added by an interior architect designer.
6. Institutional Spaces: Schools, clinics, and hospitals can be enhanced further when the duty is taken up by an interior architect.
7. Set Design: From a musical concert to a set of a fashion show, each will have its unique design with an interior architect’s mind on planning and designing. 

Salary and Career Outlook

An average salary for an Interior architect in India ranges from ₹ 1.6 LPA- 13.9 LPA. The scope for an interior architect can be seen growing with a surge of 13% in the coming decade as per reports published by Brandongaille.

A career in interior architecture can be seen flourishing in the coming years as people have realised the importance of comfort that’s desired in their homes and workspaces. The pandemic and lockdown period was an eye-opener and has created a paradigm shift in the mindset, leading to many promising opportunities in the industry. From workspaces turned into residences to residences turned into WFH spaces, the possibilities are endless. 

A few names that made this name ‘Interior Architect’ famous… 

1. Ilse Crawford- Studioilse, London

Studioilse is known to curate designs that converse with humans, their needs, and emotions. Public spaces inject a desire for interaction that aids in a fun and learning experience at every nook.

2. Vinita Chaitanya, Bangalore

Known to curate art that lives, Vinita Chaitanya explores the contemporary classic design that layers various eras and their respective cultures in one design.

3. Talati and Partners, Mumbai 

With five decades of experience in high-end design services, Talati and Partners offer a new design language for luxury architecture and interior design. From classic to modern and eclectic, interior architects propose brilliant solutions in every design language.

4. Elsie Nanji, Mumbai

With four decades of experience in designing uniquely-styled spaces, Elsie Nanji explores the world of interiors and graphics along with environment branding. The journey has taken her from the cultural context to new-age ideas and installations.

5. Rooshad Shroff, Mumbai

The boutique firm offers bespoke design with furniture design and architectural elements in place. The studio has mastered the niche of luxury designs highlighting artisanry.

6. Studio Lotus, New Delhi

Indesign live

Celebrating the cultural context, Studio lotus offers a deep meaning to spaces. An approach of conscious design caters to the client's set of requirements with local resources and intricate craftsmanship. Keeping an eye on the minute details aids the studio in precise designs. 

7. Adil Ahmad, New Delhi 

A touch of maximalism is what defines spaces designed by Adil Ahmad with each one reflecting intricate Indian architecture from the Mughal times and craftsmanship borrowed from the times of Ajanta and Ellora. 

8. Channa Daswatte and Murad Ismail- MICD Associates, Sri Lanka

The aptest design solutions particular to the site context and local climate are what define the practice at MICD Associates. The light structure merges with a landscaped backdrop for a harmonized design. 

9. Stapati, Kerala

The multi-disciplinary approach at Stapati focuses on innovation blended within sustainability and sensitivity towards cultural roots. Traditional elements are taken into account while offering them a modern twist. 

10. Bijoy Jain- Studio Mumbai, Mumbai

The perfect synchronization of modern and conventional is what defines the works of Studio Mumbai. While local craftsmanship is highly regarded in their projects, these Indian elements lay the foundation for contemporary aesthetics to be taken forward.

11. Akshat Bhat-  Architecture Discipline, New Delhi

The practise explores the world of residential to retail to even widely-spread commercial projects for contemporary expressions sprouting from the local context.

12. Alberto Pinto- Pinto Design, Paris

The cultural approach along with eclectic taste makes the works of Alberto Pinto stand out. While the interiors are opulent, there’s a perfect balance of elegance to it as well.

13. Victoria Hagan- Victoria Hagan Interiors, New York

The designer injects a sense of luxury and refreshing vibes in the interior spaces with a smart approach blending architectural design language along with the interiors.

Interiors that narrate a Story…

Interior architects can curate a design for the spaces that speaks an eye-pleasing language while also fulfilling the practical demands to ensure utmost comfort to its users. In the coming decade, they are going to rule as the most important facets of the design industry with their impactful design decisions and extraordinary aesthetic sense.

FAQ’s

• What is an Interior Architect?

An interior architect is the design expert catering to indoor space design in accordance with the safety regulations and maximization of utility.

• How to become an Interior Architect?

One can become an interior architect by pursuing a degree in design fields like architecture or interior architecture like B.Des, B.Arch, M.Des, etc, that teaches a human-centric design approach while planning and touches on the technicalities of a design as well.

• What do Interior Architects do?

An interior architect is an expert in the field of interior design analysis, proposal, and on-site construction.

• What to do to become an Interior Architect?

For a successful career as an interior architect, opt for a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree after completing graduation in the field and apply for various certifications to polish your skills. 

• What is the eligibility to become an Interior Architect?

In order to mark your journey on the path of interior architecture, you need to have 50% aggregate marks in 12th from a recognized educational board along with an acceptable undergraduate degree in interior architecture, architecture, or interior design.