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Interior Designer Meets Architect:

5 Reasons A Collaborative Approach Produces Better Results

he way by which a building comes into being to fulfil the purpose of a given need, requires the collaboration of
Tboth the architect and the interior designer. The exterior of a building primarily helps to define unique architectural
aesthetics. It also plays a critical role in enhancing energy performance and the interior function of the building. Yet, so
often we fail to recognize the importance of this bilateral relationship when contemplating the design industry; almost as
if they fulfil two completely separate functions.
Role of an interior designer
Essentially, the role of an interior designer is to manage, plan and execute the design elements of the interior of an area.
Its management function includes selling advice. As that advice directly impacts the wellbeing and safety of consumers,
it must be qualified and independently measured. Ill-informed advice will incur a cost, delay and risk to the consumer.
Upon planning and executing the interior design, the designer must possess the appropriate skill set and knowledge of
design technicalities, function, costing, and aesthetics. Ultimately, the end goal is to create a space that is both functional
and visually pleasing; as well as a space that enhances the wellbeing and safety of its residents.
In doing so, the designer has a plethora of elements of which to manipulate to enhance the value of internal space.
These include; flooring, windows, walls, lighting, furniture, doors and miscellaneous design items. It is by no means a
new profession. Earliest accounts of interior design can be traced back to early prehistoric humans who decorated their
dwellings with elemental tools and drawings.
Role of an architect
The architect plays an important role in the construction
and they are responsible for the visual appearance of
the building and the structures that make it. Architects
develop design plans for various types of spaces and
buildings. They deploy their creative ideas and visions to
satisfy the client, and put to work their knowledge and
expertise to satisfy building laws and regulations of the
State.
Architects, therefore, are responsible for the planning
and designing of the exterior of a building, using smart
design technologies- optimising the use of material. They
have control over the placement, form and function of
elements such as ceilings, walls, and windows.
Evidently, the architect and the interior designer must both deploy their expertise into a building to produce the final
product, desired by the client. Technically, they can work separately; however, by coming together they form a design
team with complementary expertise and vision. At the start of a project, they can mutually define roles, responsibilities
and communication protocols. But that’s not all; collaboration between these two professionals can result in the most
seamless sensory experience intended by both designers.
Here are 5 reasons why Architects and Interior Designers should be working together to maximize their contributions
to the overall design of a building.
1. The exterior should complement the interior
Whether the building in question is a residential home, a commercial office, an exhibition space, or a school; it should
be built and designed to complement its functional internal purpose. One way this is made possible is for the designer
of the exterior to collaborate with the designer of the interior. Each should be made aware of the plans for both. In
doing so, each party can ensure their designs complement and accommodate for the design of their counterpart.
Consequently, the final project should reflect a seamless and fitting design of form, function and style.
2. The importance of lighting
Vision is arguably the most important sense through which to appreciate our surrounding environment. Lighting
enhances the way we perceive both the structure and architectural form of a building; and draws attention to the
textures, colors, and furnishings of the space.
Upon planning the construction of a building, the architectural placement of windows as a source of natural light should