Schimberg Group
Architecture & Interior Design
1421 5th Street, Unit D
Sarasota, FL 34236
The Four Layers of Building Design, Part 4: Interior Design
By Barron Schimberg, AIA
In a recent post on this blog, my wife and business partner Patty outlined “ Eleven Things I Did Learn in Interior Design School.” She explained why it’s smart to make many interior design decisions well before the drywall is in place or concrete has been poured. Otherwise, you may need to limit your design choices or make expensive changes to structural elements, such as ceilings and walls.
There are a number of reasons why the interior design layer of a building should be created in sync with the architectural “bones” of the building.
For example, to create the most effective lighting layout, the location of furniture should be incorporated into the overall design. Coordinating the furniture plan with the architecture can also help with the location of windows, electrical requirements, and other interior elements.
Choosing flooring early on with an interior designer allows for proper slab design, thresholds and acoustical treatment.
When defining interior architectural details, an interior designer can address spatial challenges such as unusually high ceilings in a small room. Appropriate detailing can be added to make the room feel more proportionate.
TSG recently completed a renovation project updating the Marina Bay condominium complex on Longboat Key, FL. By including Patty’s interior-design expertise early on in the project, all of the buildings’ lobbies are coordinated and have a cohesive aesthetic.
To avoid costly construction changes, consider hiring an interior designer well before the decorating stage of design. Once the project begins, both the architect and the interior designer can coordinate the architecture with the interior spaces in a collaborative effort.
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