What’s interior architecture vs interior design?

Interior architecture is the discipline of designing the interior space of a building, ensuring it is functional and safe, complies with building regulations and meets the aesthetic brief of a client.

Whilst an interior designer will be adept at taking a client’s aesthetic brief and turning this into a reality, the practice of interior architecture means that building materials and finishes need careful consideration and specification. Sometimes an interior designer will deal with both disciplines depending on whether they are qualified in both architecture and design.

At Pfeiffer Design, all our designers are degree qualified in interior architecture as well as interior design so we can confidently design the interior spaces of buildings for our clients.

So when a client takes us on, part of our role means we will act as a liaison between different contractors to help with the installation of different elements of the build and design.  When we work on high-end residential and full home refurbishment projects, for example,  we ensure there is full integration with the whole build team which usually comprises of architects, builders and sub contractors, and that we meet regularly with them on site as well as communicating in between meetings.

We will help the team by producing a package of detailed design documentation and technical drawings which work alongside the architect’s documentation.

The package includes specifications for lighting (including smart home control), electrical systems, joinery, sanitary and a number of finishes schedules, all of which help sub contractors such as electricians, plumbers, builders and joiners to understand what instructions they need to follow.

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