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About John Henry Architect AIA
Expertise
I am interested in the artistic and theoretical aspects of architecture and urban design/planning. I can discuss the progression of classical to modern architecture, the general stylistic and technical development, the formation of towns and cities, the background and training of architects. Ask any question relating to the profession, working with an architect, background information, etc.
Experience
Custom Luxury Residential design is my specialty. We also have a variety of commercial projects: Hospitality, Resort/Themed Communities, Urban Design, Medical and Office buildings. We accept very few remodeling projects.
http://www.DreamHomeDesignUSA.com Residential Design
http://www.FloridArchitect.com Commercial Architecture
http://www.EuroDesignVIP.com Urban Design
Organizations
American Institute of Architects
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
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Wall Street Journal, Builder Magazine, Professional Builder, Florida Home Builder, Sun Coast Architect, Southeast Home Builder, Orlando Sentinel, Florida Design, Naples Daily, Luxury Homes, Custom Builder, Orlando Magazine
Education/Credentials
Bachelor, Environmental Design, Texas A&M University
Master, Architecture, Texas A&M University
Awards and Honors
Regional Awards: Central Florida Parade of Homes, Street of Dreams Golden Aurora
Past/Present Clients
Business/Service Professionals, Sports Celebrities, Saudi Royalty, International developers, Medical Doctors
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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Architecture > What does an Interior Designer do at an Architectural Firm?
Architecture - What does an Interior Designer do at an Architectural Firm?
Expert: John Henry Architect AIA - 9/29/2008
Question
I'm an Interior Design student trying to decide which path I'd like to take. I'm
interested in Residential and Commercial design and was thinking that maybe
I would enjoy working with an Architecture Firm. I have no idea what a day in
the life of an Interior Designer at an Arch. Firm consists of, especially
considering the two professions often overlap. Is there actual designing
involved or is it just picking out light fixtures, flooring, paint colors? Thanks
for any help you can give me!
Answer
A separate department for Interior Design is normally found in a mid to large size commercial firm. The designer will interact with the project architect and possibly help develop the floor layout, then with the client's input and other programming information specify potentially all surface materials (flooring, walls and ceiling treatments), lighting and plumbing fixtures, and all contract furnishings. The tasks may be specialized as in a hospital or medical building where many other considerations have to be integrated: proper flow and separation of patients, staff, maintenance, emergency, operating and ICU areas, radiation and toxic byproducts, etc.
Residential architectural firms may have in house interior designers but most have independent offices.
The information and background necessary to work within a commercial firm is generally more than that required for residential work. Life Safety codes dealing with egress, exits, fire stairs, elevators, handicap provisions, signage, etc. demand more knowledge in a commercial firm.
Residential architects tend to do the floor planning alone without the aid of an interior designer so that the tasks for an ID are more in terms of an aesthetic ensemble of elements and not overly technical. Schedules are generally tighter in commercial work and corporate clients tend to have more leeway for the creative ideas and ID may offer while in residential design the client is much more particular and time intensive with more changes.
Architects, historically, were responsible to design and specify all aspects of a building, but due to specialization and liability the duties of an architect have been fractured with the result of many subconsultants assuming more tasks. It is difficult for any single person to keep up with the many products that are available in today's market dealing with interior finishes, lighting, plumbing, home automation, appliances, furniture, etc. Architects can no longer singly create and specify everything a particular building type demands and therefore the division of work comes into play. A smaller firm may have to combine the talents of a licensed architect with an interior designer but this is rare in the large commercial office.
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