Luxury Interior Architecture

Interior architecture is the part of modern interior design that concerns itself mainly with space design in terms of its physical layout and structural boundaries. Whilst many people today consider this to be the responsibility of architects, more recently, interior designers have been taking the lead, working closely with architects and builders to deliver their vision.

Here at Callender Howorth, we believe that interior architecture is an integral part of the design process together with styling and renovation. Our long industry experience means that we can deliver even the most complex high end projects on time and on budget.

Interior architecture is not a new concept but it has greatly evolved in modern times, as space and design are recognised to influence the mood, productivity and even happiness levels of the inhabitants. Historically, architects have been tasked with the completion of the architectural interior of buildings, although craftsmen, artisans, furniture makers and — in later years — interior decorators/stylists have played an important role. From the start of the 19th century a shift from corporate ownership to leasing of property began to separate the process of designing a building from the design of its interior.

Whilst the original structural and spatial hierarchy of a building is nearly always expressed in the design of the first architect, subsequent changes of the interiors are opportunities to reshape and reform the space for everyday use. The adaptive reuse of buildings is a very old concept that can be perfectly demonstrated by the Battersea Power Station project that had multiple complex interior architecture and design studies carried out with a plethora of political, sociological and commercial considerations. An interior architect could be concerned with minor alterations or large structural changes to adapt a space to its modern requirements.

Interior architecture covers a very wide spectrum of projects, including the restoration and preservation of old buildings, adaptations for use, safety or changes in law and the ongoing efforts to reform and re-envision spaces for added comfort.

Interior Architecture is the shaping and forming of a space within 4 walls. We move walls around, add glazing, height and light.  It’s about maximising the space and creating wow factor, volumes and spaces that can then have interior design finishes added to them.

Similarly to interior design, architectural changes are driven by an understanding of the relationship between the space, the place which it is in and, most importantly, the people using it. This is the crossroads where interior design and architecture blend and bind. Both serve the same end goal making their separation as disciplines both academically and professionally difficult.