What kind of work does interior architecture include?

Interior architecture involves engaging with people to design three dimensional environments according to the anticipated behavioural activities and intended psychological experience. This encompasses a wide range of possible projects from experimental exhibitions, art galleries and cultural spaces, to hospitality environments such as hotels, restaurants and bars, institutional buildings such as hospitals and schools, retail environments, sport centres, corporate offices and of course, residential housing. Interior architecture is concerned with the design of new architectural space or the refurbishment of existing space, working within the parameters of building, planning and heritage policies.

Such projects are generally undertaken in collaboration with a team of specialist architects, engineers and consultants, to manage and coordinate a client's needs. Interior architecture practitioners will research the project requirements through an analysis of the client, the people and their activities, the site, and other relevant information pertaining to the client. They work with engineers and consultants to determine service requirements, including planning for future growth and new technologies. Design, development, specification and documentation are phases of an interior architecture project that precede the costing and construction of a building or environment, requiring significant coordination. Interior architecture can also involve supervising the construction and fit-out of a building or space by regularly attending building sites and communicating with the builders and contractors.

The theoretical and conceptual possibilities are explored within interior architecture, in harmony with the pragmatic concerns of clients, to create innovative, meaningful spaces that facilitate the ordinary and extraordinary activities of people at home, work or play.