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Interior Architecture | Jessica Lightbody, Interior Architects and Designers in Jersey, Channel Islands

Interior Architecture Jersey, Channel Islands — Interior Architecture | Jessica Lightbody, Interior Architects Jersey

Interior Architecture Explained

Interior architecture combines architecture with interior design to create functional and visually pleasing interior environments.

Interior architects have a solid grasp of architectural design concepts, such as structural integrity, UK building bye-laws, and health and safety policies, combined with interior design principles like colour schemes, furniture placement and lighting. Interior designers are concerned with the aesthetics and usefulness of interior spaces, whereas architects are concerned with the design and construction of a building's external and structural components. On the other hand, the objective of interior architecture is to create rooms that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally solid and functional.

The field of interior architecture arose in response to the growing demand for professionals capable of designing and creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. Interior architecture integrates architectural, interior design, and industrial design principles to create beautiful and functional spaces. Interior design, before the emergence of interior architecture as a distinct field, was primarily concerned with the decorative aspects of a space, such as the selection of colours, fabrics, and furniture. On the other hand, architects concentrated on building structure and exterior design. However, as the importance of interior design grew, it became clear that professionals who could bridge the gap between the two fields were in demand.

Interior architects consult with clients to learn about their lifestyles and preferences before applying their expertise in architecture and design to develop a comprehensive plan for the space. Everything from conceiving ideas and layouts to selecting materials and finishes and supervising the building and installation of interior elements is within the purview of interior design. Overall, interior architecture unites the two distinct disciplines to produce aesthetically pleasing and practically sound interiors that fully satisfy the requirements of their users.

As a result of this need, interior architecture emerged, focusing on creating interior spaces that were visually appealing, structurally sound, safe, and functional. Interior architects collaborate with clients to understand their needs and requirements before applying their knowledge of architecture, design, and construction to create spaces that meet those needs.

Interior architecture is now a well-known profession, with many universities offering degree programmes. Interior architects work in various settings, including residential, commercial, and institutional spaces, and are responsible for designing spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional for the occupants. This can range from individual rooms in a house or office to entire buildings such as hotels or hospitals. Interior architects collaborate closely with clients to understand their space's needs and requirements. They then apply their knowledge of architecture, design, and construction to create a design plan that meets those needs whilst considering factors such as safety, sustainability, and accessibility.

Interior architecture constantly evolves, with new technologies like the latest virtual reality tools, design software and design trends constantly emerging. As such, interior architects must stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and continuously refine their skills and knowledge.

Interior Architecture Jersey

The duties of an interior architect can vary depending on the specific project they are working on and their level of experience. However, some typical duties of an interior architect may include:

Interior architects are in charge of designing the layout and overall aesthetic of interior spaces. This includes deciding on materials, colours, and finishes, as well as the placement of furniture and other decor elements.

Spatial planning and layouts: Interior architects create detailed spatial planning design plans, lighting and electrical layouts, and various other accompanying specifications, measurements, and drawings. This plan is used as a guide for the construction and installation of interior elements.

Collaborating with clients: Interior architects work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences for a space. This includes discussing their budget, timeline, and any specific requirements they may have.

Overseeing construction: Interior architects supervise the construction and installation of interior elements to ensure they are installed correctly and comply with all building codes and regulations.

Managing budgets: Interior architects are often responsible for managing project budgets and ensuring that all costs are kept within the client's budget.

Keeping up with industry trends: Interior architects must stay up-to-date on the latest design trends and technologies in the industry to ensure that they are providing their clients with the best possible service.

An interior architect's responsibilities include creative design work and project management skills. They must be able to communicate effectively with clients and contractors, as well as have a thorough understanding of design principles and construction methods.

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An insight into Lighting Design

by Jessica Lightbody

Through the effective use of lighting, we can help you take interior design to a whole new level. A correctly illuminated interior can alter our spatial awareness, accentuate architectural features and visually alter the proportions of a room. This dynamic multifunctional tool can also be used to divide space, emphasise texture, manipulate shape or form, and exaggerate depth and height whilst creating unimaginable visual effects. In essence, lighting can be an architectural element that transforms an ordinary space into something extraordinary.

A well-balanced lighting scheme should incorporate a variety of layers ranging from functional or purpose lighting through to ambient, subdued or mood lighting. With an instant click of a switch, an interior can be transformed from functional to atmospheric.

So if you are planning to redesign your home, a restaurant, bar, nightclub or hotel, it is advisable that you give thoughtful consideration to installing a well-designed lighting scheme that will enhance the space and its contents.

We only see colour through the light it reflects; therefore, colour can appear diversely under varying categories of light. If we take a closer look at lighting in relation to colour and texture, we find that the texture of a surface is affected and can make a colour look quite different. For example, a colour on a glossy surface will appear deeper and brighter than a matt surface, although both surfaces may have the same colour pigment. The type of light used can also appear to change the colour of an object.

The colour appearance of light, whether it is ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ is expressed as a colour temperature and measured in ºK (degrees kelvin). The higher the temperature, the cooler the light produced. For example, fluorescent lamps may generate a cool blue light yet burn over 6,000ºK, resulting in a flat, cold, bright light with no shadows or highlights. Contrarily, the lower the temperature, the warmer the effect. To absorb this point, consider a candle that projects a reddish warm effect and burns under 2000ºK, which is equivalent to a 40-watt incandescent bulb. Ideally, clear daylight is considered to give the truest colour rendition. However, this is not necessarily the case, as strong direct sunlight (especially after noon) may render a yellow-toned cast. Darker colours can appear almost black at night or under certain artificial lights.

For a finer white light, use a daylight 6,500ºK to supplement natural light or a low voltage tungsten halogen lamp to significantly improve colour rendition. This is ideal for home offices or creative art studios. A warm white that burns 3,000ºK is ideal for home use, and a cool white that burns 4,000ºK is generally used for commercial spaces. An important factor to consider when using coloured lighting is that when light hits a surface, the colour of the surface changes. For example, a blue light on a red surface will appear purple, or a red light on a yellow surface will appear orange. This is great if it is intentional and where the orange becomes part of the colour scheme by adding a third dimension or what interior designers would call 'a complex colour scheme'... while interlinked, this is another subject in its own right and will be covered by Jessica in another article.

In an ideal world, fabrics, materials, flooring, wall-covering and paint colours should be agreed upon at the same time the lighting is being designed. In this way, your interior decor colour palate does not have to be governed by a pre-existing lighting scheme.

If an interior space will predominantly be occupied during the day, always give careful consideration to the orientation of a room before deciding on a colour scheme. A paint tone may look appealing in a retail environment, but when transferred to the home environment, it may not work in a north-facing room. The point to remember here is north- facing = cold and unflattering light; south-facing = warm and welcoming light; east-facing = warm light in the mornings, and west-facing = afternoon sunlight with colour changing from cool to warm.

The lack of sunlight or even a poorly illuminated space can cause a biochemical imbalance in our hypothalamic hormone, resulting in a condition called SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which makes us feel downcast. Sunlight is undoubtedly the richest experience offered to our senses. A sufficient amount of natural sunlight can contribute to our overall sense of well-being.

By using an infinite array of creative lighting techniques, Jessica Lightbody Interior Designs can help you create a well-thought-through lighting design scheme to emulate one of our most precious and priceless natural resources... pure natural sunlight, whatever time of year.

As hotel and restaurant interior designers Jersey, our lighting design service is part of our full interior design package. If you are in search of creating a great interior space that is instinctively warm and welcoming, book a free consultation with one of our interior designers in Jersey, England, UK at www.jessicalightbody.com.