Establishing Architectural Integrity at the Beginning
Our start point is that establishing architectural integrity is always the first step for any Interior Design realisation. Sometimes this can be simply achieved and other times, a more radical approach is required. With this in mind, and if you are buying a property that requires work, consulting someone to map out the Architectural integrity of the home could be a useful and valuable first step. First, a little insight into how we go about establishing architectural integrity if it isn’t evident from the onset.
Step 1: Understand the Inherent Character of the Property
Always when visiting a property for the first time, my initial obsession will be to understand the character of the building. This is how the architect originally intended it to be. The first and most obvious indication of this will be the year that it was built in, who it was designed by and who it was built by. With this information to hand and by looking at the property we are able to establish if the ‘bones’ of the property are good. Once I have this clear in my mind it’s easy to see any later developments that might be acting as ‘obstructions’ to the optimal functioning and character of the home. So that’s the first thing; through establishing architectural integrity we are able to create a home with a layout that works optimally for its inhabitants by being true to itself. It also starts to allow the true character of the property to shine through, creating a home that is at ease with itself and comfortable in its own skin. With this ground work done all future efforts to decorate the home can be fully and most optimally realised. Decorating a home before this ground work is done is, to my mind, misplaced. A case of spending good money after bad.
