Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts, Architecture Is.

Decades ago, as I started my business of “architecture”, I believed the design of the exterior of the building was all there was to it.  The basic building elements: the floors, walls, windows and roof.  But as time went on, I discovered the broader scope of the design thought process, there is so much more to be included than the shell.  And this is when I realized that the interior architecture is so integral to Architecture.  I realized the importance of all the interrelated parts; how they are more than the sum of the parts. It is in the interconnectedness of the structure of the building with the interior details that bring the building to life.  

I’m not sure when it happened, but I found myself pondering where Architecture leaves off and Interior Architecture picks up; and it was then that I understood how very blurry that line can be.

And how critical it is that these two elements support each other to create the whole.

Here is an analogy that may help me explain: 

When baking a cake, we know all the ingredients needed, and we know that they must be of the highest quality.  As we put them together, we know a very specific process must be followed to have them all combine in such a manner as to get the desired results. As we wait in anticipation for it to come out of the oven, we are rewarded with, perhaps, a delectable chocolate cake.  (I jest...not... “perhaps,” the chocolate is a given!)

Architecture and interior architecture work much the same way in my mind.  Designing a home starts out with the architectural vision--all the ingredients are there to make the house delectable (AKA: amazing). The structural elements are combined with the imagination and the artistry to make the building remarkable to see and experience. To that we begin adding the refined details of the interior spaces--yes there are many and yes, they are all necessary: the stairs, the fireplaces, the millwork, the finish materials of wood, tile, stone.  And then there are the lighting fixtures, which are like the jewelry, the beautiful final touches. While the list of details goes on and on, it is the architect that brings them all together.

There’s not that much difference between the reaction we have when we take that first bite of the delicious cake and that first step into the beautiful foyer.  A gasp at how amazing it is. An inner shudder  at the harmony of all the elements. A rush when seeing the perfect integration of the elements that have created such a remarkable whole. And now we get to enjoy it; we get to have our cake, and eat it too, in this wonderful home.