Interior Design for Apartments

There are three main differences between an interior architect and an interior designer.

Firstly, an interior architect has graduated from a specialized college or university, such as the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism Ion Mincu in Romania, with a focus on Interior Architecture.

Secondly, an interior architect is involved in a project both in terms of interior design and technical plans that include space layouts, demolitions, and permits.

Thirdly, an interior architect is a part of the interior architects' community within the Romanian Architects' Order (OAR), which means they are knowledgeable about and adhere to the current legal regulations regarding the practice of the profession. They also take professional responsibility towards the client and authorities while serving the client's interests in accordance with public interest and professional standards.

A designer/interior architect can bring many benefits to your apartment:

• They help you discover the right style for your apartment's layout, transforming the space to meet your needs and desires.
• They guide you in selecting the best finishes, furniture pieces, and lighting systems available in the market that are suitable for your apartment, organizing the project steps to eliminate the stress of interior design.
• They save you time by handling communication with all parties involved in a project, knowing the reputable suppliers and contractors in the market, sparing you from endless searches for the right collaborators.
• They eliminate most mistakes made in apartment furnishing because they create a comprehensive design plan that everyone involved in the project works from. They can make adjustments or provide solutions when needed.

Depending on the scope of the project, an interior architect or designer may have several roles:

• They create an interior design concept based on the client's desires and needs. After discussions with the client, the architect/designer outlines a brief, asking various questions to determine the client's preferences and requirements and to define the design style.
• The architect/designer creates 3D simulations (renderings) showing how the interior will look. During this phase, they make material and finish selections, choose furniture, colors, textures, and lighting.
• The architect/designer creates technical plans, including electrical outlet and switch positions, lighting system plans, plumbing plans with hot/cold water and drainage points, heating system plans, and ventilation system positions. Depending on the project, various permits may be required.
• The architect/designer creates 2D plans for custom-made furniture and special pieces in the project.
• The architect/designer implements the project they created by overseeing the construction process, organizing the work stages, guiding contractors and suppliers according to the project, obtaining price quotes from suppliers, placing orders, or making purchases for the client.

In conclusion, there are plenty of reasons to say that hiring an architect/designer specialized in interior design can be extremely helpful in arranging your apartment. They can save you time and money in the long run, help you avoid costly mistakes, and transform your living space into a pleasant, comfortable, and functional environment.

The stages in working with an interior architect/designer are as follows:

• It's important for the person seeking an interior architect/designer to review the designer's portfolio and inquire about the services they provide in a project.
• To request a quote, it is necessary to provide the designer with as much information as possible: space plans, location, what you want to achieve in the project, the timeframe, and the budget.
• After accepting the designer's offer for their services, they will come to the location to take measurements and schedule a meeting with you to create the project brief (the questionnaire).
• The interior designer/architect will present the project concept, 3D renderings, technical plans, and make modifications if necessary.
• After completing the interior design project, the interior designer/architect will commence project implementation with on-site supervision, placing orders, and guiding all collaborators involved in the project.

Creating an interior design for an apartment that includes only 3D renderings can cost less than a complete renovation from scratch.

The costs of an interior design project for an apartment are typically divided into the following stages:

1. Interior Design
2. Technical Plans
3. Implementation

To create a proposal for interior design, a series of information is required, such as space plans, location, what you want to achieve in the project, the timeframe, and the budget.

Costs can start from 500 euros and can go up to several thousands or tens of thousands of euros.

An interior architect specialized in apartment interiors is responsible for the design and planning of interior spaces. Among the main activities carried out by an interior architect are creating design concepts, producing sketches and architectural plans, selecting suitable materials and furniture for the apartment, as well as coordinating with other construction teams to ensure the project proceeds as planned.

Additionally, an interior architect must have a good understanding of the technical aspects of construction, such as the apartment's structure, lighting, ventilation, and heating and cooling system. It is important for an interior architect to be creative, innovative, and able to adapt to the needs and preferences of their clients while staying within budget and space constraints.

Interior design is a way to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. When it comes to furnishing an apartment, there are many interior design options, from living room interior design and bedroom interior design to luxury interior design, premium interior design, and quality interior design.

Regardless of your personal preferences, choosing quality interior design and well-executed interior arrangements can make the difference between a nice apartment and one that is truly exceptional.

When designing your apartment, it is important to consider different geometric shapes and styles, such as the art deco style, to create a unique and enjoyable space. Designing an apartment involves many aspects, including planning each room, including the master bedroom, and selecting the right materials to add quality and durability to the project.

Arranging an apartment should be done in accordance with the client's preferences, style, and needs, so it becomes a place for relaxation and rest.

Depending on the scope of the project, the interior architect/designer may collaborate with various specialists and deliver specialized technical plans, such as the ISU/PSI (Fire Protection and Safety) permit and the MLPTL (Ministry of Public Works, Administration, and Development) verification.

The design of plumbing installations is an important part of an apartment project and requires a specialized technical plan to be prepared. This will include plans for plumbing systems, including water and sewage networks, ventilation, and heating, as well as the electrical installation plan, which will be integrated into the overall construction plan.

To commence construction work, it is necessary to obtain an ISU (Inspectorate for Emergency Situations) permit and a PSI (Fire Protection and Rescue) permit, which certify that the project complies with fire safety regulations.

Additionally, MLPAT (Ministry of Public Works, Administration, and Development) or MDRAP (Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration) verification is required to ensure that the project complies with local and national regulations. In the end, a well-conceived plumbing installation project will be essential for the proper functioning and safety of the construction.

Inspired Design can assist you in the process of obtaining the necessary permits for apartment construction and interior design.

The cost of hiring an interior architect/designer can vary depending on several factors. The main aspects that influence the cost include the level of experience of the interior architect/designer, the size and scope of the project, and its location.

It's important to note that while the cost of hiring an interior architect/designer may initially seem expensive, the expertise and experience of such a professional can often save time and money in the long run. A skilled interior architect/designer can help you avoid costly mistakes and transform the interior of your apartment into a pleasant, comfortable, and functional space.

Approval and authorization from the ISU are required for spaces with the following purposes:

1. Retail, with an area equal to or greater than 600 sqm, or 200 sqm if the space is in residential buildings.
2. Public catering, with an area equal to or greater than 200 sqm.
3. Offices, financial, banking, insurance, and stock exchange, with an area equal to or greater than 600 sqm.
4. Health care with continuous hospitalization – regardless of the area; dispensaries and polyclinics with an area equal to or greater than 600 sqm.
5. Education, supervision, care, or accommodation/shelter for preschool children, students, elderly, persons with disabilities, or homeless individuals, with an area exceeding 150 sqm.
6. Railway stations, bus terminals, subways, with an area equal to or greater than 600 sqm.
7. Cultural facilities, for spaces exceeding 600 sqm.
8. Parking lots with more than 10 spaces.
9. Recreation centers with pools, relaxation, and body maintenance services, recreational and sports activities, with an area equal to or greater than 600 sqm, or 200 sqm if the space is in residential buildings.
10. Tourist reception units, with more than 8 rooms and/or 16 places, such as guesthouses, motels, hostels, hotels, tourist cabins, etc.
11. Production or storage, with an area equal to or greater than 600 sqm, or 200 sqm if the space is in residential buildings.
12. Sports facilities, with a minimum of 200 indoor seating places and a minimum of 1000 outdoor seating places.
13. Temporary outdoor venues with a minimum of 200 seating places for shows or meetings, or with an area of at least 2500 sqm for commercial activities.

Therefore, if the space and its purpose fall within the above categories, you need ISU approval/authorization, for which more complex documentation must be submitted. If the space and its purpose do not fall within the categories mentioned above, you generally do not need such ISU authorization.

However, to be sure about this, our recommendation is to request an official written response from ISU, confirming this, which in the authorization practice is referred to as a 'negative response.' It is a document you can rely on in case of an ISU inspection. Furthermore, a negative response is required when applying for operating permits from the Municipality, as municipal authorities issue permits based on official responses from other public institutions, including ISU.