In the realm of commercial real estate, the line between function and experience has become increasingly important. As developers, investors, and end-users demand more from the built environment, the role of interior design has evolved beyond aesthetics—it now serves as a critical driver of user experience, brand identity, and operational performance. Yet, despite their shared objective, architecture and interior design remain fundamentally distinct disciplines. When they are treated as such—while still closely coordinated—the result is not only more cohesive, but markedly more impactful.

The Case for Separate Firms: Expertise and Precision

Engaging different firms for architecture and interior design offers significant benefits. Specialists who focus exclusively on their discipline develop a deeper understanding of their craft, which translates into higher-quality, more innovative outcomes. For example, dedicated interior design firms bring nuanced insights into human behavior, materiality, lighting, and spatial ergonomics, allowing them to craft environments that truly resonate with end-users. Alternately, specialized architectural firms possess a macro perspective on building systems, structural innovations, and code compliance, ensuring the integrity and sustainability of the physical shell. Engaging distinct entities in their respective domains allows each team to concentrate intensively on their expertise, resulting in a more refined final product. Furthermore, this approach fosters healthy competition and rigorous quality assurance, elevating the overall project standard.

From a business perspective, employing specialized firms can also add a layer of flexibility and risk mitigation; if issues arise within one discipline, teams can address them without disrupting the other, enabling more agile project management. While it’s entirely feasible—and sometimes necessary—to have a single firm handle both architecture and interior design, splitting responsibilities strategically aligns the project with its specific objectives. Depending on the project’s complexity, target demographic, or brand aspirations, engaging independent specialists ensures that each aspect is executed by experts who have dedicated their careers to perfecting their craft. This tailored expertise can be the difference between delivering a good space and creating a truly unique, signature environment that stands out in the market.

Architecture and Interior Design: Separate Foundations, Shared Goals

Architecture establishes the spatial and structural framework of a project. It defines massing, circulation, compliance, and the relationship between the building and its context. Interior design, by contrast, interprets the spatial shell to deliver a human-centered environment—one that is intuitive, efficient, emotionally resonant, and aligned with a client’s brand and objectives.

While both disciplines influence the final user experience, their tools, methodologies, and priorities differ. Successful commercial real estate projects acknowledge this distinction and ensure that each discipline contributes its expertise from the outset. When interior designers are engaged too late, or expected to simply “decorate” architectural spaces, the result is often a disjointed environment that underdelivers on user expectations, operational functionality, or visual cohesion.

It is not a matter of hierarchy, but of timing and process. Architecture and interiors must collaborate early, communicate frequently, and respect one another’s scope in order to achieve truly integrated outcomes.

The Imperative of Structured Collaboration

Successful integration does not happen by default—it requires an intentional framework for collaboration. Too often, commercial projects suffer from communication breakdowns, unclear roles, or reactive design responses. What’s needed is a clearly defined, methodical design process—one that guides the project from vision to occupancy, while allowing both architecture and interiors to contribute meaningfully at each stage.

At Studio 10, we have developed a comprehensive 10-Step Interior Design Process that supports integration without sacrificing the distinct contributions of each discipline. This process is both systematic and adaptable, allowing our team to deliver consistently high-performing environments across market sectors.

Studio 10: The 10-Step Interior Design Process

1. Research

Foundational research informs all design decisions. We analyze market trends, project context, user behavior, and architectural parameters. This ensures every design recommendation is evidence-based and grounded in client objectives.

2. Concept Story + Programming

This critical phase aligns vision, function, and budget. Through client workshops and visual concept reviews, we define the interior program, assess the budget, evaluate spatial requirements, and identify key demographic and marketing insights. Programming becomes the strategic blueprint for the design to follow.

3. Schematic Design

We translate the concept story into initial spatial plans, finish palettes, and fixture selections. These early design moves allow stakeholders to visualize the experience and provide feedback before detailed development begins.

4. Design Development

With schematic approval and budget alignment in place, we refine the design. Specialty features and all FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) are articulated. This phase bridges concept and execution, with a focus on constructability and user engagement.

5. Construction Documents – Final Design

Comprehensive documentation is produced to support implementation. Interior selections are finalized; soft goods, artwork, and furnishings are specified and budgeted. We collaborate with the architectural team to ensure coordination across drawings and intent.

6. Construction Administration

During construction, our team remains actively involved. We participate in pre-construction meetings, review submittals and shop drawings, and provide clarifications to ensure that the interior design vision is faithfully executed.

7. FF&E – Art + Accessories + Decorative Lighting

The interior environment is completed with curated layers of lighting, artwork, and accessories. These elements bring character, emotion, and authenticity to the space, reinforcing the project’s concept story.

8. Procurement

We manage procurement in house, with a focus on quality, lead time, and cost control. Through established vendor relationships and detailed project tracking, we ensure that every item specified is delivered as intended.

9. Install

During installation, we oversee all aspects of furniture and accessory placement. A comprehensive walk-through with the owner addresses a pre-install punch list. Our team verifies item condition, placement, and function.

10. Post-Occupancy Evaluation, Punch, Walk, and Lessons Learned

Our commitment extends beyond move-in. We conduct post-occupancy evaluations, document lessons learned, and support clients in addressing final punch items. This reinforces our dedication to long-term value and continuous improvement.

Process as Differentiator

This structured yet flexible process allows Studio 10 to integrate effectively with architecture teams and development partners—whether we are engaged in parallel from project inception or brought in at key milestones. It also empowers our clients by providing transparency, predictability, and measurable benchmarks throughout the project lifecycle.

In a competitive real estate market, this clarity is not only efficient—it is transformative. Projects that embrace the distinct but interconnected roles of architecture and interiors, guided by a shared process, achieve a higher level of design integrity and user satisfaction. They deliver not only spaces that work—but spaces that matter.

Conclusion

The future of commercial real estate lies in environments that are not just built, but beautifully and purposefully designed. Recognizing the distinct value of architecture and interior design—and ensuring they are supported by a clear, collaborative process—is essential to achieving that goal.

Studio 10 remains committed to advancing this integrated approach, bringing our design expertise, structured methodology, and creative vision to every project we touch. Because great environments don’t happen by chance—they are the product of thoughtful planning, collaborative execution, and design leadership that respects both the art and the architecture of place.