ICYMI: Why Interior Architects Belong at the Start of the Project

When should interior architects join a project team? According to this article, the answer is simple: at the very beginning. In this In Case You Missed It episode of I Hear Design, we revisit an interiors+sources feature exploring why interior architects should be involved from the earliest planning stages rather than after key architectural decisions have already been made. The article examines how early collaboration improves space planning, user experience, coordination among project teams, and long-term project value while helping avoid costly redesigns later in the process. It also challenges the misconception that interior architecture is primarily about finishes, highlighting its strategic role in shaping the built environment from day one. Whether you're an architect, interior designer, or design professional working across disciplines, this episode offers a timely reminder that the best projects are often the result of integrated thinking from the very start.