Being the Architect of Life
On the occasion of the World Interior Architecture Day, Prof. Dr. Sevinç Kurt, Head of the Department of Interior Architecture at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture of Cyprus International University (CIU), shared insights on the evolving role of interior architecture, including topics such as user health and safety, ethical responsibilities, and sustainability. She described the profession of interior architecture as that of a “life designer.”
Referring to this year’s theme set by the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI)—“Emotive Design, Experience and Artificial Intelligence”—Kurt stated that this theme is a powerful call to rethink intellectual and creative practices in the discipline of interior architecture. She said “This theme emphasizes that interior spaces are not solely about function or aesthetics, but rather complex experiential environments that respond to human sensory, cognitive, and psychological needs,”. She also noted that CIU's Interior Architecture Department supports this approach across education, research, and application, focusing on empathy-based, sustainable, and meaningful space design.
1. How has the role of interior architecture changed today?
The role of interior architecture has evolved beyond mere formal arrangements. Today, the profession involves reading social changes, being sensitive to human psychology, adapting to technological advancements, and supporting sustainable lifestyles. An interior architect is not just about aesthetics; they are “life designers” who integrate parameters such as user behavior, spatial comfort, cultural context, and environmental impact. The rise of digital lifestyles, post-pandemic scenarios, hybrid working environments, and the demand for healthy spaces have redefined the interior architect’s role. Interiors are no longer just about shelter or work—they are stages for productivity, healing, interaction, and belonging. This transformation deepens the multidisciplinary nature of interior architecture, requiring integration of architecture, psychology, ergonomics, environmental science, and data analytics.
2. What ethical responsibilities does an interior architect carry in terms of user health, safety, and comfort?
An interior architect is not only a creative professional but also ethically responsible for human health, safety, and well-being. These responsibilities range from spatial planning to material selection, acoustic design to lighting.
Health factors like indoor air quality, humidity balance, and use of non-toxic materials directly affect users' mental and physical health. Safety elements such as fire exits, non-slip surfaces, accessibility standards, and ergonomic solutions for children and the elderly are ethical essentials. Comfort goes beyond physical—psychological comfort must be achieved through thoughtful use of color, light, and sound to make people feel safe and at ease.
Ethical design not only serves users but also embraces broader responsibilities like social justice, equity, and environmental awareness.
3. How is sustainable design and eco-friendly material use integrated into interior architecture education?
Sustainability is central to modern interior architecture education. At CIU, students are encouraged to internalize environmental awareness through both theory and practice. Courses cover eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient design strategies, lifecycle analysis, and ecological assessment tools. In design studios, students are expected to prefer recyclable, locally sourced, low carbon footprint materials, develop solutions integrating natural light and ventilation systems. The concept of sustainability also includes cultural heritage, economic resilience, and social equity, prompting a holistic reevaluation of project criteria. As a result, students become ethically aware designers capable of responding to global climate challenges.
4. What are your thoughts on the impact of technology (e.g., AI, VR) on interior architecture?
Technology has revolutionized interior architecture. Artificial intelligence (AI) can analyze user behavior and forecast space usage, offering personalized design solutions. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), designs can now are experienced before construction, enhancing communication between users and designers. Tools like building Information Modeling (BIM), parametric design software, sensor-based systems, and data analytics allow for performance measurement and continuous optimization of spaces. However, it is crucial that technology is blended with professional ethics, human-centered approaches, and creative intuition. Otherwise, it risks dehumanizing the user experience. Technology should be seen not just as a tool but as a design partner that enables emotionally rich and experiential environments. CIU also supports graduate students conducting masters and doctoral thesis on the use of VR and AR in interior architecture education.
5. What will the interiors of the future be like? What innovations are expected in the field?
It is known that the interior spaces of the future will be flexible, adaptive and equipped with intelligent systems; structures that can respond to user needs instantly. Lighting, ventilation and temperature systems that adjust themselves according to user behavior with sensor technologies; individual seating, resting and working areas developed with neuroergonomics will become standard. In addition, the concept of “sensitive space” that also takes into account the psychological needs of users will develop. Spaces where color, light and sound arrangements can be made according to mood; biophilic elements such as plants, natural materials, water elements that support mental well-being will become widespread. Disciplines such as neuroarchitecture, environmental psychology and artificial intelligence-supported emotion analysis will establish a more organic connection with interior architecture. In this sense, the concept of “living spaces” will shape the future of interior architecture.
6. How do you observe the development of interior architecture in Cyprus?
Cyprus is now a multicultural living environment enriched by international students and professionals. This diversity influences lifestyle, space usage habits, and thereby, the demand for interior design. Interior architecture plays a critical role in helping individuals from different backgrounds adapt to Cyprus’s climatic, socio-cultural, and architectural context.
Designs that prioritize user comfort, spatial flexibility, and cultural sensitivity are gaining importance. The increase in construction offers a unique opportunity for the profession to create inclusive, culturally adaptive spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging. The recent increase in building production has created an opportunity in this sense.
In this context, interior architecture is responsible for producing spaces that can think not only locally but also globally and adapt to different living scenarios. Education in Cyprus enables students to think not only locally but globally, interact with diverse cultures, and develop multidisciplinary, universal design abilities.
This development process redefines interior design not only as an aesthetic tool, but also as a tool that provides cultural harmony, quality of life and psychological comfort. Therefore, Cyprus has a dynamic and multi-layered potential in terms of interior architecture, both in pedagogical and practical applications. In the field of education, as a result of studio practices, research-based approaches and interdisciplinary collaborations at universities, students learn to think not only locally but also internationally; this contributes to the formation of a strong vision in the field of interior architecture on the island.
7. How is local culture and architectural heritage reflected in interior architecture projects?
The rich historical layers and multicultural heritage of Cyprus create a strong reference area that offers continuity and depth not only at the formal but also at the conceptual level in the context of interior design. The island's geography has carried the successive traces of various civilizations such as the Ancient period, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and British periods throughout history; this cultural transition has also been reflected in the architectural memory in a multifaceted way. The settlement texture and architectural repertoire specific to Cyprus provide a rich background in which not only structural styles but also spatial configurations, construction techniques and sensory qualities can be transferred to interior design. Especially the inner courtyard typologies, arched passages, thick stone walls, building elements produced by the combination of stone and wood; the proportions of windows, door arches, shade elements and local ceramic applications are the carriers of both climatic harmony and cultural continuity. These vernacular elements are reinterpreted in contemporary design as meaningful parameters, not just aesthetic references. Merging local heritage with modern design principles creates spaces that reflect historical belonging and spatial identity. In this context, Cypriot architecture enables a design approach that feeds on the interaction of the local and the universal, tradition and innovation, form and meaning. Examples like thick stone walls, overhanging eaves, courtyard-focused layouts, high ceilings, cross-ventilation windows offer both aesthetic and functional advantages in Cyprus’s hot, humid climate. These features are now also recognized as environmentally sustainable choices. We encourage our students to blend historical knowledge with modern design tools to create holistic environments that are both locally rooted and globally appealing, enhancing users’ sense of emotional connection and belonging. Thus, the designs that emerge are transformed into holistic spaces that reflect both local identity and have a universal aesthetic language. This approach creates living spaces that strengthen the sense of belonging and establish spiritual bonds for the users.
8. What advice would you give to young interior architects and students of the field?
My primary advice to young interior designers is not to see themselves just as problem solvers, but as designers of life, culture, emotion, and social interaction. Design isn’t only about making physical spaces—it’s a way of thinking, a life philosophy. This way of thinking should combine analytical intelligence, intuitive sensitivity, empathy and a human-centered approach. Great interior architects stand out not just for their technical skills but also for how they perceive, interpret, and engage with the world. Therefore, it has high importance that young interior design candidates should read widely—especially in art, philosophy, architectural theory, cultural studies, and environmental psychology—to deepen their design thinking. Every text they read contributes to their deeper and more multi-dimensional understanding of space. Because interior architecture requires asking not only the "how" but also the "why" question. Likewise, seeing different places, experiencing new spaces, observing interiors produced in different geographies and analyzing these spaces according to variables such as climate, culture, materials, and user profiles deepens their design vision. Each space represents a lifestyle, a cultural code, and a sociological structure. Design made with this awareness can connect with the user not only visually but also on an emotional and cultural level. In addition to young interior designers embracing technology, they should also cultivate cultural awareness.
Professionals who can think globally but grasp local values; who put the user at the center but are not afraid of innovation; who are committed to ethical principles but have creative courage are the most important actors who will transform the future of interior architecture.
Another important element to remember is that every project is a learning process. No design process is perfect; however, every process is an opportunity for the development of the individual. Therefore, being open to criticism, willing to research, keeping the sense of curiosity alive and open to interdisciplinary collaborations will be of great advantage. Because being a good interior designer does not only require having a profession; it also requires being a sensitive, visionary, intellectual and responsible individual who contributes to society.