Szawrot Design undertakes interior projects in historic, modernist and contemporary buildings whose architecture calls for an individual approach. A commission may encompass the full design process — from the initial concept to construction documentation and support during implementation — or focus on a selected stage or a clearly defined aspect of the interior.
Before work begins, we review the property, the proposed scope of alterations and the materials provided by the client. On this basis, we recommend the scope and form of work best suited to the character of the interior and the scale of the project.
A full interior design project takes the process from decisions concerning the layout and character of the interior through to complete design documentation for its implementation. The concept covers the functional layout, proportions, lighting, colour palette, materials and furnishings. In existing buildings, we also determine which elements should be retained, repaired or supplemented, and which need to be replaced.
The concept is then developed into detailed documentation for contractors, including plans, wall elevations, designs for built-in elements and bespoke furniture, construction details and guidelines for building services. The documentation is accompanied by schedules of materials, finishes and furnishings, while technical installations are coordinated with the interior design.
Visualisations are prepared to assess the principal spatial, colour and material decisions. They do not replace technical drawings. Depending on the agreed scope, the project may also include the selection of antiques and contemporary craft pieces, consultations during implementation and design supervision.
Work on a historic interior begins with understanding its structure and the successive alterations it has undergone. We examine the layout, joinery, floors, plasterwork, wall finishes, stone elements, ironmongery and later additions.
Not everything old is of equal value. The design process should establish which elements are essential to the character of the interior, what may be removed, and what should be retained, conserved, supplemented or reconstructed.
New interventions are introduced in a clear relationship with the architecture of the building — without competing with it and without disguising them as historic fabric. Depending on the requirements of the project, the scope may include paint research, conservation consultations, detail design and collaboration with restorers, craftspeople and contractors experienced in traditional materials and techniques.
The aim is not always to reconstruct a single presumed original state. It is often more appropriate to preserve the legibility of successive layers and introduce contemporary changes without erasing the identity of the place. The interior should remain historically credible, but not become a museum piece.
For selected properties, the commission may be limited to a specific stage or clearly defined issue. This may include a concept for a particular part of the interior, an assessment of its historic character, a functional layout, colour and material direction, an evaluation of surviving elements, or the preparation of guidelines before renovation work begins.
A consultation based on an analysis of plans, photographs and other materials provided by the client is also possible. Before work begins, we agree the purpose and format of the commission: a concept design, drawings, recommendations for further action or a consultation.
The first step is to submit a brief enquiry with essential information about the property, the work being planned and the anticipated timescale. After reviewing the materials, we confirm whether we are able to undertake the project and provide a proposed scope of work, schedule and fee tailored to the commission.
