Melbourne-based Interior Architect, Charis James, has a first hand insight into the changes the pandemic is creating in the world of design.

As founder of AKI interior architecture and design studio, Charis is passionate about creating spaces for people to enjoy adding value to their lives and allowing them to prosper. She calls it "Design for Life".

Recognising changing design needs arising from the COVID pandemic, AKI Studio recently created a new Online Studio, adapting the business to be able to consult around the world with online consultations.

Image: "Antibacterial surfaces and materials include natural materials - linen and hemp fabrics"   Source: Bauwerk Colour

Charis spoke with WILLIAMS MEDIA about the impact the pandemic is having on residential design. 

COVID-19 and ’The New Norm’ has changed the rules for human socialisation and interaction and probably will have an effect long into the future.  

How do you feel this will impact architecture and design for future projects both commercial and residential in regard to the way we live, work, play and stay? 

While it is still too early to speculate in detail on how and to what extent our built environments will be impacted, the COVID-19 pandemic has most definitely forced all of us to look at our working, social, and family lives and adapt in ways we never thought possible. The use of commercial materials & finishes within the residential market

is an area that will also start to emerge as we look for surfaces and finishes that will have antibacterial qualities within our homes.

As Interior designers we are taught to design not just for now, but looking towards the future. 

Image: "Timber and smooth wipeable surfaces"   Source: Artedomus

How can technology be utilised within homes to minimise contact?

Some aspects of technology in design, those involving touching and contact, will move more towards automation. Things that we know to already be in use within the commercial sector, such as automated hand sanitisers instead of traditional hand washing and drying, will now start to be used in more residential settings. Automation in the home environment, such as C-bus and Google for example, has been around for about 10 years now, which allows us to switch pretty much anything on and off in the house without actually being there, and sensors that activate things like lighting and heating and cooling systems, can be monitored by our mobile phones. 

Image: "Commercial materials will become more commonplace in residential use"   Source: Charis james 

Sensor opening glass doors that you would normally see in shopping centres have been adapted for the residential setting and have become a lot more affordable over the last 10 years. The idea of being able to have everything come on in your house before you get home without touching a single switch, as well as contactless use of bathrooms, something that would have been laughed at months ago, has become a detail of homes that I feel will become more of a health and safety feature and provide peace of mind. 

Image: "Metal and timber are easily sanitized"   Source: Charis James

Antibacterial surfaces and fabrics include:

• Natural materials ie, Bamboo, timber, leather and wool are naturally antibacterial in nature. These materials can be used in window furnishings, upholstered furniture, towels, bedding/cushions etc
• Sisal & Jute or wool in Rugs & also carpet.
• Manufactured fabrics can be treated during manufacturing with antibacterial agents
• Engineered stone for kitchen/bathroom benches is nonporous and therefore bacteria will not settle on its surface.
• Copper is antibacterial and can be used in Tapware for bathrooms and Kitchens, furniture etc.  

Image: "'Space Planning is one of the first stages of the interior design process"   Source: Charis James

What impact will the pandemic have on planning spaces within a home?

Probably the most obvious change is the new ‘Work from Home’ environment and the new ‘need' to have a comfortable and inviting space to work rather than the spare bedroom, kitchen bench or dining room table. 

Space planning is one of the first stages of the interior design process and each Project will always have its own unique set of space planning requirements.

Finding a solution and meeting the clients brief for the spaces, whether it be residential, workplace or commercial is the key to resolving the spaces, meeting the brief and delivering a successful project. 

Image: Adapting the home successfully requires a few key considerations   Source: Charis James

One of the main changes during the COVID pandemic is how we are now using our homes, for work, school and living. We have all had to adapt our spaces to allow each of these areas of our lives to function within one home. 

Adapting the home successfully requires a few key considerations, whether it be a 4-bedroom family home or a 2- bedroom apartment for a professional couple. 

• Nominate a designated area within the house or apartment Isolated from the rest of the house 
• Spaces that be adapted easily into other uses. Ie a fold out desk in small spare bedroom that can easily turn back into a bedroom if you have a guest. 
• A space where you can leave everything and not have to pack up every night. 
• Well-designed spaces that allows you to work productively and efficiently 
• Orientate your desk so you have a view outside and natural light 
• Surround yourself with inspirational work orientated items ie Planners, imagery etc.

Image: "A home needs to reflect your personality and be a relaxing space 

to spend time in."   Source: Charis James

How do you see this changing house design? 

In re-evaluating our lives and the way we live, the home environment has become more than a place where the family or individual comes back to after work, school or daily activities. It has very quickly become the place where all household members are performing all of these activities as well as lifestyle activities such as exercise socialising/relaxing and eating. 

How all of this will change the way we do things well into the future is still unclear, however I feel our expectation of homes to not only reflect our style but be able to function and perform in more ways will remain. 

Image: Schematic Design   Source: Charis James

Things that I see as important in house design and adapting to our new COVID ‘normal’: 

• The Aesthetic of the home needs to provide a sense of calm, organisation and positivity, to support and elevate our wellbeing. 
• Designated working spaces away from social areas – to lessen distractions. 
• Dedicate the social and family gathering areas to be open to garden spaces, to integrate the internal and external gathering spaces. 
• Design bedroom/study/working areas with lots of natural light, and space for a desk. 
• If possible, break the home into different areas where adult and children’s socialising and relaxing can be separated from each other when required and then areas that they can come together, for meals, social activities and leisure. 
• Working areas will be more focused on and thought through, to resolve noise issues and comfort and maximise efficiency 
• Furniture and furniture layouts to allow for better flow between areas and to maximise space and comfort. Ie Modular furniture that is easily adapted. 

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