Interior Design with an Architect's Eye: Here's my Process

Follow along as I create an interior design presentation and story/mood board for my clients. Not all architects consider interior design as part of their scope of work, but for residential architects it’s at least half of our work. It’s essential. I want a singular holistic vision and a reflection of the architectural design solution applied consistently throughout. There are, of course, varying degrees of influence we can exert. I’m hardly a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, but I always admired his ability to design every last detail in his clients’ homes. From window glazing to tableware, linens, art, and accessories. He designed every piece of furniture and, fixed their positions, to curate the overall experience, both inside and out. Although most people have limited budgets and patience for this degree of design integration (especially after 27 months in construction), for architects it remains an aspiration.
My interior design process is a combination of design and curation. Some elements, such as door and window details, cabinetry, hardware selection, plumbing, and lighting fixtures, need to be designed and integrated, while others, such as furniture, accessories, and textiles, can be left for curation.
Designing a home involves many decisions, from furniture and color choices to lighting and accessories. Every aspect contributes to the overall look, feel, and function of the space. Without a guiding concept, the result can feel like a disjointed collection of disparate elements. That's why architects and interior designers approach each decision from a holistic perspective, considering how it fits into the overall aesthetic and concept of the space.
For this project, the concept is drawn from the colors, textures, light and patterns in the natural surroundings. See how we use materials, scale, texture and color to mimic the boundary condition this home occupies between forest and sea.
To see the presentation slides and material palettes, be sure to check out the blog post: thirtybyforty.com/blog/interi...
▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬
➕ Download the Presentation Template: thirtybyforty.com/toolkit
➕ Digital drawing templates: thirtybyforty.com/digital-dra...
➕ Specification + Schedule templates: thirtybyforty.com/spec
➕ Architect + Entrepreneur Course: thirtybyforty.com/a-e-course
▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 Introduction
01:44 Design Concept
02:53 Material + Color
03:25 Why Neutrals?
03:58 Carlisle Wide Plank Wood Floor
05:23 Mosa Tile
05:55 Choosing the right White
06:25 Mood Boards for each space
07:22 Hardware, Plumbing + Light Fixtures
07:45 Kitchen Material Palette
08:51 One Palette, Many Options
09:14 Every last detail
10:15 Creating a Holistic Work of Art
11:23 Architectural Drawing + Presentation Templates
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#interiordesigner #interiordesignideas #architecture

[@30by40]

Well, here we are, 27 months in construction. Is there an end in sight? Details here: thirtybyforty.com/blog/interior-design-starts-with-this

[@epiuedward6397]

I wish this project would feature on architectural digest, #AD.

[@bottegaarchitecture7826]

Patience, determination, and commitment. We done bud.

[@yul7toni]

Please 😅w

[@jerryayashar]

One of my favourite channels on KZbin. Even though I'm not an architect, the design (thinking) knowledge here is always very impactful. Thank you, Eric.

[@Beach23410]

What other channels you recommend?

[@jerryayashar]

@@Beach23410 If this is architecture related, I usually also watch Never Too Small and The Local Project.

[@Beach23410]

@@jerryayashar Great! I was just watching never to small earlier.

[@jerryayashar]

@@Beach23410 It's a really nice show. The fact that people can design solutions within such tight constraints alone is a big lesson.

[@Joe-tw6lh]

Same love this channel

[@begoodification]

As a carpenter going into Architecture, I've never thought of interior design this way... it's one thing choosing a counter top for your new kitchen or what colour to paint the walls... but to really analyse every space and bring more than just colour and fancy finishings into a home is an art form and is really inspiring - especially how Eric explains his processes and shares his creativity through design. So good man, thank you!

[@30by40]

Cheers...appreciate the kind words + support!

[@krstl.]

I just recently passed my board exam for architecture. And all through out my journey from college up till now, you've been my biggest inspiration. Again, thank you for another wonderful video that will continue to inspire me on my upcoming practice!

[@30by40]

Amazing, congratulations to you! Wishing you my very best!!!

[@LeandroOliveira-ii8fj]

Hey Eric I missed your videos, I'm glad to see you again. 👏👏👏

[@30by40]

Cheers, my friend...appreciate the kind words!

[@qooazoozoop8882]

Finally, we demand more videos mister.

[@30by40]

Ha...working on that presently!

[@KingcadeHome]

THANK YOU!!!! This process is showing the TURE DESIGN thinking ! DESIGN is all about problem solving and each projects should be unique ! The concept design process is so important and thanks for your video!😃

[@30by40]

Cheers...well said, I couldn't agree more!

[@tatanovic27]

I am so excited that if God wants, I'll be studying architecture the next year! 🎉 it has been my dream for my whole life and it's finally here!!

[@architectio]

Hey Eric, As a master student of architecture in the Netherlands, you’ve insipred us and thought us many things all over the world. Even to start my own KZbin journey. Thanks for posting again on your channel. Peace

[@30by40]

cheers, my friend...thanks for sticking with me!

[@raydejesus6230]

It was worth the wait. Every day for the past four months I would check to see if you had posted anything. I was wondering, and even worried that you might not be well or something was wrong. Then I found your other channel. That cleared my doubts about your well-being. Congratulations even though your content has always been very good your filmography, and craftsmanship behind how you put together your content just gets better and better. Thanks for the inspiration and the joy of watching good stuff. Now as you say, go make things many blessings..

[@30by40]

Cheers, appreciate the kind words and support! Wishing you all the best, my friend

[@raydejesus6230]

@@30by40 Thanks & best wishes for you also.

[@HypeBeast764]

Finally the video I’ve been looking for!

[@hectorpozogargate2352]

Hi Eric, it's a pleasure to see your videos again, sure you have been busy this time, so thanks for taking the time to prepare something for us, your videos are really inspiring and have accompanied me during the years of architecture career, I wish you all the best, greetings from Peru.

[@maralynnejoh]

i aspire to be as passionate about my purpose as he is to his. wow. just incredibly inspiring what you do. thank you so much.

[@joyzhao3043]

I can't thank you enough for sharing this video. Eric you are inspiriting many people. Thanks

[@PeterNankivell]

Brilliant as always! Having a high-level of design thinking and detailing to attain to helps remind me that I am not alone in the lofty heights I personally hope to achieve.

[@30by40]

Well said, I think we have to be idealists to practice for any length of time in this profession!

[@leandrojosemagat9049]

The table and chairs the client made is sublime! Matches your aesthetics well.

[@30by40]

He was heavily inspired by this designer: www.kobeomsuk.com/table-desk

[@leandrojosemagat9049]

@@30by40 cool! I follow them as well.

[@bigo8bigo]

You nailed Eric! Absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@30by40]

Thanks, Roberto...! 🙏

[@andreelliott467]

Detail presentation is my attraction

[@codisordelet8380]

I love his style, so clean and fresh.

[@pastorrewelacostarivera]

Thanks for each video. God bless you. Yours videos are a blessing.

[@mariamm3234]

I love your designs and process! I always look forward to watching your presentations! Absolutely beautiful!

[@poloo92]

Incredible video 👏👏 always a pleasure to watch, thank you for the sharing 👍

[@paulinabautista8190]

The process & planning all throughout = Architecture. Thank you Sir Eric!

[@30by40]

cheers...thx

[@paulinabautista8190]

@@30by40 YAY 🥰🥰🥰

[@nickkaung1yt253]

Not an architect but your videos are always inspirations for straight-to-the-point presentations and beautiful organization for thought processes and by extension, life itself. Helps me calm down and think.

[@30by40]

Wow, thank you!

[@derekwatt7728]

Great to see more progress on this project. From the brief glimpse of the on site meeting between yourself and the clients its good to see the relationship while you're discussing the interior design ideas. Looks like you've got great clients open to your ideas and likewise they're trusting your judgements as a professional. Exactly how every client / architect relationship should be in theory! Look forward to see the next installment.

[@30by40]

They are pretty amazing...very fortunate!

[@ModernRemade]

Beautiful video and easily one of my favorite channels. I get a sense you have an intimate relationship with the creative process and it shows; both in your architectural/interior design process and video production. Heck, even the attention to detail in your presentations and how you communicate them are overflowing with creative choices. Really appreciate the insight you share and I celebrate your continued success!

[@30by40]

Thanks so much...really appreciate the kind words + support!

[@dawnmelanson]

Another Great video Eric! I love how in-depth your though process is for all the interior as well. I just love watching all of your process through this project, I was so glad when a new video popped up on my feed!

[@30by40]

Thanks so much, Dawn... appreciate the kind words and support!

[@GearSan]

I've always related closely to your design style since I was an interior design student a few years ago. I'm now a commercial kitchen designer and your process definitely helps to keep projects in check. I'm thankful for your videos as I hope to find a mentor like yourself one day where I live in PA.

[@mondemarafane]

Amazing episode! I honestly love the passion you have for architecture + design. Always looking forward to your next episode. Great job Eric, can't wait to see the Outpost project complete - it's going to be amazing for sure!

[@30by40]

cheers, mate...thanks for following along!

[@de-tsign]

I have been following your channel since I was in college and now I am currently in my 3rd year of working as a freelance interior designer. It should have been a solid 6 year. Never had I done feeling amazed of how well your video come together. It is beautiful and pleasant to the eyes. It looks simple but it is, of course, a lot of work. I think graphic design is one of the strengths from you that made me can never stop watching. Thank you for the content and the lessons. I go make something now...

[@30by40]

Thanks so much for noticing! Wishing you all the best on your career path... Eric

[@de-tsign]

@@30by40 Thank you :)

[@joshuajackett6371]

Simply the best Eric!! Best Architecture Chanel by far!! Thankyou.

[@30by40]

\m/

[@neobaloyii]

My favorite channel is back! Keen to see how The Outpost continues to unfold. Your articulation of design ideas and decisions in your work inspires me to find ways to do the same in mine, I've learned today about how the broader context(site, location, etc.) of a project can inform the details, forming a singular language and logic. Thanks, Eric.

[@30by40]

Appreciate the support + kind words...cheers...

[@ThibVc]

I absolutely love the effort put into this small home. It's my dream to own something like this. Just large enough, set in a beautiful remote location and curated completely toward our preferences. Great work!

[@30by40]

Appreciate the kind words + support! Looking forward to circling back with my clients when the build is complete to share their thoughts on the overall experience.

[@lik3mik365]

Such beautiful quaility in every detail!

[@30by40]

thanks for noticing!

[@patricksandberg6690]

Currently, in my last semester of a Master of Architecture, I always go back to watching your videos, they in fact provide a lot of inspiration, motivation, and insight. Thanks for the great videos!

[@30by40]

Congrats...that's a long road you've been on seeking a MArch...wishing you all the best as you finish the degree!

[@brandoncornelius6541]

Glad to see a new post. Thank you sir.

[@nicolewilson1411]

You are truly a master of your craft. I appreciate how your content is inspiring yet practical.

[@30by40]

Too kind, TY 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@chrisnovelli-n3architecture]

Great to see an update on this project and the holistic approach. Inspirational as always.

[@30by40]

Thanks, Chris... appreciate the support!

[@alfredocordobaalzaga2533]

Eric, although I am an engineer, they are the number one fan of your channel, the way you explain architecture, design development and the business of architecture is wonderful. Beautiful New England landscapes remind me of my studies there. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@30by40]

Very kind of you to say, thank you! I appreciate the support and wish you all the best, Eric @30X40

[@alfredocordobaalzaga2533]

@@30by40 thank you!!!!!

[@murtazazahoor9222]

You are an living genius Eric. A true inspiration 🤗

[@30by40]

Cheers, mate... appreciate the kind words!

[@pranita0885]

I was waiting for your new video since the year started and I have watched this multiple times by now! so much information and detail and the insight into your thought process, its brilliant and inspiring! But the one thing that blows my mind is your productivity! How do you find the time to work in so much depth on your designs, record and document and then create these amazing videos, and merchandise, not to forget your life apart from work!! Its unbelievable!

[@30by40]

Thank you for the kind words, it's very generous of you and I sincerely appreciate it! Here's a video on how I stumbled on and then perfected this working methodology: 'Starting from Scratch' kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoSVhWmZp9qle6c

[@pranita0885]

@@30by40 Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@christophermoody1448]

I was wondering when you were going to provide another great video. As usual, you did just that.

[@30by40]

Cheers, appreciate the support!

[@deepile]

So refreshing to see after spending too much time in an office that doesn't like to "reinvent the wheel"

[@spencermills8393]

YOURE BACK. ive been rewatching your videos this whole time

[@30by40]

Ha... respect!

[@pakistan6781]

Ah!! I have missed you Eric. Been binge watching your old videos the past few days and this is surely a treat to us! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule.

[@30by40]

Thank you, my friend!

[@richardsprow3418]

Great explanation of creating a systematic concept for interior design, more than just choosing swatches and a mood board. This is essential on larger projects like a corporate office or a school or a hospital where you don’t have an owner/ user and you have to deal with dozens or hundreds of interior spaces and a long life span. Excellence video, welcome back.

[@30by40]

Thanks...100% agree!

[@richardsprow3418]

@@30by40 Eric, you have the best architecture KZbin channel I’ve seen and I like the consistent and classy look of your pieces

[@SY-bj7pp]

Thank You. Very helpful in tearing off a piece of this topic..

[@pedrocarlos1840]

Love this ❤ really feels like interior design school in a nutshell!

[@lumyu]

The Return of the King

[@mexrojsobirov7582]

Nice to see the detailed projects, great job and enjoyable. Thank you

[@30by40]

Thanks!

[@gregorydestefano4511]

Such a great channel to have as an architecture student, love your videos!

[@30by40]

\m/\m/

[@RainMaker0602]

WELCOME BACK!!! ❤️🎉🥂

[@icecreamforever]

Good to see you back!

[@30by40]

Cheers...thanks for sticking around!

[@urbinatifilippo]

Thank you, Eric

[@Jimbo-qd5zz]

Wonderful! Thank you Eric!

[@30by40]

My pleasure!

[@zlatan_2197]

Welcome back! Always nice to see new video from you

[@30by40]

Hey, thanks!

[@PixelRock]

Your drawings as well as the presentation are designed extremely well!

[@30by40]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@abbath1586]

Welcome back! Missed your content.

[@30by40]

Hey, thanks!

[@sopharithnun7152]

Welcome back!

[@amylaffeycregar5462]

You are very talented. This was very inspiring.

[@30by40]

Cheers, thank you!

[@MrRisseh]

Loved the wall decal with coordinates. Reminds me of ship comission plaques I have seen on museum ships. Cool video as always.

[@30by40]

Appreciate the kind words...cheers...

[@lutfiaulianasution470]

always like it and always love it your video, thanks man, cheers from indonesian

[@toppcatt5113]

Cant wait to see it.

[@bemnetsileshi5222]

This feeds my control freak mind when comes to designing a building!… Great presentation as always Eric!🍻

[@30by40]

Control freaks unite! Appreciate the kind words...

[@LeonardoCastroBravo]

Excelente vídeo, saludos desde Chile

[@matthieuchapeyron3817]

Amazing content and presentation, thank you!

[@30by40]

Cheers...thank you!

[@AlexQMcDonnell]

so great to see The Outpost again.

[@30by40]

Cheers...

[@sntspudasaini]

Inspiring, as always!

[@30by40]

Thanks so much!

[@DrMerle-gw4wj]

I'm a new subscriber, I liked this video, and I expect to be here a lot. This year I plan on directing my Blender experience to making graphic novels and your channel is going to be a great place to start thinking like an architect as I design the various locations the novel will depict.

[@30by40]

Welcome, exciting projects you have cooking!

[@markschmadeke4018]

Love your videos! Thanks for the update on The Outpost project. I always look forward to you latest release. Some of my own curated items for my home include blankets from Swans Island Blankets in Maine. Ceramics from Heath Ceramics in California. Items are pricey but I am at a stage in life where I am looking for quality.

[@30by40]

Excellent choices, we're at a similar stage in life it seems! I try to support local artisans and craftspeople every chance I get. Lunaform is another local favorite (these make great client housewarming gifts): www.lunaform.com/

[@PottingerDesign]

Awsome video again, thank you! I recently signed up to your A+E course, and am looking forward to diving into it over the Christmas break. Your channel has been a massive inspiration to me since starting my own practice.

[@30by40]

Cheers...so glad to have played a small part in your entrepreneurial journey and equally, to have you enrolled in the A+E Course!

[@godsentevi1626]

glad we're back to posting again eric

[@30by40]

thanks! 10 years on YT...I needed a little time off...

[@krones95]

You make it! Your Videos are so interesting to look for and hear what´s your thoughts during plan something.

[@joepaquet4332]

Great job Eric!

[@30by40]

Thanks!

[@ryansoo4000]

You're ALIVE! Or did somebody pay the ransom? Glad to see you back on KZbin!

[@30by40]

ha, ha...ten years posting vids...took a break...thanks for coming back!

[@franciscodenisgoncalveslim6026]

Bom dia!, seu trabalho é muito lindo e principalmente incentivador obrigado pelas dias apresentadas.

[@user-cy6cr8ux1q]

Architecture is a cool practice. Very tempted to use my scholarship to become a architect.

[@Sinqobile_Nzama]

Yesss! Thanks for another video Eric. I've missed you man😅😅👍

[@30by40]

cheers...🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Simsim6ix9ine]

Wonderful work Eric 🤩

[@30by40]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@AndreRibeth]

Buddy, you are good! Keep doing that, we need more professional like you!

[@30by40]

I appreciate that!

[@AndreRibeth]

@@30by40 You're very inspiring! Thank you for all your content! I inspired my ArchiCAD template in your CAD template, I'm a CAD designer in a US based company, all my colleagues are thankful for your inspirational way of represent architecture. Pure art. Thank you once again!

[@dancing_drake]

How... how did it take 11 days for this to show up in my feed. Part of the reason I turned on notifications and stuff was for this channel and KZbin betrays me like this XD. Thanks for another awesome video!

[@30by40]

I can relate from both a creator's standpoint and a consumer...it's puzzling. Thanks though for turning on notifications and for returning here to watch, I really appreciate it! -Eric

[@timothykovea5881]

Congrats on hitting a million subs

[@30by40]

Cheers...thank you!

[@tapiorinne]

Beautiful presentation material.

[@30by40]

Many thanks!

[@dnathanc]

that Pawson island is slick

[@jennicoo]

Thank you for this inspiration! We are planning a renovation for our home and have been quite sure we want to use maple or birch flooring for its light and bright feel. However, after watching this I have some questions because I really like your use of texture on this project, which you directly contrasted with maple when considering flooring. Could you share a quick example where maple flooring fits in without being too perfect?

[@joeschmoe1301]

You REALLY look like an Architect with those glasses.

[@kathrinschmidt-ks-wohndesi584]

Thanks for this insight. It is surprisingly well done. Even though i am always encouraging clients to hire each profession for their core competences. So most architects better stick to their field and focus on that and the interior Designers and interior architects focus on their specialty knowledge and competence. But of course some architects like you are capable of both worlds so why not provide that holistic package.

[@30by40]

Thanks so much...and, I agree wholeheartedly! I would love to collaborate with interior designers in this part of Maine, there are so few!

[@kathrinschmidt-ks-wohndesi584]

@@30by40 oh i see. That Interior Designer shortage can be a problem for sure. Maybe reach out to an e -Designer. I live very rural here in germany and done that for architects that don´t work nearby. It is not less quality and often a smoother and more streamlined process. The e-Design Movement is big in US and Canada maybe there is a good fit for you.

[@darriusadams2277]

This is really incredible Mr.Eric! Understanding that interesting images can be used to reference the concepts you've already drawn before researching them further. Also, can architects also play the role of contractor in their own practice? In my opinion, it links together as one unit instead of being separate. Thanks and cheers from Michigan!😌🤙

[@Architecturefundamentals]

This is a very inspiring video. Can you please do a video on essential books fundamental to interior designing as an architect? Thank you

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Great stuff, Eric. Glad to see you're still hard at it. Do you ever worry about availability when you get into the level pf specificity? Lots of work for that project, props, my brother!

[@30by40]

Cheers, my friend...yes, you've hit upon a problem I've faced more than once on this project with this approach! Appreciate the kind words + support!

[@libbyneves5457]

Thanks!

[@30by40]

Appreciate the support! Thank you...

[@garreternst4367]

Hi Eric. My wife and I have been looking for a plan that fits our new property as our retirement home in Michigan. The Outpost PERFECTLY fits our lot. How many square feet is it and do you ever sell plans that you have custom designed for an original client? Love your videos. Extremely well done!

[@Earth_Systems]

You’re back!! Though you might have reached Fat Fire and ridden into the sunset. \m/

[@30by40]

Ha! The equities market clearly has other plans... Hope you're well, my friend... \m/

[@minaseyosef9617]

Good to see you back dear Erick, it has been a while since your last video. And I always wonder what your interior design approach looks like to your home designs and this video is everything about my question. Thank you very much. And one more thing if possible please post contents a week or two, a month is too long🙂.

[@30by40]

Cheers, my friend! After ten years of posting on YT, I needed a little time off to recharge the batteries. Thanks for sticking with me!

[@minaseyosef9617]

@@30by40 Glad you are back! And looking forward for your projects and contentents. Thank you!!!

[@julicz666]

success lies in getting best at what u do

[@30by40]

Well said!

[@G8KEEPER]

Hi Eric, thanks for this wonderful content, once again. You mentioned that you are "hardly a Frank Lloyd Wright fan", I would love to hear your opinions/analysis of his work, especially his "Usonian" houses. Any chance you make a video about it ?

[@NinaThoren]

This video was perfectly timed, I'm designing a tiny house (with the plan of living in it) and I do most of my inspiration collecting on Pinterest but it is mostly parts of a picture so others will have a hard time knowing what part of the picture that I want my space to look like so creating this kind of mood board would be ideal to showcase my vision for my home when i don't have access to samples of a lot of materials

[@30by40]

Exciting...material samples are really important (esp. in a tiny home). I find most suppliers are very willing to offer samples if you mention you're the designer (which you are, right?) Good luck with it!

[@NinaThoren]

@@30by40 It's not like I work or have education as a designer but yes, technically I am the designer of the house. I just don't feel like I have the same pull as someone who works in design or architecture but I won't know if I don't try

[@rachidboujamaaahmed1018]

Thank you for the video . I don t speak ingleash but i like the video .is very interesante .

[@eleftheriaxanthouli]

Hi Eric. Thank you for your videos and all the material you put together… This one specifically inspires me when I have to work on an interior presentation. I am trying to start a materials library, there is so much out there.. I wonder if you have a list of manufacturers that you “curated” and recommend having samples from, perhaps representative of fundamental materials,that every architect should have for inspiration. I saw the texteira soap stone ad a few others on the video, it would be lovely to have a list.. I feel that with all the technology and necessity to produce work quickly, I am disconnected from the actual materiality and sourcing.. apologies for the long message.Many thanks.

[@gracerosevear8879]

I’m on summer break, about to head into the last year of my bachelor. I’ve been deep diving into experiencing architecture though alternative senses to sight, in particular smell (i.e. Invisible architecture - Anna Barbara and Anthony Perliss). I’m wondering how you might allow the lesser spoken of senses influence your designs? (I’ve also really enjoyed some of the ideas in ‘This is not Architecture’ by Kester Rattenbury)