Q: We know that you work in “Interior Architecture.” Could you tell us about how Afsaneh

Architecture approaches this category of design?

A: I’d be happy to! You see, typically, architecture is considered to be the designing of buildings.

The truth is, architecture is ultimately about the designing of spaces. The soul of a building is it’s

space, that is what we end up experiencing. How that space is packaged - ie. the material entity

that envelopes it - is also important, of course. Ideally, you would want the two entities to work

together, but we always start with designing a project’s “soul”, its space. I love the term “interior

architecture” as it references a discipline within a discipline—and that is, the redesigning of

spaces within existing structures. Which is what I do!

Q: So you started in architecture back in school, correct? Tell us more about your

background.

A: Yes, I have a BA in Architecture from the former Polytechnic of Central London, UK, and

two Masters degrees in Architecture — one from Cambridge University, and the other from UC

Berkeley. The education was intense, but also pure joy — like being on a permanent ride in your

favorite fairground! The profession, however, is less of a fairytale and I spent years pursuing a

parallel passion of mine: abstract watercolors, before coming back to architecture.

Q: Most recently you have become involved in the rejuvenation of units within condominium

buildings in the DC metro area. How did you get involved in this?

A: I had just remodeled my own newly purchased condominium in 2008, when a few realtor

friends pleaded with me to do more! And that’s how it all started. I have — to date — worked

on transforming around a dozen homes. I love witnessing these transformations. The projects

inspire my clients individually, while helping to breathe a brand new life into these older, but

sturdy buildings.

Q: What are some of the obstacles that one faces in your industry and how have you dealt

with that?

A: Well, the main obstacle is the reality that over 95 percent of the type of remodeling I do,

goes to the “design-build” industry. I am all for educating the public into being aware of the

fact that even if they are changing a powder room, investing in a strong design and spatial

concept via folks like myself — with years of “studying” design in our background — is key.

In many ways, the real obstacle is the fact that the term “design” or “designer” isn’t regulated.

For example, I can’t call myself a “lawyer,” but the term “designer” is used with more ease. The

public ends up confused as to which entity to turn to resulting in compromised solutions in most

cases. People are spending the money. However, with a little extra care and a small percentage

added to their original estimate, having a design professional on board would ensure that their

final product is “inspired” as well as “functional.”

AFSANEH MIRFENDERESKIAFSANEH ARCHITECTURE

Photo by Moshe Zusman

Q: What is the first thing that clients can expect when they meet you?

A: That I enjoy making the world more beautiful, and am there to help create an aesthetically

harmonious and functional home for them. My other priority is to focus on my client’s specific needs and

taste, so listening is also a big part of the equation. Clients who come to me, typically, are looking for

a transformative change to the interior space of their home. As soon as I enter their space, my eyes are

imagining what can be done, spatially — and I typically can’t wait to get home and start sketching the

new ideas!

Q: So tell us what is the next step, after learning about your client’s needs?

A: The drawing board! I still sketch by hand, and I go home and immediately turn to my roll of tracing

paper and my jars of colored pens, pencils, and markers! Next …. I wait for what I call the “Mozart”

moment …. when suddenly a strong idea pops! Of course, I make sure we have different options,

too. Once we have two or three strong, creative solutions, I make sure to accompany the ideas with

3D-renditions in order to help facilitate my client’s sense of imagination.

Q: So, once the client has chosen the preferred configuration, where do you go from there?

A: The next step is to “color-it-in.” We proceed to look for materials and colors. Often, things start with a

client gravitating towards a particular cabinet door, and then as we proceed, I make sure all the finishes

and colors — from flooring to a simple backsplash tile— harmonize! My years as a watercolor artist

really help with this part of the process.

Q: This sounds very interesting. What comes next in the journey?

A: Shopping! This is usually where a lot of bonding with the client occurs. I enjoy taking the clients to

the various locales where we can feel and touch the material. From the flooring to countertops, a simple

cabinet pull or bathroom tiles, I always look for signs of my clients’ faces popping—I am pretty good at

feeling their reactions – when they’ve just seen an item that has resonated with them. While my role is to

make sure the materials harmonize, I want the client to have fallen in love with the actual choices, too!

Q: And so now is it time to break ground and start the project?

A: Yes. I always tell the clients that it will get scarier first, before it gets better — demolition is not my

favorite part! I visit the site on a daily basis, often to the chagrin of the crew, and report back to the

client. This is their baby, and I want them to feel that they are in safe hands. The biggest joy is to see the

look on my clients’ faces once the job is done!

Q: One last question. How do you differentiate yourself from other design artisans?

A: I’m all about space. The client doesn’t just end up with new floors, new cabinets, new counter

tops - ie. the project’s “material” entity. The “non-material” entity, the spatial composition, is equally

important, and in fact the starting point of our project. I always tell clients that a strong, well crafted,

space is as important as having a perfect cut when designing an item of clothing. The spatial “tailoring”

is key. Furthermore, when it comes to clothing, a well tailored suit can look grand in a variety of fabrics

and colors. Similarly, once you have a well-crafed space, a project can be delivered at a variety of

materials and price points. When you think about it, “space,” the non-material design component, has

little tangible cost, while being, in my view, priceless. I did want to finish with a reverential nod to firstly,

my parents: I grew up in a home where my mom and dad were both architects, and “design” kind

of entered my subconscious from an early age. My other nod of gratitude goes to the two Americans

who have inspired me most in the field of Architecture. Louis Kahn and Frank Lloyd Wright. Both men

also wrote beautifully and prolifically. The combination of their sublime designs and their inspired, soulful

writing, was the food that nourished me through much of my education.

I ALWAYS TELL CLIENTS THAT A STRONG,

WELL CRAFTED, SPACE IS AS IMPORTANT

AS HAVING A PERFECT CUT WHEN

DESIGNING AN ITEM OF CLOTHING.

THE SPATIAL ‘TAILORING’ IS KEY.

AFTERBEFORE

AFTER BEFORECONTACT

AFSANEH ARCHITECTURE

4620 NORTH PARK AVENUE, #408W,

CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815

301.728.3533

AFSANEHARCHITECTURE.COM

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