Working with Different Disciplines in Interior Architecture Project Management - Electrical Engineering
As part of the “Design Talk” event organized by the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design at Antalya Bilim University, Electrical Engineer Bertan BOLTEN shared insights with students on the collaboration between interior architecture and electrical engineering in project management on March 10, 2025. The event was held under the coordination of Dr. Lecturer Başak KARADUMAN and Lecturer Canan BEDUR as part of the IAED 4102 Interior Design Project Management course.
In his talk, Electrical Engineer Bertan BOLTEN emphasized the importance of bringing together different disciplines such as electrical engineering, interior architecture, and mechanical engineering from the very beginning of the project process. He noted that inter-disciplinary conflicts, such as issues where electrical installations intersect with ventilation ducts, should be resolved in the project phase. He highlighted that resolving these coordination issues in advance would greatly facilitate the project and prevent major problems from arising in later stages, which could require revisions.
Discussing construction site management, BOLTEN pointed out that electrical engineers and interior architects often face disagreements when determining the order of tasks. He mentioned that the ceiling heights planned by interior architects could change due to electrical and mechanical systems, forcing revisions to the project. He emphasized the critical importance of proper communication with workers on the construction site, planning the order of tasks in advance, and ensuring inter-disciplinary collaboration.
BOLTEN stressed that the interaction between electrical engineering and interior architecture should not be overlooked. He advised interior architects to think ahead about the placement of electrical installations, such as outlets and switches, to avoid clashes with furniture or interior elements, which could create problems in the project. He also mentioned that electrical costs constitute a significant portion of construction projects, making early-stage cost management crucial.
Lastly, BOLTEN talked about market realities, particularly in hotel projects, where cost-focused decisions often lead to the use of cheap labor and low-quality materials. He stressed that companies must adapt to economic realities and encouraged interior architects to create their personal brands in the job market to differentiate themselves.
BOLTEN’s talk provided valuable insights to interior architecture students on inter-disciplinary collaboration, coordination in project processes, and the practicality of design. The event helped students gain an important perspective on the necessity of collaboration between interior architecture and electrical engineering. We would like to express our gratitude to Electrical Engineer Bertan BOLTEN for his valuable contributions and for sharing his experiences.
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