Pia A. Döll

What convinced you to become part of the hej.build architecture advisory board?

I was president of the bdia – the Association of German Interior Designers – for many years. In addition to committee work and jury activities, I was also active on editorial and trade fair advisory boards. I would like to pass on my skills and knowledge and this architectural advisory board – with its mix of experts – is perfect for this. Every meeting with hej.build so far has been inspiring, informative, motivating and competent. I want to be part of it.

What are you most interested in at the moment in terms of architecture, interior design or building products?

When it comes to architecture and interior design, I am shocked by the ignorance and misuse of our title of architect or interior designer. Where is this leading us? I also work as an assessor in accreditation procedures for architecture and interior design degree programs and therefore spend a lot of time looking at the goals of our profession. What is the value of the degree course and the practical phase? What will the future look like?

Adequate fees for architects and interior designers are important for quality assurance in our planning offices. I worked with the BAK, AHO and the BMWSB on the HOAI 202X amendment in a specialist working group in Berlin on behalf of interior designers. I'm excited to see how this develops. As the bdia, we co-wrote the DGNB's »Sustainable Interiors« declaration. What is really sustainable in the end and what is greenwashing? I'm looking forward to the exchange.

What is good architecture/interior design for you – in a few words?

Good interior design is not flashy or fashionable, but feels intuitively right. It is durable, supports users and occupants and makes a lasting contribution to the quality of well-being and therefore to health. It is particularly good when clients or planners get interior designers involved in new buildings at an early stage.

Is there a current highlight or an all-time favorite project that you would like to tell us about?

Following a public competition, we as ARGE DÖLL|raumwerk have recently realized a spatial sculpture as a working and learning space with atmosphere in the library of the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences on the Unter den Eichen campus. The collaboration between the disciplines was impressive, as was the result in terms of time and budget. We have created a real feel-good space in the rental property – without interfering with the existing building – that allows students to concentrate on their work.

Is there a question you would like to have asked yourself? What would it be and what is the answer?

»Why did you become an interior designer?«

The profession of interior designer is the most beautiful profession in the world! Nowhere else are creativity, organization and business thinking so closely linked. It's wonderful to think up spaces, walk through them at the end of the project and see how the users and residents take in and appreciate the spaces. What's more, the vocational college students are all (and this is not meant disrespectfully!) crazy, creative minds who are a pleasure to be around and work with.