The department continues to develop its professional profile, work methods, and service offering as projects evolve. Litlabø, Emmerhoff, and Kommedal provide comprehensive spatial design services, from early project phases through completion and follow-up. Their aim is to create sensory interior and exterior environments with people at the center.

Their services include space and function programming, layouts, color and material selection, furniture packages (including public procurement), product and furniture design, and visualization and working drawings. Universal design is the foundation of their work. This includes accessibility, daylight calculations, luminance contrast, and acoustic assessments, integrated with material choices and spatial design.

Whether it’s a major public building, business premises, or a private home, their work always begins with a thorough analysis and a clear understanding of users’ needs.

“Often, we’re the closest link to the users, adapting buildings and spaces for different groups, including people with dementia, specialized work processes (like hairdressing), or strict safety requirements in hospitals and industrial buildings. We work closely with other disciplines to understand the needs behind the requirements and develop functional solutions,” says Kommedal.

The Interior Architects deliver everything from overarching concepts to detailed working drawings and complete color and material palettes, and they work closely with clients and contractors throughout the process.

Interior architecture is problem-solving

Their goal is to understand what a building truly needs and translate that into concrete, well-considered solutions. This supports the best possible living and working environment for users, and can sometimes lead to simpler, more efficient, and more cost-effective solutions than initially planned.

“Design is all about problem-solving. We can’t solve every problem, but we solve many, and that’s what we’re passionate about. It’s rewarding to rethink things and discover how spaces can become more user-friendly and more sustainable,” Kommedal explains.

A wide range of projects

The three Interior Architects collaborate across all Omega 365 Protek offices and are involved in projects throughout the organization.

“Our assignments range from large, complex buildings with many stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams to smaller commercial sites and private projects, even down to adapting bathrooms or offices. Regardless of scale, our approach is the same: thorough analysis, precise choices, and solutions that last,” says Emmerhoff.

Long-term operation and maintenance are also central to their work, ensuring solutions perform well and remain durable over time. That’s why they often follow projects all the way through, act as creative problem-solvers alongside the client, and help ensure the final result is aesthetic, functional, and safe.

“For example, the relationship between space, surfaces, daylight, and acoustics is crucial. We actively carry out daylight calculations and coordinate acoustics alongside material choices and room design,” Kommedal notes.

Color and materials as function, not trend

The priority is not to follow trends, but to choose colors, materials, and design solutions that strengthen the building and support the people who use it.

“For us, color and material choices aren’t decoration. They’re an integral part of how a building functions. Thoughtful decisions create clarity, safety, and positive experiences, especially for users with complex needs,” they say.

“A good example is nursing homes, where details matter. Contrasts must be documented, materials must meet strict environmental and durability requirements, and even small details, like buttons on furniture, can affect users with dementia, as some may interpret them as “eyes” and feel frightened. That’s why they do thorough research, compare products, and maintain close dialogue with suppliers, contractors, and clients.”

“There’s no single right answer in architecture, and trends change. There are many constraints, but also many opportunities. Color, for example, is a powerful tool for creating calm, supporting orientation, and improving safety when used well,” they say.

Continuity and long-term value

One of the key values the Interior Architects contribute is continuity. They often join interdisciplinary teams early and stay involved through detailing, public procurement, furniture selection and installation, and follow-up after the building is in use. In many projects, they remain involved long after completion as new needs arise or solutions need adjustment.

“Suldal nursing home is a good example. We were involved from start to finish and have continued our engagement. We developed a comprehensive, detailed color and material plan covering floors, walls, doors, ceilings, and both fixed and loose furnishings. All of this must ultimately create functional and welcoming spaces for residents and staff alike. We often bridge the gap between the Architect, the client, suppliers, and users, making sure the whole project works in practice,” says Kommedal.

They are convinced that involving Interior Architects early is not only a quality boost, but also more cost-effective.

“Delays are expensive. Clear decisions early in the project reduce the risk of delays, incorrect orders, and costly changes later,” says Emmerhoff.

They are now looking ahead to more projects in 2026, and several are already well underway.