Designing an interior with people in mind means observing how they live, listening to how they would like to live and understanding how they will use the space, before thinking about aesthetics. Simple decisions, such as good lighting, controlling natural light or the color of the walls, change how children, older adults and families experience a place, and can bring well-being, autonomy, safety and dignity.
This article was originally published in our construction digital magazine, within the editorial line dedicated to architecture and design.
We spoke with architect Fany Kim Charris, an interior architecture specialist with experience in social impact projects such as homes for children and older adults.
You can also read the version published in the August 2026 issue of ConstructHUBS magazine (in Spanish).
What does designing for people first mean?
For Charris, a space must above all be functional and make whoever lives there feel safe, with their daily needs met. “It is not just about it looking aesthetically pleasing.”
Each user needs something different
- Children: need to explore safely in order to play and learn.
- Older adults: need to move easily and keep their independence.
- Newborns and their mothers: need a calm, organized and comfortable environment.
Small decisions with a big impact
Simple decisions are often underestimated: good lighting, controlling natural light with curtains or changing the color of the walls. These details help people study, share, rest or work better.
What changes after a renovation
In renovated children’s homes, Charris has seen that the change is not only physical:
- Curiosity appears in children: they explore, play more freely and make every corner their own.
- Older adults feel valued.
- Families want to share and stay together more.
- People start taking better care of spaces “when they feel those spaces also take care of them.”
A message for those who design and build
“We have a great responsibility,” she says. Design affects people psychologically, emotionally and physically. It is not just about creativity, luxury or style, but about helping someone find hope and have a place to come back to where they feel protected.
This approach complements universal accessibility and the use of color, contrast and texture to make spaces more intuitive. Charris also discussed interior design as a real estate value tool in our special women leading construction in Panama.
Frequently asked questions
What is people-centered interior design?
An approach that starts from the physical, emotional and sensory needs of those who will use the space, before aesthetics.
What changes improve a space for older adults?
Those that make it easier to move independently: good lighting, clear routes and control of natural light, among others.
