When an architect walks into an empty room, they don’t just see four walls and a floor; they see a canvas for light, shadow, and human experience. To the professional eye, a tile is never just a protective surface, it is a fundamental building block of atmosphere.
At Sundaram Tiles, we hold deep respect for the way architects and designers see the world. Their ability to read space, anticipate emotion, and shape experience is what inspires us every day. Because when you look through a professional’s eyes, tiles aren’t just materials: they are tools of storytelling, mood-making, and human connection.
Let’s step into that mindset for a moment and explore how some of the world’s most influential architects think about materials, and what their philosophies can teach us about choosing the right tiles for our own spaces.
Designing for the Human Spirit
For many top architects, material selection begins with a philosophy of well-being. Lu Wenyu of the Pritzker Prize–winning Amateur Architecture Studio offers a profound perspective on why we build in the first place. She describes their philosophy simply: “Making a house means making it for the people, making it more tranquil, or closer to nature, more humanized.”
This sentiment reveals a crucial truth: tiles should be viewed not merely as building materials but as elements that connect architecture to human experience and nature. When selecting tiles for your home, ask yourself: Does this texture make me feel calm? Does this color bring me closer to the natural world?
A stone-look floor or handcrafted wall tile can ground a space, making it feel tranquil and ‘humanized’ rather than sterile and cold.
The Art of Clarity and Contrast
Once the emotional goal is set, the focus shifts to visual execution. John Pawson, the master of minimalism, approaches materials with a drive for simplicity. In discussing his design philosophy, Pawson emphasizes: “For me, the words that come to mind are… clarity; the focus on what’s essential; a drive to make space.”
For homeowners, this means selecting tiles that don’t clutter the eye but instead create breathing room. But minimalism doesn’t mean boring. Pawson notes that it is “in the play of contrasts: light and shadow, rough and smooth, dark and light, the fleeting and the fixed, that architecture comes quietly alive.”
Form Follows Function: The Architect’s Checklist
Philosophy shapes the vision, but practicality shapes the decision. Architects and interior designers follow a rigorous mental checklist to ensure that beauty and performance meet.
“Determining the primary function of the space is the first step,” experts note. Bathrooms call for water-resistant and slip-resistant tiles. Living rooms and bedrooms invite more expressive, decorative options. In terms of texture and finishes, glossy finishes amplify light and modernity. Matte finishes absorb warmth and lend themselves to rustic or natural aesthetics. Architects use tiles as tools of perception when it comes to color strategy. It can work either ways based on the necessity: to harmonize gently with the room’s palette or to introduce striking patterns that anchor a space.
Mastering Space and Perception
Finally, architects use tiles to alter the perception of reality. Professional guidance notes that selecting tile shapes requires careful consideration of architectural context, lighting conditions, and intended emotional atmosphere. The scale of the tile can completely change how big a room feels. It’s a delicate balance: ‘In a small room, large-scale patterns can make the space feel cramped and overwhelming.’ However, the reverse is also a risk; ‘in a large room, small-scale patterns may get lost and not have the desired impact.’
Building Your Vision
Whether inspired by Lu Wenyu’s harmony with nature or John Pawson’s refined minimalism, one truth remains: Tiles are more than just materials. They are a canvas for your creativity. At Sundaram Tiles, we source tiles from around the globe, to help bring your creative expressions to life. Let your imagination guide you, and transform your spaces into effortless expressions of art.