An accomplished designer and academic, committed to sustainable, culturally grounded practice, Sarosh’s ongoing creative works reflect a rigorous, joyful approach that prioritises environmental care and design excellence. He holds a PhD in Architecture and is a senior lecturer at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, where he focuses on technology and design, integrating research with architectural practice. 

What’s one of your favourite interior spaces that’s inspired you or your design thinking?

Sarosh Mulla (SM): I’ve always loved the interior of the Maclaurin Chapel at the University of Auckland. In a lot of ways, it’s a simple space, clean in its detailing, representative of its time and with an enormous amount of quiet craft.

Are there any designers or practices that you particularly admire?

SM: I tend to enjoy the work of architects and designers who are developing a body of work that is both expansive in outcome, but consistent in process. In this way, they get better with each project, practising practice. I often think of people like Peter Zumthor, Kirsten Thompson and Kevin Low in this way.

What would be your dream interior project?

SM: I don’t have a dream project, mostly because I think that design is all about finding the opportunity in every situation, so all projects have the potential to be special.

Are there any new directions, innovations or thinking you’re hoping to see or employ in the future?

SM: In our studio, we’re investing hugely in our knowledge and skill in the delivery of carbon positive projects that lead with design excellence. This means having a very detailed understanding of building science and research, but always approaching as a designer. The technologies I’m most excited about come from the field of materials engineering, where new materials and systems are being developed to create great longevity in buildings. 

What are you looking forward to in judging the Interior Awards 2026?

SM: I’m most looking forward to seeing fresh thinking, deep thinking, and novel approaches to the usual briefs. I want to see ingenuity. I’m particularly interested to see all the entrants in the emerging designer category and hearing all the new ideas they bring to the table.

Do you have any advice to give designers thinking of entering the awards?

SM: Enter projects that have ideas at the forefront, not just aesthetics. If your project has been created on a tight budget, but is transformational for its users, that is more important to me than the use of expensive materials.

Click here for more on the Interior Awards and here to submit your projects to the 2026 Interior Awards before Wednesday 29 April.