A practical guide for interior design and apartment renovation in the midst of TAMA 38 project
- Diana Weininger
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Unlock your TAMA 38 apartment renovation’s full potential with a practical guide to interior design, professional project management, and property value optimization.
TAMA 38 project: A real-estate and design opportunity
The TAMA 38 project is a national program designed to reinforce buildings in Israel against earthquakes. As part of the initiative, the state compensates private entrepreneurs with building rights in exchange for strengthening and renovating existing structures. The specifics of each project - including the extent of the additional space granted per apartment and the specifications of the exterior and interior upgrades - are determined between the developer and the building’s residents, based on factors such as the project’s location and its economic feasibility.
In a typical TAMA 38 project, alongside the renovation of the building and its infrastructure, existing apartments are extended by one or two rooms (one of which is a shelter, known in Israel as a mamad), as well as a balcony. This added square footage calls for a comprehensive redesign of the apartment and presents a unique opportunity to increase the property’s value. It’s the perfect moment to upgrade a dated apartment - whether it’s intended for personal use, investment, rental, or aging in place - by adapting the layout and addressing the specific needs of its owners.
Navigating the interior design process in a TAMA 38 project renovation
As your TAMA 38 project approaches the construction phase, apartment owners are asked to submit their layout plans, infrastructure adjustments, and finish material selections to the developer’s designated project coordinator. The developer provides a preliminary layout that includes the new additions - usually in a generic, schematic format that isn’t necessarily optimal in terms of flow or functionality. The standard electrical, lighting, and plumbing plans offered by the developer are based on the minimum requirements they are obligated to deliver. However, these often fall short of meeting the real needs of modern-day living. This is where interior design comes into play - helping to recognize those needs and address them within the window of opportunity that a TAMA 38 project provides. The same goes for the standard finishes - tiles, faucets, kitchen units, and so on. These are not always to your taste or to the quality you might expect. Working smartly within the given constraints allows you to make the most of what’s offered, and to strategically upgrade elements that make a real difference. Through thoughtful planning, the interior design process elevates your living experience and significantly enhances the property’s value.
Who does what in a TAMA 38 project? Understanding key roles
The liaison between the developer and the apartment owners is the project coordinator. Their main role is to intake and price the changes and upgrade requests made by residents. Each apartment typically receives a limited quota of time in order to meet them, just enough to make minor adjustments to the developer’s standard layout. The project coordinator’s focus is on technical alignment with the developer’s specifications, not on the broader, creative aspects of design. This is where the interior designer’s expertise becomes essential. An interior designer accompanies the client throughout the process, expressing their personal story through a customized layout and cohesive design language. The designer also serves as the client’s advisor and representative, leading the professional communication with the developer’s team.
An interior designer turns a generic apartment into a home. In-depth dialogue - aimed at understanding your needs and aspirations - leads to a personally tailored design that encompasses space planning, infrastructure and systems design, custom-made carpentry, material and finish selections, all the way down to the finest details that reflect your lifestyle and personal taste.
The added value of professional interior design support in a TAMA 38 project
Professional interior design guidance during a TAMA 38 project presents a strategic opportunity to maximize the renovation’s potential. Developer plans are often schematic, uninspiring, and not suited to the individual needs of apartment owners. Infrastructure planning - such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems - is also based on standard solutions that may not reflect the actual needs of the residents. An interior designer works within the project’s constraints, leveraging their expertise to create practical solutions and a plan that is optimally aligned with the owners’ lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget - all within the limited timeframe allocated by the developer.
They are responsible for developing the design palette from which finish material selections are derived - whether from the standard options or with upgraded recommendations where needed. This is an opportunity to significantly influence the outcome by making smart and creative use of the additional space, maximizing storage, carefully planning the kitchen and lighting, and addressing a range of other details. An interior designer is instrumental in coordinating the dialog with all the professionals, suppliers, and contractors involved in the project. Professional assistance in such a complex process helps prevent costly mistakes, relieves stress, enhances the overall living experience, and contributes significantly to realizing the full investment potential of the renovation and property upgrade.
When is the ideal time to start working on interior design in a TAMA 38 project?
The earlier, the better! To arrive prepared and confident at the construction phase - and to make the most of the window of opportunity a TAMA 38 project presents - it’s best to begin the design process as early as possible, ideally upon receiving the initial plans, or even beforehand.
Early-stage professional guidance allows you to maximize the value of the technical specifications you’re entitled to as part of the project, helps establish an effective workflow with the developer’s professional team, and contributes to the smooth, accurate execution of plans that are based on a deep and thoughtful process. Another key advantage of starting early is gaining clarity around projected costs, setting priorities, and being able to submit your modification requests to the developer in advance, without last-minute pressure.
The process matters just as much as the result: Interior design during TAMA 38 project
Unlike a renovation initiated under ordinary circumstances, a TAMA 38 project comes with its own timelines, planning constraints, and multiple stakeholders. In this context, interior design becomes a strategic tool for leveraging the opportunity to significantly upgrade an existing property both functionally and aesthetically. Working with an interior designer translates that opportunity into a customized layout with tailored solutions that meet your practical needs, maximize storage, and reflect your personal taste through a cohesive and unique design language.
Quality interior design improves your day-to-day living experience and transforms the renovation into a meaningful investment in your property. Professional support helps you navigate this complex process with clarity, structure, and peace of mind - so you can fully enjoy the journey of creating your home.
