Coming from the design industry for more than 25 years, it became very apparent that the mystery and the scope of an interior designer is much more than the general public understands. Unfortunately, the adversaries do understand and have become the nemesis of the profession. As a decorator, I chose to go back to school and reach a more in-depth level of education to become an interior designer. It is not easy and it is a completely different subject matter than colors, fabric, furniture and paint.
An interior designer is both an artist and somewhat of an engineer. Safety and economy are considered when designing a space along with the creation of an aesthetically inspiring and comfortable space. This work improves the lives of others in the home, workspace for the aged, handicapped and infirm. Designing a healthy space makes a difference in the lives of others. It is the delicate combination of a complete picture made of complicated and detailed puzzle pieces. An interior designer is multifaceted with the obvious and the abstract. Professional practice, human environment needs, design, products and materials, interior construction, codes and regulations, and communication are just a few of the pieces.
An interior designer is educated in how to understand human behavior and how it relates to the built environment. This is a process of gathering and analyzing information from respected documented sources and responsibly using this information as evidence for decisions made within the design. The design recognizes the natural environment, context, human values, psychological factors, function, and aesthetics as contributing factors to the overall successful outcome.
Interior construction, codes and regulations is the materialization of the concept of the design taking into account the human needs, aesthetics, fire and life safety issues and codes applied safely and appropriately. Ongoing updates are the responsibility of the designer to maintain current understanding of all regulations that fall under his/her purview. A designer is expected to maintain a high level of continuing education units each year. This is a personal obligation to remain current on design issues.
Design is a process and one that has a methodology. The importance of evidence based design (EBD) is paramount to any arbitrary design. A licensed interior designer is trained in this process and the methods to attain a solid design to meet the needs of the client safely. The process can be endless and one of the abilities of the designer is to know when the design meets the needs and the goal has been met.
The core of the design many times is considered to be the product and materials category. To the client, this can sometimes be the heart of the design because it involves the aesthetics. Building materials, finishes, furnishings, fixtures, textiles and equipment bring the visible personality to the design.
The professional practice itself must have ethics as the first priority. The interior designer must above all else in the practice hold honesty, integrity and fairness paramount in the work ethics of the business. A designer not only relies upon the knowledge and education but also upon the reputation that withstands time. Included in this is an inherent duty to be aware of the most current codes and human issues in order to supply the client with the best design.
Communication is not only about dialogue between the designer and the client. It is also about communication and understanding between the designer, contractors, associates and any building officials. Knowing when to work through issues without causing alarm or drama is professional management of clear and concise communication.
cite: http://www.careersininteriordesign.com/idbok.pdf
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