Interior Design – An Architectural Foundation

Just what is interior design and how is an interior designer different from an interior decorator?

Although just about anyone can call themselves an interior decorator, the same is not true of a designer. A designer must be licensed. Why, because these professionals do much more than decorate.

They actually plan the interior spaces to enhance the function, safety, and aesthetics of interior spaces. They plan these spaces for just about every type of building, including offices, airport terminals theatres, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, manufacturing plants, government institutions, and private residences.

Having a good design can boost office productivity, increase sales, and increase a building’s market value just to name a few of the benefits.

These professionals are becoming increasingly involved in the architectural details of buildings. They must be able to read blueprints, understand building and fire codes and know how to create building accessibility to the disabled.

They must be able to:

• Conduct research and analysis of a client’s goals and requirements also known as programming

• Meet face-to-face with the client to determine how the space will be used and to get an estimate of the client’s budget

• Develop documents, drawings and diagrams outlining the client’s needs

• Must ensure that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing

• Must meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements including construction code guidelines

• Must coordinate and collaborate with other allied design professionals retained for consulting services, including architects, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers.

• Their tasks can also include interior decorating tasks

Those that are interested in following this artistic path must have education beyond high school. Individuals often pursue an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in interior design. In those states that require it, licensure must be obtained, since it is illegal to practice in states that require licensure without it. For more information on interior design click on the here on the link for the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Additional information can be found by clicking here on the link for O Net Online For information on schools for training, go to www.interior-design-decorating-schools.org. If you want more information on the difference between a designer and interior decorator, click on the image below. The book by Tag Goulet and Catherine Goulet, called Become An Interior Decorator discusses the difference between these two specialties.

Designing can lead to exciting and fulfilling work, many business opportunities, meeting new and exciting people, personal freedom and a comfortable income.

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