What do Interior Designers do?

Interior Designers solve problems. They make suggestions for improving the function and look of interior spaces. Some work on commercial buildings only and may specialize in healthcare, hospitality, education or offices.Others spend their entire career designing residential spaces. Some work on both homes and small commercial. There have been many studies that prove people can be happier, healthier and more productive in well-designed spaces. This involves thought in lighting, color, space planning and many other areas. Its a career path with many options that usually keeps designers interested for many years.

Hi Kathryn- Interior designers create spaces for people to work and live in. We use art and design skills, work with closely with clients and follow building codes. We sketch, draw on the computer, select building materials and furniture, present to clients and visit job sites. We consider how spaces should function best for the people using them, while coming up with innovative and interesting ways for the space to look and feel. We need to understand how the client will experience the space and if it ultimately reflects who they are.

Some designers are very skilled at planning different types of spaces- homes, offices, stores, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, stadiums/arenas, schools etc.- and choose to focus on just one or a couple of these. Some like to focus on the technical aspects and make sure the creative concepts are drawn and built correctly. After some years of experience, others prefer to become project managers and oversee the process from when a space is designed to when it is built. Since the interior design industry is continually changing, many designers specialize in what the trends are and how to use them and how to educate others about them. Because sustainability and being green a big concern and always considered in design, we are always learning about how be responsible with all our projects.

There are many different career paths that you can follow depending on your different skills, interests and strengths. Most typically work for an architecture or interior design firm or work for themselves. Others work directly with large corporations, hospitals or universities, etc. that have their own facility/design department. Developers and real estate companies also have their own interior designers. Some designers even work for product manufacturers of the materials and furniture used to build the spaces. There are even more unique jobs an interior designer can do. If you are interested in creating spaces for people to experience day in and day out, an interior design career could suit you. Good luck!

Hi,

Interior designers are qualified professionals who plan and create interior working or living environments that are comfortable, safe and aesthetically pleasing. They design interior spaces for homes, offices, restaurants, schools and colleges, retail outlets and public buildings, such as hospitals and libraries. They work in interior design firms and the design departments of retailers, manufacturers, facilities management companies and construction companies.research and creatively resolve issues and lead to a healthy, safe and comfortable physical environment.

Interior designers provide various services including:

consulting services to help determine project goals and objectives
generating ideas for the functional and aesthetic possibilities of the space
creating illustrations and renderings
developing documents and specifications relative to interior spaces in compliance with
applicable building and safety codes
allocating, organizing and arranging a space to suit its function
monitoring and managing construction and installation of design
selecting and specifying fixtures, furnishings, products, materials and colors
purchasing products and fixtures
designing and managing fabrication of custom furnishings and interior details
designing lighting and specifying

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior designers are professionally trained in space planning. In 18 states, they must pass a strict exam and be licensed. While both designers and decorators are concerned with aesthetics, style and mood, interior designers have comprehensive training and command skills that may include an understanding of:
flame spread ratings, smoke, toxicity and fire rating classifications and materials
space planning for public and private facilities
national, state and local building codes
standards regarding the needs of disabled or elderly persons and other special needs groups
ergonomics
lighting quality and quantity
acoustics and sound transmission

A decorator works only with surface decoration – paint, fabric, furnishings, lighting and other materials. Because no license is required, upholsterers, housepainters, and other tradespeople also claim the name “decorator.”

Do interior designers do more than make spaces attractive?
In addition to the aesthetics of a space, an interior designer creates a space that is functional, efficient and safe and enhances the quality of the working and living environment.

What Kind of Work Do Interior Designers Do?

Proposals

Before they carry out any work, interior designers meet clients to discuss their requirements. They look at the existing space, take measurements and discuss clients’ views on the look, feel and function of the area. Designers provide clients with a statement summarizing their requirements and then prepare and submit initial recommendations in the form of sketches or written proposals. When clients have approved their proposals, designers can move to the detailed design stage.

Design Development

At the detailed design stage, interior designers prepare detailed plans for the space, showing the color scheme, materials, lighting and soft furnishings they recommend. They provide clients with detailed drawings and scale models, if required. They also show clients samples of the materials that they recommend. As part of the process, designers also ensure that their plans conform to building regulations and federal, state, and local laws. If they are designing interiors for public buildings, they must ensure that their proposals meet accessibility standards.

Project Management

Project management is an important part of an interior designer’s work. They select lighting, decorating, electrical, plumbing and building contractors to carry out work to their specification and supervise their work on site. Designers also purchase any materials and furnishings, ensuring that all costs fall within the client’s budget.

Scope

Interior designers work on different types of projects. They may create interiors for a new building or refurbish existing areas. On new residential developments, for example, they design the interiors of show homes and select items such as carpets, kitchen and bathroom fittings, and color schemes that developers offer as standard throughout the development.

Retail

Designers also work on a contract or permanent basis for retailers and manufacturers of interior products, such as lighting, carpets, kitchens, curtains, and residential and office furniture. They provide advice to retailers and manufacturers on trends in interior design and they carry out essential design and project management services for their clients’ customers.

Hope this helps you.

All the best..!!