An interior designer is professionally trained to create a functional and quality interior environment. Qualified through education, experience and examination, a professional designer can identify, 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 pro
ject 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Design and Designers
What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator? Interior designers are professionally trained in space planning. 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.
