It's a fairly common misconception that interior designers and interior decorators do the same thing. In reality, these two jobs are very different. Interior decorators focus solely on aesthetics, while interior designers are responsible for the more technical parts of the process. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interior designers “make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting decorative elements, such as colors, lighting, and materials.
They read the plans and must be aware of building codes and inspection standards, as well as universal accessibility standards. Many professionals begin their interior design careers in this field, which includes houses, condos, apartments, and even small homes. Residential interior designers consult with homeowners to transform a room or entire house into an elegant space that fits their needs and reflects their personality. These designers must be aware of fire and sanitary standards, building codes, and other safety measures to ensure residents' health and property are protected.
The lighting of a space or the lack of it can completely change the way an area is perceived and used. Lighting design is a highly technical field that requires professionals to have knowledge of physics, optics, lighting equipment and technology, color theory, building codes, and more. They work with all types of clients on projects ranging from residential and commercial spaces to theaters, museums and music venues. Visit the International Association of Lighting Designers to learn more about this career.
Nguyen says interior designers need strong interpersonal skills and experience in spatial awareness, as well as curiosity and appreciation for beauty and aesthetics. In the film and television industry, these professionals are also known as stage decorators, and they are responsible for designing all the interior and exterior decoration of a scene. Once the design is finished, you will select the materials, finishes and furniture needed for the project. This specialized subset of interior design requires professionals who know how to take big ideas and execute them in incredibly small spaces.
You can contact an interior designer for a new construction, either to improve your work environment, fix existing design elements in your home, or create a space that didn't previously exist in your community. You can do the interior design of homes, theaters, restaurants, bars, schools, hospitals, shopping malls, airport terminals and more. Nguyen, professor of Interior Design and Preservation Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), in Savannah, Georgia, says that an interior designer is a creative problem solver, social anthropologist and experiential choreographer, all in one. The design process may be different for each professional, but their general skills will be similar.
