What is an interior designer?
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 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."
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