Dispelling the Myths About Interior Design

Q.	How can I best achieve professional looking results when making changes to my home or business?
A.	There are many disciplines involved in obtaining a quality environment, and this is best answered by looking at what you want to achieve in the end results. If you are doing major structural changes, an architect is probably your best resort. Often, landscaping can be handled by a qualified nursery, but for larger projects, it is best to consult with a landscape architect, especially when changes involve commercial buildings and parking. Structural interior changes that do not involve load-bearing walls can be handled by an interior designer, as well as virtually any other phase of decorating or interior design and space planning.
Q.	What about interior decorators, arrangers, stagers, or custom workshops?
A.	Be careful about who you choose to do what. Unlike architecture and landscape architecture, there is no mandatory national standard licensing for the interior design profession and related services. Hence, there are a lot of misunderstandings and confusion concerning the field of interior design and decoration. There are several main categories of design professionals, and they are listed below: A true interior designer has completed a comprehensive education, usually involving architecture courses, history, color theory, lighting, textiles, and extensive space planning and design. It is the most comprehensive and well-rounded venue for consultation for interior changes for your home or business. A degree in interior design is usually obtained through an accredited institution of higher learning in the form of a four or five-year Bachelor of Science degree. Less comprehensive degrees, though not as extensive, but still considered interior design degrees, can be achieved in a two-year program. A custom workshop will fabricate various interior finishes, primarily window treatments, but often will make custom decorative pillows, furniture slipcovers, bedspreads, duvets and coverlets. They are skilled professionals who are often an invaluable resource and asset to interior designers but frequently do not have the capabilities to design custom finished products themselves without the input of an interior design professional. Custom workshops usually work closely with both the interior designer and client and often can provide an additional resource for purchasing custom fabrics, drapery hardware and other related materials. Lastly, interior decorators, stagers, arrangers, and the like are less clearly defined professions. There are occasions when these types of disciplines can be utilized for your project. However, the work should be limited in scope and they should only be hired to obtain results that are clearly defined within the parameters of their expertise. These disciplines often include very little training, such as a short course or seminar that gives them "certification" after the program is completed. These certifications frequently carry some title associated with their discipline to put on their business correspondence that can appear as though they’ve acquired some higher degree, even though their "design education" consists of only several days or hours of training. Others do not have any credentials at all, and may have obtained some experience by the way of on-the-job training through a furniture or decorating store. Anyone calling himself or herself a decorator, stager, arranger, or some similar title should be readily willing to give you information on the extent of their education and experience. If they, or anyone claiming to be a "designer" are vague, or unwilling to clearly define their background, this could be a warning sign concerning their capabilities. Therefore, be forewarned - panache and flair are not adequate tools to make sound design decisions. If their background shows few credentials, or if their “title” is something easily obtained through a short course or seminar, be cautious of the advice they give.
Q.	Aren’t interior designers expensive?
A.	Although design fees and how designers charge for their services vary, the cost is often less than that of individuals who offer less comprehensive services, without the same quality results. Frequently, furniture stores employ designers, but often commission fees motivate these designers, thereby losing objectivity about your project. Another thing to consider: without the assistance of an independent interior designer, costly mistakes are often incurred at the expense and aggravation of the client. Having a designer provide a client with quality choices can lessen the overall cost of a project in terms of time spent as well as money. They will often narrow the range of available choices and make the entire decision making process easier. Hopefully, this brief overview about interior design and related professions will provide adequate information for making sound decisions relating to your environment. Close Window