What Is An Interior Designer? And What Do They Do?
What is An Interior Designer?
An Interior Designer is a person that is responsible for the interior design, decor, and functionality of a client’s space. Interior designers work closely with their clients, contractors, architects, engineers, craftsmen and furniture dealers to ensure that the client’s needs are shared, the structure of a space is fully understood and the solution will suit both. We are focused on making interior spaces functional, enjoyable, and beautiful by determining space requirements and focusing on style, design, and aesthetics. Our work includes the areas that are inside and outside a space, and while we may make it look easy, crafting spaces that anticipate our client’s needs and appeal to their emotions, requires a broad set of skills and technical knowledge.
What Education Should An Interior Designer Have?
To become successful, an interior designer needs a well-rounded education and the skills to work within many disciplines. During their education, they will have learned how to read blueprints, fully understand structural requirements, health and safety issues, regulations, ADA requirements and building codes, as well as universal accessibility standards. They will have studied textiles, materials, color, space planning and sustainability. They will have studies software applications for 2D & 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM). Our studies include:
- Space Planning
- Lighting design
- Materials, finishes and color
- Design theory and history
- Color theory
- Building systems and technologies
- Sustainable design/building practices
- Design for accessibility and utility
- Project management
- Codes and Standards
What Process Do Interior Designers Use?
Although all interior designers use a slightly different process, we all are focused on creating plans, researching solutions, coordinating with all the vendors, and managing a project through completion. This includes conceptual development, space planning, site inspections, programming, research, specification of furniture, fixtures and equipment, communicating with the stakeholders of a project, construction management, and execution of the design.
Is An Interior Designer the Same As An Interior Decorator?
No, there is a big difference between an interior designer and a decorator. An interior designer is usually involved with a building project from the beginning, will be focused on creating functional space, and well versed in building codes and structural considerations. An interior decorator is not involved with the design of the building and since they do not need to have understand building codes and safety issues, you do not need any official training.
Why Am I A San Diego Interior Designer?
I have been living in San Diego for 28 years. It is home for me, my husband and daughters. I truly love taking a raw space and crafting it into a functional and beautiful room. I also have a natural talent for scale, proportion, perspective and balance. And I pride myself on giving each of my clients a design that is unique and truly represents their individual design aesthetic. Yes, I love being a San Diego Interior Designer.