The Value of an Interior Designer

                     Most of the time when I get approached and get asked what I am going to school for, I explain, “Well, I’m going to school for Interior Design.”  Of course I get the response , “Oh, I love to decorate” THE BIGGEST MISCONSEPTIONS OF INTERIOR DESIGN! Well, what most people do not know is that Interior Designers do so much more than just decorating a space, we make functional spaces. However, I can understand with the media's perception how people can get this misconception. The truth is that large corporation’s hire Interior designer to make spaces that function and that make people feel comfortable. When people feel comfortable they work better, or spend more. For those who are still unsure what interior designers do here is a list of task that are related to Interior Design that can be found on the NCIDQ.org website:

·         Research and analysis of the client's goals and requirements; and development of documents, drawings and diagrams that outline those needs

·         Formulation of preliminary space plans and two and three dimensional design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client's program needs and are based on knowledge of the principles of interior design and theories of human behavior

·         Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental, and sustainability guidelines

·         Selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept and to meet socio-psychological, functional, maintenance, lifecycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements

·         Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture

·         Provision of project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules

·         Preparation of construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications, to illustrate non-structural and/or non-seismic partition layouts; power and communications locations; reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials and finishes; and furniture layouts

·         Preparation of construction documents to adhere to regional building and fire codes, municipal codes, and any other jurisdictional statutes, regulations and guidelines applicable to the interior space

·         Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services, including but not limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and various specialty consultants

·         Confirmation that construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials

·         Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client's agent

·         Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion, as a representative of and on behalf of the client; and conducting post-occupancy evaluation reports.

http://www.ncidq.org/AboutUs/AboutInteriorDesign/DefinitionofInteriorDesign.aspx

So, yes if you pay me I will decorate for you, but I will also help you design your place so that you will feel and work better.