The Aspiring Interior Designer
This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting with a young lady just entering high school who is interested in the professions of Architecture and Interior Design. We chatted over a cup of coffee about a myriad of topics related to education, career path, practice requirements and just what is the difference between an architect, an interior designer and an interior decorator.
Each type of practitioner holds a vastly different role in the shaping of the built environment. As I looked for resources to share with this aspiring designer as a supplement to our conversation, I realized that just an internet search of the term 'interior design' yields some pretty conflicting results for what the profession actually represents. The resources below are my typical 'go-to' recommendations for anyone interested in interior design as a career and for educating folks on the real value of having a design professional as part of a project team.
“Interior design encompasses the analysis, planning, design, documentation, and management of interior non-structural/non-seismic construction and alteration projects in compliance with applicable building design and construction, fire, life-safety, and energy codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines for the purpose of obtaining a building permit, as allowed by law. Qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, interior designers have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect consumers and occupants through the design of code-compliant, accessible, and inclusive interior environments that address well-being, while considering the complex physical, mental, and emotional needs of people.”
Resources:
Council of Interior Design Qualification
International Interior Design Association
American Society of Interior Designers
Life as a Design/Architecture Student
Still looking for more information on #whatdesignersdo ? Follow @StudioCroft on Instagram for a peek into the daily details of the practice of Interior Design! Also, see the Round-up of Advocacy Videos post from last year on the SC Blog.