Interior design
Interior design is the process of shaping the experience of
interior space, through the manipulation of spatial
volume as well as surface treatment. Interior Design draws on aspects of
environmental psychology,
architecture,
product design and
furniture design in addition to traditional
decoration. An
interior designer is a person who is considered an
expert in the field of interior design or one who designs interiors as part of their job. Interior design is a creative practice that analyzes programmatic information, establishes a conceptual direction, refines the design direction, and produces graphic communication and construction documents. In some
jurisdictions, interior designers must be licensed to practice.
The following definition was decided upon and is endorsed by the
Council for Interior Design Accreditation (
The Council) (formerly known as FIDER), the
National Council for Interior Design Qualification (
NCIDQ) and major interior design associations (
IIDA,
ASID) of North America.
"The professional interior designer is qualified by
education, experience, and
examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing
productivity, and protecting the
health, safety, and
welfare of the public.
The professional interior designer:
* analyzes
client's needs, goals, and life safety requirements
* integrates findings with knowledge of interior design
* formulates preliminary design
concepts that are
aesthetic, appropriate, and functional, and in accordance with codes and standards
* develops and presents final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media
* prepares working
drawings and
specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, reflected ceiling plans, lighting, interior detailing, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in compliance with universal accessibility guidelines and all applicable codes
* collaborates with professional services of other licensed practitioners in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical and load-bearing design as required for regulatory approval
* prepares and administers bids and contract
documents as the client's agent
* reviews and evaluates design solutions during implementation and upon completion."
(http://www.fider.org/definition.htm)
There are several different areas that an interior designer may specialize in. These include residential, retail, corporate, hospitality, healthcare, or institutional design. Within each area there can be further niche expertise. This can include restaurants and cafeterias (where food is prepared and served), stores and offices (where the public can enter), medical facilities (where disease control is a concern). In some states and countries, these specializations may require additional certification.
Interior designers may possess environmental expertise contributing to sustainable design solutions, and may take an examination to achieve
(LEED) professional accreditation.
Some residential designers have an expertise in Kitchen and Bath design. The
National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) administers certification to these designers.
Essential parts of all design styles are concept,
color, proportion, balance, ergonomics, and function of design. Although all styles differentiate their usage of each of these, they are all an integral part of the overall look and feel of a
room or space. Designers incorporate the seven elements of design to create and enhance style: form, mass, shape, line, color, texture and pattern.
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Interior Design Education*
Interior decoration*
Interior architecture*
Electrolux Global Design Lab
