Most people may think they know what an Interior Designer is and what they do, but there are many who don’t know the extent to our roles and the services we offer. This blog hopes to change that so clients know exactly what they are getting and what their Interior Designer can do for them.
Interior Design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. An Interior Designer is someone who plans, researches, coordinates and manages such projects. Interior Design is a multifaceted profession that includes conceptual development, space planning, site inspections, programming, research, communicating with the client and execution of the design.
Interior Designers operate on a variety of commercial and residential sectors such as public space design, retail, restaurant and bar, hotels and residential developments. This multi-faceted profession is not simply a flair as many assume, but requires practical training and years of practice.
One of the biggest misconceptions is the difference between Interior Designers and Interior Decorators. The two professions are very different in what they can achieve and it is important to understand the difference to ensure you are hiring the right professional. An Interior Decorator provides styling and adornment of items and objects after the interior design is complete. Decorators do not provide advice on space, structural reconfiguration or fittings. An Interior Designer may provide the service of a decorator but a decorator cannot provide the service of an Interior Designer. There is some confusion around this role, partly due to the fact that Interior Decorators are often described in consumer publications as Interior Designers.
You may be thinking; how do I know who is an Interior Designer and who is an Interior Decorator? The best way to know is to ask for any qualifications. Registered Interior Designer’s must have a degree or something equivalent to call themselves an Interior Designer. Another way to check is to go on the BIID website and look up registered Interior Designers. The designers on this list not only have a qualification but have six years or more experience in the Interior Design industry. This gives you reassurance that the designer you are working with is qualified and can complete your project adequately.
What can an Interior Designer do to help me with my project? There are many different cases where an Interior Designer may be of use to you, from better space utilisation in a room, to changing the colour scheme throughout your home, to creating floorplans for a new build home, to renovating a space and much more. Anything that is on the inside of your home, the chances are your Interior Designer can help replace, renovate or work with it.
We hope this blog brings to light what the role of an Interior Designer is and what they can do to help you with your project. For more information on what an Interior Designer can do for you, check out our ’10 Reasons To Hire An Interior Designer’ blog.
Are you inspired and ready to start your project with Design In Motion? Get in touch on our contact page!