What is Interior Design?

The profession of Interior Design is relatively new, constantly evolving, and often confusing to the public. NCIDQ, the board for Interior Design qualifications, defines the profession in the best way: The Professional Interior Designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces. Read the full definition from NCIDQ.  more

In a broad sense, interior designers examine the architectural elements and interior function of a space, and create a design that seeks to meet the needs and desires of the client. But how does that get accomplished? There are several steps in the process of developing and implementing a design solution. Some of the skills needed are learned during interior design course work, while others are learned through hands-on experience. Throughout the process of developing and implementing a design solution, the professional interior designer: • Analyzes clients' needs, goals, and safety requirements. • Addresses design challenge with knowledge of interior design. • Formulates design concepts that are aesthetically pleasing, appropriate, and functional, and in accordance with codes and standards. • Develops and presents final design recommendations. This may includes presenting drawings, three-dimensional models, and computer presentations. • Prepares working drawings and specifications ...  more

Interior design is a discipline that looks after designing all of the interiors of a space. This can include things like flooring, windows, doors, walls, lighting, furniture, and miscellaneous design pieces. The goal of interior design is generally to make a space that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, often catered specifically to the needs and likes of the person hiring the interior designer. Interior design is actually a relatively old discipline, although historically it was reserved primarily for royalty and the aristocracy. In the modern world, many people make use of interior design, either doing it themselves with the assistance of classes or books, or by hiring an interior designer to assist them in bringing their vision to life. The work of a designer can range from laying out small dwellings, to designing massive corporate buildings, to coming up with a cohesive aesthetic that will be used in many businesses under a single umbrella, such as the design of an ...  more

According to the National Council of Interior Design Qualification, "Interior Design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of the public. These services may include any or all of the following tasks: Research and analysis of the client's goals and requirements; and development of ...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder . . . and if you're an interior designer, the beholder is your client. And if you've done your job well, their eyes will find beauty in what you've created. Interior designers are trained to see the big picture and to help to balance their clients' aspirations, functional needs and budget through a combination of engineering and aesthetic considerations. Interior designers are different from interior decorators, who focus primarily on the look of a room or building. Formal education, experience and a national examination ensure that professional interior designers can produce a healthy, safe and comfortable physical environment. While both interior designers and decorators are concerned with aesthetics, style and mood, interior designers must meet government certification requirements, passing an exam to earn their licensure.  more