Santa Monica College, Interior Architectural Design

The Professional Interior Designer Defined:

Interior Architectural Design is a rewarding, creative profession in which the Designer helps people, through the use of original custom designs, using function and aesthetics, in the home, in the workplace, or elsewhere while making the world a better place. It is one of the more varied professions of job opportunity as can be seen from the 40 plus job choices listed on the Santa Monica College Interior Architectural Design Careers website page, The Profession > Careers.

In many installations, Designers work with high-end materials and products, rich fabrics, and beautifully crafted furniture and accessories, but this is only a small part of what is involved with Interior Architectural Design. It is typically demanding and hard work using a multiplicity of professional skills, trade experience, current ever-changing technology, and continual education matched with people skills and being a creative problem solver.

The importance of the Interior Architectural Design Profession is additionally justified with the necessary emphasis on "Designing Green" and specifying materials that are eco-responsible and eco-friendly. Designers can now assist in influencing client thinking to do more with less while using practicality and beauty to protect the fragile resources of the globe.

To further understand this Design Profession, below are two expanded definitions of Interior Design according to the Design Industry and according to the State of California.

THE PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER DEFINED BY INDUSTRY:

The Professional Interior Architectural 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 protection the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the professional Interior Architectural Designer:

  • Analyzes the client's needs, goals, and life safety requirements
  • Integrates findings with knowledge of interior design
  • Formulates preliminary design concepts that are appropriate, functional, and aesthetic
  • Develops and presents final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media
  • Prepares working drawings and specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment
  • 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

Because linking to another web site is never guaranteed (they change over time), in addition to a direct link, the below description of the Interior Design Profession was duplicated directly from the: "Labor Market Information" of the "California Employment Development Department" as of 1998 - Web site Link. (Keep that date in mind when reading any of the number/$ statistics.)


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THE PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER DEFINED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA:

Interior Designers plan and design or redesign attractive and useful interiors for homes, hotels, ships, hospitals, office buildings, and other commercial structures. They can be classified by the following general categories:

  1. Designers who own and operate design studios
  2. Designers who work as assistants or associates in design firms
  3. Designers employed by retail or office furnishings stores
  4. Designers employed by architectural firms
  5. Designers employed in the design departments of large firms and institutions

Interior Designers usually work directly with clients and must consider their requirements, tastes, preferences, and budget. They must keep form, color, scale, and arrangement in balance, and at the same time be concerned with utility, construction, economy, and client satisfaction.

Designers should be familiar with the nature of woods, textiles, and decorating products such as paint and wallpaper. They should be knowledgeable about the historical periods that have influenced the development of furniture style and room design.

Designers often work from blueprints, make detailed floor plans, and draw furniture to scale. They shop in wholesale markets to locate furnishings and accessories, and, when necessary, design original pieces to be made to order. They often work closely with both building and landscape architects in planning the interiors of new buildings or remodeling old ones.

Presentations for client approval usually include a sketch or scaled floor plan showing furniture arrangement, color charts, and samples of upholstery, draperies, and wall coverings. The complete proposal includes an estimate of the cost for the installation. After the proposal is accepted, Interior Designers assemble furnishings and act as agents for their clients by contracting and supervising the services of craft workers.

Some Interior Designers may specialize in color coordination, lighting, furniture or fabric design. Others may teach at universities, art schools, or adult education facilities.


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WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment is usually quite pleasant; however, much time is spent away from headquarters, meeting with clients, contractors, or shopping. Designers must drive in all types of weather and sometimes work in buildings under construction. They often carry heavy, bulky sample books and sometimes have to climb ladders. Designers should have a valid California driver's license, and some employers require workers to have the use of a car.

Designers have to cope with administrative details and masses of paperwork such as specifications, estimates, and purchase orders. They must be able to deal tactfully with clients and supervise craft workers. Work is often performed under the pressure of deadlines and budget limitations.

WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Designers may be paid a salary, commission, or salary plus commission. The median wage for designers in California is $15.06. New designers usually start at a lower wage. Commissions may be included. Experienced designers may earn $60,000 a year or more. Independent and self-employed designers often earn more; their incomes vary with the type, size, and complexity of projects, and upon their reputations and acceptance in the community. A small number of nationally known designers earn as much as $100,000 to $250,000 or more a year. Work hours are irregular to accommodate clients and may often involve nights and weekends.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

A successful Interior Designer must expect a long hard struggle. To succeed one must possess a combination of talent, personality, and a healthy competitive sense. Years of experience and training are necessary in order to advance. A beginning Interior Designer must accept jobs that offer basic practical experience and put up with long hours and difficult clients.

Good computer skills, particularly with regard to drawing software programs, are becoming more and more desirable. Satisfaction in this work is found through artistic expression and interpretation of client's tastes. Interior Designers derive a great deal of pleasure from working with beautiful things and from seeing the results of careful planning and creative ideas. Interior Designers must work hard and be patient in order to succeed.

Entry into the profession of interior design usually requires graduation from an accredited college, university or professional school of interior design. The course of study should include principles of design, history, art, free hand and mechanical drawing, and basic architecture. Correspondence or home study courses are not considered a substitute for formal education.

New designers should expect to continue their education on the job. It generally takes three to five years of practical experience to become fully qualified. Assignments in selling or shopping provide excellent on-the-job training. Part-time or summer employment in the furniture department of retail stores or large architectural firms provide good basic training for students and may lead to a permanent job. Interior Designers are eligible for membership in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) or the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) if they meet the membership requirements which include professional training and experience and the passing of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination.


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ADVANCEMENT

Promotion for Interior Designers usually consists of assignment to more complex jobs with larger budgets and salary increases. Very talented Interior Designers may advance to the head of a decorating or design department. They may become interior furnishings coordinators or be given other supervisory positions in department stores or larger decorating or design firms. Designers with additional experience and consulting expertise may go into business for themselves.

FINDING THE JOB

Interior Designers find jobs through their school and by direct application to employers, private employment agencies, or the California Employment Development Department Job Service. It is advisable to prepare a portfolio of work for presentation.



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