Interior Design
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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 many jurisdictions, interior designers must be licensed to practice.
The Profession
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."
Education In Interior Design
Many four year, baccalaureate degrees in Interior Design exist in the United States, within major universities such as Arizona State University, Northern Illinois University, University of Cincinnati, and Columbia University. Although masters degrees in Interior Design are less common, they are none the less available at the Inchbald School of Design in association with the University of Wales, Arizona State University and Washington State University, among others. Many professionals pursue advanced degrees in related subjects such as industrial design, fine art or education. An undergraduate degree is a requirement for becoming an Interior Design professional and a masters degree is recommended.
Most Interior Design schools retain the name, Interior Design, while some schools have adopted the name Interior Architecture. However such programs may or may not be comparable to programs in interior design architecture.
In Europe, the educational requirements differ between interior architects (considered a profession comparable to architects or structural engineers) and interior designers (considered a trade comparable to carpenters).
Traditionally in Germany, Interior Architecture has been taught at polytechnic universities or universities of applied sciences, e.g. [Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences], [FH Darmstadt], [Fachhochschule Coburg]. Baccalaureate programmes are normally three years (6 semesters) in length.
In Germany, the adaptation of the university system to the international degrees Bachelor and Master has led to a restructuring of degree programmes. Since university education has traditionally lasted at least 5 years, many Diploma programmes have been transformed into consecutive graduate Master programmes.
[IMIAD] (International Master of Interior-Architectural Design) is one of the first internationally orientated Masters courses in Interior Design in Germany. Part of the course takes place at a European partner institution ([Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences, Germany]; [ECA - Edinburgh College of Art, Great Britain]; [ITU - Istanbul Technical University, Turkey]; [Lahti Polytechnic, Finland]; [SUPSI - Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland]) with each institution contributing its own emphasis and competences to the course. Proceeding from a Bachelor degree (B.A.), participants receive the qualification of International Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interior-Architectural Design, after the successful completion of four semesters. The IMIAD qualification is recognised by all the partner institutions. The IMIAD student will be trained for managerial duties, with particular competences in design and decision-making processes. For this, a consolidating scientific and creation course involving theory and practice in Interior Design will be offered.
In the UK there is currently only one MA course in Interior Design which is held at the Inchbald School of Design, London, in association with the University of Wales. Several art colleges throughout the UK offer 3-year degree courses in interior design. A fast-track alternative to this educational route, particularly popular with mature students, is available through the private education sector, such as the Inchbald School's one-year programme.
Degree programs
- Kansas State University*, College of Architecture, Planning & Design, (http://capd.ksu.edu), Manhattan, Kansas
- University of Applied Sciences Stuttgart*, Faculty of Architecture and Design (http://sgi.hft-stuttgart.de), Stuttgart
Specializations
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.
Styles
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.See also
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