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,

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

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.