Christine M. Piotrowski - Professional Practice for Interior Designers

If the measure of a profession involves the criteria offered by the preceding material, then interior design is a profession that has evolved and continues to evolve. Gordon Marshall writes, “A profession includes some central regulatory body to ensure the standard of performance of individual members; a code of conduct; careful management of knowledge in relation to the expertise which constitutes the basis of the profession's activities; and lastly, control of number, selection, and training of new entrants.” 3

A professional does not emerge merely as a consequence of learning the technical principles required in the profession. Becoming a professional also requires an attitude of dedicated commitment to the work one does and to the advancement of the profession. Understanding what it takes to organize and maintain an interior design practice follows an understanding of the roots and contemporary concerns of the profession. In the 21st century, having talent as a designer is not enough to survive the ups and downs of the economic roller coaster.

The interior design profession has changed in many ways since it was first thought of as a profession. Not the least of those changes is whether there remain two classic divisions. It has always been thought that residential interior designers design private residences, especially single‐family dwellings, while commercial interior designers focus on one or more types of spaces used for business and government, such as offices, stores, hotels, restaurants, schools, airports, hospitals, and so on.

For the most part, those two classic divisions do still exist. However, the line between residential and commercial interior design as “divisions” of the profession has blurred due to changes in lifestyle and work style throughout the world. * Many of those who think of themselves as residential designers occasionally do some small offices or other types of commercial spaces. Of course, those who are primarily commercial designers also occasionally design a client's residence.

Another topic that continues to blur the distinctions is the term contract design . The term originally came from the fact that commercial projects more frequently were executed based on contracts for services. Today, both those who design residences as well as those who do commercial projects utilize contracts with clients.

In the 21st century, it is not as important to define a division as it is to define the profession. The definition of interior design provided below does not differentiate any particular number or types of divisions of interior design. Perhaps it is time to recognize that neither is a less or more important part of the profession.

*Martin and Guerin, 2006, p. 90.

Compared to many other professions, such as teaching and medicine, interior design is relatively young. The use of the term interior design did not appear in general usage until after World War II, and the profession defined by any term did not really exist much before the 1900s. Individuals and organizations involved in the interior design profession work tirelessly to help the profession gain recognition in the minds of the public, as well as among practitioners and allied professionals.

What constitutes interior design has been debated and nurtured for many decades. Much of the public believes that “people who decorate interiors are interior decorators.” They often do not understand that there is a difference between decoration and design. The words of an article by Charlotte S. Jensen, FASID, then president of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) board, still ring true: “Interior design is not the same as decoration. … Decoration is the furnishing or adorning a space with fashionable or beautiful things. Decoration, although a valuable and important element of an interior, is not solely concerned with human interaction or human behavior. Interior design is all about human behavior and human interaction.” 4And much more, many would say.

The most commonly quoted and utilized definition of interior design comes from the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ). The abbreviated version of the definition from CIDQ is offered here. The complete version is presented in the appendix. The definitions are acknowledged and supported by the interior design professional associations:

“Interior design encompasses the analysis, planning, design, documentation, and management of interior non‐structural/non‐seismic construction and alteration projects in compliance with applicable building design and construction, fire, life‐safety, and energy codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines for the purpose of obtaining a building permit, as allowed by law. Qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, interior designers have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect consumers and occupants through the design of code‐compliant, accessible, and inclusive interior environments that address well‐being, while considering the complex physical, mental, and emotional needs of people.” 5

Another excellent definition comes from outside the profession. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, interior designers “plan, design and furnish interiors of residential, commercial or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style.” 6

As you can see from these, interior design is much more than the stereotypical idea of picking out colors and fabrics. The responsibilities and skills required also go beyond those of the individual who has a flair for decorating.

The services of an interior designer have an impact on facilities of all kinds, from private residences to the wide variety of commercial and public spaces. As a professional, interior designers through designs and specifications impact the environment and the economy both at home and even abroad. Our designs create interior environments that can excite the users of a space, sooth individuals, create a pleasing home environment, establish productive work environments, and satisfy other goals presented by the client and project.

Professional responsibility means that a designer understands the consequences of his or her designs and specifications. For example, removing and disposing of carpeting that still has some useful life is a poor choice if there is a place in your community that can utilize this material.

Professional responsibility also implies a consideration for designing spaces using proper codes and building standards. Adhering to an ethical standard is also critical to professional responsibility. Being committed to solving the problems presented by the client in such a way to satisfy the client rather than the designer's own ego is also a professional responsibility.

A professional also needs to keep him or herself current on important topics and professional practices that can impact work with clients. Issues of sustainable design, designing for aging in place, universal design, and the impact of cultural influences are only some of the contexts that involve the profession today.

Professional responsibility also means social responsibility. It is important to understand that designers need to give back to the profession, the community, and to some degree to humankind. As professionals we can affect the communities we live in, through volunteering services that use our skills and problem‐solving ability. Service on community boards, such as design review boards, historic sites, community development boards, and many other city or county boards, can be a particularly good use of the designer's volunteer time. Local government depends on volunteers to take part in these commissions to help city management make living in a city or town better for the whole of the community.