Christine M. Piotrowski - Professional Practice for Interior Designers

After World War II, nonresidential design became an increasingly important aspect of the profession for many reasons. The evolution of giant corporations was one factor. Curtain wall construction, suspended ceilings, and changes in construction to allow for vast, open interior spaces in office buildings all affected the design–build industry. Changes in the philosophy of the workplace created new furniture concepts, such as that of the “office landscape.” As companies embraced this planning philosophy, new specialists in space planning, lighting design, and acoustics became part of the profession.

Commercial interior design was making an impact on the profession from a business standpoint as well. Some refer to commercial interior design as nonresidential or contract interior design. The term contract design grew out of early commercial design from the fact that commercial projects more frequently were executed based on contracts for services. Of course, both residential and commercial projects are undertaken after a contract for services has been executed in today's professional practice.

Women were making an impact on the commercial design industry as well. Dorothy Draper (1889–1969) is credited with being the first woman interior decorator who specialized in commercial interiors. 13Florence Knoll established the Knoll Planning Group in the 1940s. This design company's focus was on commercial interior design. 14

New design concepts, as well as other issues, created tension and arguments over educational requirements and admission to professional associations for interior designers. A renewed debate ensued over the words “decorator” versus “designer.” As educational programs developed, curriculums varied, resulting in uneven preparation. It was recognized that education needed to be more stringent, with formalized preparation that went beyond aesthetics. The growing complexity of the work of the interior designer led to professional associations formalizing requirements for membership.

Major impacts on the interior design profession have been the increased availability to technology and globalization of business to enhance the work of a design professional. The technology of the Internet has given professionals the opportunity to market their services on a global scale. Although large firms have had the opportunity to be multinational for many years, now a potential client in a foreign country can discover even a sole practitioner in another country.

Embracing technology gives any size design firm many advantages. Designers now have the opportunity to search out products outside their immediate market area. Technology also allows for rapid production of design documents, and easy communication throughout the world.

The profession thrives during economic booms and, like every industry, redefines itself when the economy is slow. Regardless of the impact of the economy, interior design professionals and students will be faced with continuous change in the profession. Finding one's way by gaining education, experience, and competency to work as a professional interior designer in the 21st century includes achieving knowledge and skills in professional practice.

New pressures and responsibilities will continue to affect all practitioners, businesses, and even students of interior design. This short history provides a context for the development of the interior design profession and is meant to give readers an appreciation of the roots of the profession called interior design. Table 1‐1summarizes its chronological development. Additional history of the associations is presented later in Chapter 2.

“I don’t understand why you charge so much!”

Most interior designers have, at one time or another, heard this comment from clients. Many professionals are stumped as to how to respond to this statement. Professionals and the profession still must combat the undervaluing of interior design services.

TABLE 1‐1. Highlighted chronology of the growth of the interior design profession

Unfortunately, many clients still view interior design services as “fun” and “easy” and more “creative” than business. Because they see so many shows on television that seems to make doing interiors easy and fast, they lack appreciation for the profession. Added to this is the fact that designers do not communicate how interior design can be of value to clients so that the client questions the designer’s suggestions and fees.