Design Education

I’m currently attending the art institute in pursuit of a bachelors of fine arts with a concentration in interior design.  When I decided to attend The Art Institute I had a misunderstanding of what interior design was. I was under the impression everyone else was that I got to go shopping; putting fabrics on sofas and carpeting on floors. They day I started class my interpretation of interior design started to change and it has been ever sense. Now I know what interior design is and how much work it requires. I still have a passion for making things pretty like everyone else does, but now I know it’s not my main priority. 

When I graduate from school, I plan on going to find a job under an interior designer and start accumulating my hours to take the NCIDQ.  Getting a job directly out of college has become a priority to me because I’m ready to start being a real person. I’m sure once opportunities present themselves I would love to further my education and go back, possibly even in another field. I’m constantly changing my mind and wanting to walk in a different direction, this time I’m completing what I started before the turn occurs.

Interior Design Definition

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. An understanding of human factors and psychology add to the versatile field, while construction of interior entities and furniture further the experience needed to be successful.

Professionalism

A professional is a member of a vocation founded upon specialised educational training.
A vocation is a term for an occupation to which a person is specially drawn or for which they are suited, trained or qualified.
Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment.

I think the use of the word “design” in a decorator’s world is a ticket into success. The fact that you can use it in “residential non-construction” circumstances, only adds to the illusion of achievement. I don’t think anyone who hasn’t gone through the proper requirements of obtaining a certification should be able to advertise themselves with the use of that word. Although most people don’t know the difference between the two doesn’t mean the word “design” isn’t more enticing than decorate.

Each state’s requirements are different but all current design interior legislation requires the passing of the NCIDQ. With that being said, I hope to land a great internship with a firm that will offer to help me take the test. I do want to be licensed and registered and I want to earn the word that I’ve been working so hard for.

“The difference between designing a room and decorating a room is influenced by function and by intent. To design a room is to consider factors such as the size of door and window openings, the placement of electrical outlets and closets, and the types of furnishings needed to meet the needs of the occupants. The design of a room is influenced by local codes, architecture and ways the room will be used.
To decorate a room is to create a color palette, choose fabrics and furnishings, plan furniture arrangement and choose accessories for the space. It is no less difficult than designing a room; it is just a different step necessary to reaching the final goal of a comfortable and functional space.”

I found this comparison on ehow.com and I couldn’t disagree with it more. Sure the two definitions are legitimate, but the fact that this comparison states “It is no less difficult than designing a room; it is just a different step necessary to reaching the final goal of a comfortable and functional space.” The fact that I went to school and was taught door swings and sizes of doors and location of outlets automatically makes designing a harder and more involved task than putting a colored couch in a living room.

All in all, I think peoples idea of the word design is skewed. To be honest I didn’t know the difference when I started this school, but after every class and every late night I’ve come to realize you earn the word “design”, through hard work and dedication.