The Future of Interior Design

     I would love to write some deep, heart-felt entry about the future of Interior Design, but I don't feel that anything I could say would be that life-altering.
     The future of Interior Design, to me, is unpredictable.  I hope that in the future people will understand my profession a little bit better and see how important Interior Designers really are to our community.  The benefits of Interior Design are countless, yet no one seems to even know what Interior Design is- but  I'm finished complaining about it.
     I'll go ahead and say this:  I am the future of Interior Design.  I will take the responsibility for the ignorance of my family, friends, peers, strangers...  and I will do my best to educate them.  The only thing we can do as designers is educate.  We can prove that we are important by always putting our best foot forward and keeping the needs and emotions of the people first.  Interior design is about bettering the lives of people.
     It's not about trends, who's best at it or how much you spend or make in a year... In my career I plan to do a lot of pro bono work.  I decided to be a part of this profession because I want to help people.  As long as I'm doing what I love and I'm making people happy, I don't care how others feel about my career.  

   
   

Get Up, Stand Up, Stand Up for Your Right... & stop the confusion!

     It's time for Interior Designers to stand up for the right to call ourselves Interior Designers.  I am so tired of people assuming that I am a decorator- a swatch picker, a pillow fluffer.  When someone asks me what I'm going to school for, I simply say "Interior Design".  It never fails- people automatically assume that the words "designer" and "decorator" are synonymous.  I always think to myself, "do you really think that I would attend college for four years to learn how to rearrange your furniture, or find a new rug for your dining room??"  These are things that people can learn on their own by watching television programs on HGTV.  I have to say, I do understand where the confusion comes in.  The TV gives the people a false idea of what Interior Design really is.  I have never once heard David Bromstad on Color Splash say that he is a graduate of Ringling and that he worked his ass off to be where he is today...  It infuriates me that none of the experienced Interior Designers on HGTV and other "design" programs on television let their profession be as misunderstood as it is.  I know that this misconception will always be a problem, but I don't feel that it is unreasonable to say that I can make a difference one explanation at a time.  As an Interior Design student, I understand that it is extremely important to have a prepared explanation of what I do- I refuse to be a part of the confusion.

     So, in case you were unaware, Interior Design requires lots of schooling- four entire years, to be exact.  And to be licensed, you'll need two years of experience.  To the regular Joe, it may seem like Interior Design is about drawing floor plans, and making spaces "pretty".  Although we do create aesthetically pleasing spaces, there's much more to it than that.  Did you know that most commercial spaces you've visited have had the help of an Interior Designer?  Without us and our extensive training, your favorite restaurant may one day burn to the ground.  An Interior Designer's training requires us to learn and understand ADA codes, as well as many other codes and restrictions.  This is by no means all of the duties of an Interior Designer.  If you are looking for a more in-depth description, please see the NCIDQ, ASID, and IIDA websites.  You will surely find your information there.

     To all of my fellow Interior Design peers, do NOT let people think that you are working your hardest to go out in the real world to stand in front of a paint swatch display at Lowe's, or to revamp a few lamps with spray paint to make them look new again.  You may do these things every once in awhile, but there is major planning and thought involved- which is often not portrayed in television shows or magazines.    Make sure each and every curious person you meet walks away with an accurate depiction of your future profession.  Do not be afraid to stand up for yourself! If you can't stand up for yourself now, how will you explain all of the design decisions you make?  People are bound to ask questions.  Always be prepared.  Don't let them catch you with your professional pants down!

The Importance of Professionalism

     What makes a person professional?  Many would say that it is the type of clothes a person wears, or the way that they interact with clients or employers.  I would say that it depends on the career.  A professional fisherman may say that professionalism is about patience, determination, and willing to get fish guts on his hands.  A professional designer has a completely different view.  Although we may share views such as the patience and determination, fish guts have no relevance. 

     Professionalism to me, as an interior design student, means working to the best of my ability to make my projects the best that they can be.  It also means turning projects in on time, being able to take criticism, and working well with my peers.  A good reputation starts at school, and this is an important part of professionalism. 

     To be professional in the interior design profession means being honest, hard-working, and truly caring about the safety and welfare of the clients who have hired you, among other things. Ethics are especially important in the interior design profession.  You can read more about ethics and interior design here:  http://www.asid.org/content/asid-code-ethics-professional-conduct

     The more professional you are, the more likely people will be willing to work by your side, and to hire you. This does not only apply to interior design, this is an aspect of every career that will either make you, or break you.

The Value of Interior Design

When a person chooses a career path to follow, there is always some reason or ambition behind that decision.  However, it is rare that anyone ever (specifically) thinks about the value of the profession they have selected.  I feel that it is important for everyone to consider and be aware of the importance of the occupation that they practice-especially if this job requires schooling or training.  Why would a person spend his/her time and money on something they feel has no meaning or bigger picture? 

As an Interior Design student who invests a large amount of time and money on an education, I know the value of Interior Design.

To me, Interior Design is important because it provides people a place to feel comfort, among other things.  Many people do not realize the amount of work Interior Designers actually do.  They may think it’s all about “decorating” and making a room “pretty”.  This, to me, is the most pathetic description of Interior Design.  This may be what it looks like on the surface, but we are responsible for much more than throw pillows and paint colors.  The NCIDQ does a great job explaining EXACTLY what Interior designers do here: http://www.ncidq.org/aboutus/aboutinteriordesign/definitionofinteriordesign.aspx .  Essentially, Interior Design is about human factors (environmental psychology), safety of the public, and lastly, making a space aesthetically pleasing according to the wants and needs of the client.  It is about function, peace of mind, and a comfortable environment.  We control how people feel from the moment they step into a space that we have designed.  Bad design can be detrimental to the success of a business, as well as a person’s health (believe it or not).

That is why Interior Design is important-and why I have decided to study this great subject.  I believe that I can better people's lives, and that makes me feel good.