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.