PERCEPTION VS. REALITY

Before I enrolled in the Interior Design program, I didn’t even know that it was a career option.  I thought that an Architect would do everything.  I did know that there were Decorators, because of HGTV shows, but wasn’t even sure of what they did as well; I would guess furniture, color and materials.

When I decided to continue my education and go to college, I came to Ai.  I didn’t want to go to a regular college that I had to take a year of general education before studying something I liked.  I didn’t want to do anything too computerized; then I saw Interior Design.  All I knew was that I was going to be able to draw and be hands on a lot, that’s what I wanted!

Yes, but no.  Yes I draw a lot but that’s only a fraction of what is done in this field.  After a year I started to realize and learn more of the process.  I learned to construct floor plans, develop perspectives, codes and regulations, which makes the job official, how to research thoroughly, construction documents, and presentation techniques.

Around the second year, things started to get real in relations to the things that we have to deal with in the real world apart from the general things that an Interior Designer has to do regardless.  When designing a space that people will be occupying, you can’t just design what you want or like.  You have to study the people that are going to be using the space.  Studying the psychology of people and their space is something that would have had never crossed my mind before I enrolled or in year one.  In addition, at Ai, the professors stress the importance of ethics, which is common sense, but in the field you deal with clients of all cultures and personalities that need to be accommodated.

The software’s to construct are incredible.  You can make anything come to life at scale and with accuracy.  Again, something that I never knew existed.  Reality, this is an amazing career, for any creative personnel, with a lot of surprising and astonishing things that provide you with many opportunities to succeed.

PROFESSIONALIZIM WITHIN THE PROFESSION (ETHICS)

            In the field of Interior Design, Designers have to work with all sorts of clients; from male or female, different raises, different cultures, nice or aggressive to middle class or high class clients, and etc.  The Designer is also a human being; one that is different from everyone else.  For a successful design, Designers have to work with clients and clients have to work with Designers.  Through good ethics and communication a design evolves.

            Designers have to conduct their profession in manners that encourages the respect of the client, fellow Interior Designers, the industry and the general public.

            While working with the client, the Designer should only perform or agree to work that the Designer is licensed to do.  When the project is being discussed, the Designer has to communicate with the client what is going to be done, how, when, and around how much the service would cost over time.  Beyond that, if any changes are conducted, the client has to be notified/updated.  A contract is brought to the table to seal all liabilities and finances.  Ethically, when the Designer has signed that contract, no information should be shared with others.  Either about the client or the project.

            Even though a Designer might be Landscaping or simply working for them-self, it is important to be respectful to other Designers in the field.  Honestly, integrity and fairness can go a long way.  If done so, a good word can go around which can open opportunities.  A Designer should never plagiarize others work and should only take credit for their own work.

            In talking about fellow Designers, Designers agree to maintain the standards of the profession and personal conduct when they chose to become licensed (Ethically).  As time goes on, technology improves as well.  As designers and for the best quality and safety of the public we have to continually stay to date and improve knowledge.  As good morals, Designers should always be willing to share their knowledge within the profession, to the public and to Interior Design students.  In connection with spreading knowledge, Designers should not hold back any information or make false statement that can negatively affect 

the profession.

            Finally, one of all time goal of Designers is to provide good service to the general public.  To do so, Designers shall follow existing laws, regulations and codes established by state or other jurisdiction where service is being conducted.  Designers should consider the health, safety, and welfare of the public at all times.  It is unethical and illegal to violate any laws or regulations knowingly or be part of so conduct.  As Designers, our name and knowledge is all we got; you do not want your name to be part of anything that has nothing to do with Interior Design, or in any type of false advertising.  A Designer can refuse to work with a client or employer that violates ant law or regulation; for the safety of the public.  Finally, a Designer works very hard to make a name for themselves and should never put their name down on a contract so that others can work off their name.

            My opinion, you can be the best Designer on Earth, but if you have no sense of ethical morals and respect for others and the profession, you will never succeed.  You need to provide good knowledge, good design and good ethical features, and everyone would 

be happy.

REFERENCES: 

NCIDQ Certification Appellation Code of Ethics

ASID Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

IIDA Code of Ethics for Professional and Associate Member Conduct

Educate yourself correctly

Now a day, there are different amount of course times for the same field/title/degree.  Terms are five week periods, quarters are 11 week periods and semesters are 16 week periods.  I am currently in the Interior Design program at the Art Institute of Tampa.  Here we run on quarters, 11 week periods.

There are other schools that run off terms and they provide the Interior Design program.  I ask myself, “How can they possibly learn and retain everything that needs to be learned”.  This is not a profession of learning color theories only.  We deal with people’s life and safety.  It is something that is critical that needs time and reviewing.  If it’s rushed, accidents happen.  I feel like these student are being cut on important education.  Then, they go out to the real world and potentially misconception the profession or make mistakes that make the profession look bad.  On one part it is a little less cost effective; but you get what you pay for.

I feel like quarters is the perfect balance between time, cost, and education.  It’s more expensive than terms, but you get twice the time; allowing time for design process.  Apart from school, most of students have a job, and a family.  With school pressure on top of that, it would be very frustrating to have to cram an 11 week period in a 5 week term.  With quarters, sometimes it’s still a little challenging with real world problems, but it’s definitely manageable.

Semesters are the most beneficial in my opinion, but yes, it’s more costly, something not all can afford.  With the extra 5 weeks, any questions or concerns can be cleared up.  The only disadvantage to this lengthy period is that those courses that we don’t like would be longer.  My say is, Sometimes you got to do things you don’t like and make sacrifices for the best results.  This is our future.  I decided in this field and I would do everything that I can do to get the best out of an education while I have the opportunity in life.

With those main points reviewed, I believe that trade periods like terms, affects you in the long run.  Take your time and do things the right way.  Patience and quality is key to success.

Who is an interior designer?

                In society today, Interior Design is looked down on.  Not a lot of people know about it or care for it.  Well, in fact; it is very important and everyone needs to know what we do.  People go places every day and interact in interiors and are able to function in those spaces and leave safely because of Interior Designers.  We are professionals that are trained to create functional and quality interiors.  Architects and Interior Designers work very closely but people only seem to give them credit for projects.  They basically design the outside and Interior Designers design the inside; but if you where to eat an apple and the outside looks good but the inside is rotten then it’s no good to consume.  That’s why we focus in Interiors. 

                To be Interior Designers we are required to complete specific schooling and training to provide safe functional environments.   An exam is required to be passed and registration before being able to be called an Interior Designer.

“What are Decorators?”                                                                                        

 “NOT US!”

Decorators have to go to school and well but they deal mainly with aesthetics.  Decorators don’t deal with structural planning.  They help clients decide styles, color, furniture, and accessories (a quarter of what Interior Designers do).  They also don’t work with Contractors or Architects.  In conclusion, Decorators don’t work to space plan structural environments, they dress up the space.

An Architect is like the hard shell.  Yes, they are designers also and require schooling and examinations.  They scientifically design places where people can live, eat, work and play.  They are involved in a project from the very beginning to construction to the grand opening.  Along with Architects; Engineers, Designers and Financiers are called upon a project.