Interior Design Degrees & Programs

Interior Design and interior designers are responsible for shaping interior spaces, and form a material aspect of the human experience, that of space and form. Interior Design is most often associated with architecture but must also be integrated with the engineering of a building, the electrical wiring, the plumbing, and the utility of a building. Interior designers must also anticipate the natural light available, the accessibility of the building, the use of a space, and even the landscaping outside. Far from being mere decoration, interior design determines the final form and function of the spaces where we live and work.

Interior design, like other forms of technical design, starts with the exhaustive analysis of the requirements for each project. The building owner or their representative works hand in hand with the interior designer to define the elements and standards that must be incorporated into the design. For public buildings like hospitals, airports, libraries and museums, there may be regulatory standards that need to be anticipated, such as how many people can be in one room at a time, the level of support for the handicapped, or the number of clear exits. The designer must thoroughly understand all of these regulations and ensure compliance throughout the project. Depending on the use of the building, the owner may require various styles and materials. For example, a library is usually a quiet space, with isolated workspaces for people to think and study in peace. A concert hall on the other hand, should have an acoustic character that allows everyone to enjoy the music. The two projects would have very different requirements.

Once all of the requirements are gathered and documented, the interior designer moves on to the next phase, the drafting of design specifications. The designer must have experience with drawing, drafting, blueprints, and CAD design to generate the work product needed. Whether for a remodel or a brand new building, the designer and architect will work very closely to make sure that all of the requirements are anticipated in the blueprints and floor plan. Some designers even generate three-dimensional virtual models that provide a tangible vision of the space. This type of modeling can be very effective as a design tool, a virtual tour, and even as a sales tool for pre-selling retail space, or drumming up further investment money.

Interior designers must have a deep knowledge of engineering and construction. The mechanics of plumbing, electricity, ductwork and framing create constraints on the designs that must be accommodated. Also, the timeline for construction affects the timeline for design, as materials and resources must be available on a clearly defined schedule. Commercial builders typically work on relatively small profit margins so the more efficient the project, the more successful everyone can be.

In addition to their knowledge of construction, interior designers must have expertise with building materials themselves. Most often the designer will facilitate the bid process and purchasing of these materials so they must be familiar with the cost and economic factors at work. Some of the materials that an interior designer will regularly work with include:

Like a painter with a palette of colors, the interior designer has a bevy of materials and resources at their disposal. This is the part of the process where a designer can bring their artistic sense and style into play. The way that spaces are laid out, the lighting that is available, the way that rooms flow together and the objects that are utilized all build the character of the space. Form, function and style all come together to solidify the physical environment, which in turn affects the mentality and even spirituality of the space. "Feng Shui" refers to a Chinese philosophy of the proper placement and arrangement of spaces to achieve a certain harmony between the environment and human activity. Whether or not a designer believes in the principles of feng shui, they should have expertise in its teachings and be able to incorporate elements in their design.

Similarly, colors and color combinations affect the "mood" of a room. There have been many studies of the psychological effect that specific colors generate. While there are no universal rules for the psychological effect of color, some of the common ideas connected to colors include:

The psychology of color is far from being a hard science, but a good designer should be able to discuss the different ideas of color, create color schemes, and compliment and adorn rooms accordingly. It is especially important to note what colors the client wants to incorporate and whether their moods tend to be affected by certain parts of the spectrum. Also, many colors have symbolic relevance in the various religions of the World. An interior designer that understands the symbolic energy of colors and forms, as well as the cultural heritage of their clients, will be better equipped to successfully perform on a given project.

Another element that bears consideration is the ergonomics of a space. Ergonomics refers to the study of facilities, tools and spaces in terms of how they fit the human body. Ergonomic studies are driven by the commercial need to create workspaces that are efficient, safe, and conducive to maximum productivity. Ergonomics then are just one more area of study that interior designers should be familiar with. There are many schools of thought, modes of design, philosophies of color, and different perspectives for interior designers to assimilate.

Furthermore, there are a host of responsibilities associated with the business aspect of interior design. Style, form and function are integral to the work product, but the operation of a business must also be considered. Before any of the design can begin, a detailed estimate or bid is usually generated. Bidding and contracting work accurately and competitively is vital to success. Bids will generally include a description of the human labor and materials required to complete a design project, a timeline for completion, and any optional arrangements that could be considered. Standard contracts for interior design work will describe the scope of the project, timeline, and any liabilities associated with the work. Profit margins built into the contract will generally be dictated by market conditions, track record of excellence, and also any awards, or certifications the designer may hold.

Interior designers enjoy many resources for ongoing training, accreditation, knowledge sharing, networking, and for doing business in general. One organization is referred to as the American Society of Interior Designers or ASID. This organization maintains resources for students, educators, designers and clients. ASID also offers an online job bank and several certifications that fill out the resume of an interior designer. The International Interior Design Association or IIDA also offers many resources and opportunities. These organizations will often establish chapters by state so be sure you research the resources available to you in your state.

The academic study of interior design is typically two to four years. Degrees include a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, an Associate degree in Applied Science in Interior Design. Non-degree certificates in design are also available. The typical undergraduate program in interior design includes a healthy dose of liberal arts, color coordination, and culminates in the preparation for the qualifying exams for certification in a given state. Associate degrees usually take about half as long and can be pursued on a part-time basis, which is great for students who are also employed full-time. Basic, non-degree programs tend to stick to the primary aspects of interior design such as the history of design, planning, color, building materials, and finishing touches. There are many programs to choose from and beyond personal preference, you should choose a program that will prepare you to meet your goals, whatever they may be. If you are seeking a specific certificate, title or accreditation, be sure your path of study will lead you to that goal. If you are seeking a specific job with a specific firm, be sure you develop contacts within that organization even while you are studying. Its never too early to begin networking, seeking mentors, and planting seeds in the industry. A career in interior design can be rewarding and exciting and it is up to you to plan, execute, and work your way to success!