What is an Interior Designer?

The professional interior designer is qualified by education, experience and examination to enhance the safety, function, and quality of interior spaces. Interior designers effectively communicate knowledge of building codes and technology for the purposes of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity and protecting the health, safety and welfare of those who occupy the spaces they design.

Interior design encompasses many specialties in residential, commercial and institutional interiors, including homes, hotels, restaurants, schools, dormitories, office and industrial interiors, healthcare facilities and nursing homes.

Interior designers’ services include:

		Consultation
		Data gathering/programming
		Space planning
		Design analysis
		Drawings
		Specifications of finishes and fixtures
		Furnishings
		Reflected ceiling plans
		Detailing of non-load bearing elements of interior spaces

Qualified interior designers have comprehensive professional training and technical knowledge and must have many competencies, including:

		Space planning that provides proper means of egress
		Ergonomic work spaces
		Specification of furniture, fixtures, fabrics and finishes that meet or exceed fire codes and toxicity standards
		Determination of proper application and appropriate use of finishes for maximum safety and optimal maintenance
		Barrier-free design
		Compliance with national, state, and local building codes