What is Interior Design?

Whenever I meet someone new, I always get the question “So what does an Interior Designer actually do?”

Here’s my response: “Look around this room, what do you see? Someone had to select and layout these ceiling light fixtures, place those EXIT signs and sprinkler heads, select all the furniture and arrange it in a way that a wheel chair could pass by, specify this specific flooring material and make sure it meets slip resistance standards so you won’t fall, select that drapery fabric and make sure it meets fire code standards so that it doesn’t contribute to flame spread if the room were to catch fire.” The list goes on and on. Anytime you are in a space, it was someone’s job to specify and design every little component and make sure it meets applicable building codes, all while understanding design aesthetics on a scientific and artistic level. That’s what an Interior Designer does.

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An Interior Designer can be your partner, your advocate and can help guide you through the decision making process; we help our clients realize their vision and create an environment that is uniquely theirs. It is important to involve an Interior Designer in the early stages of a project, as they can help you avoid costly mistakes, provide you with valuable resources, and help you find experts to execute the job on your timeline and budget.

Sarah jacquelyn schwuchow, ASID, NCIDQ, RID

The Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) recently released an updated definition of Interior Design:

“Interior design encompasses the analysis, planning, design, documentation, and management of interior non-structural/non-seismic construction and alteration projects in compliance with applicable building design and construction, fire, life-safety, and energy codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines for the purpose of obtaining a building permit, as allowed by law. Qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, interior designers have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect consumers and occupants through the design of code-compliant, accessible, and inclusive interior environments that address well-being, while considering the complex physical, mental, and emotional needs of people.”

While that may be a lot of technical jargon to sort through, the bottom line is that an Interior Designer is an all-encompassing profession when it comes to your space. I earned my NCIDQ certification in 2018 and take every effort to create aesthetic and functional solutions in my clients’ homes. I take the time to get to know my clients style, lifestyle, and emotional and physical needs. I take care of all the details that come along with an interior design project, making it as easy as possible for my clients: understanding applicable building codes, project managing contractors, sourcing high-quality vendors, and executing the project down to the last detail.

A common misconception is that an Interior Designer is the same as an interior decorator. While decorators have an eye for design and can create beautiful spaces, they lack the qualifications of education, experience, and the NCIDQ examination. Interior Designers combine artistic and technical solutions to create harmonious spaces, while also focusing on health, safety and welfare to enhance quality of life. Check out “What’s in Your Paint?” for a great example of how selecting the right paint can make all the difference in ensuring your families health and wellness.

Pinterest is fantastic way to find a style that you love, but to effectively recreate it by yourself in your own home is much more complicated than it looks. An Interior Designer can help you achieve a pin-worthy home that is sustainable, functional, and beautiful; but most importantly, it will be a reflection of you!

If you’re ready to start working on your dream home, schedule a design consultation today! No project to big or too small, I love helping my clients create a home that is uniquely theirs that they can experience to the fullest!