An interior designer draws upon knowledge from psychology, environmentalism, art, architecture and sometimes religion to create harmony within an interior space. Colors, textures, furniture, lighting and open space should all come together to present a psychologically enjoyable, safe and functional environment. While it may sound strange that a whole industry is devoted to something that seems to boil down to “personal taste,” a good interior design can boost sales, productivity, increase employee satisfaction, command a higher purchase price or expand the size of the area.
When a professional interior designer gets started, he or she begins by assessing the client’s wants and needs. They examine budgets, look at lifestyle, scrutinize the home for wasted space, seek color or style preferences and identify pros and cons of the current interior space. Next, the designer will estimate the costs and create a design image with computer-aided interior design software. After presenting the proposal, the client will either approve or deny the sketches. Then it is either time to implement the project or “go back to the old drawing board,” as they say.
Demand for interior design services is expected to grow over the coming years. The health care industry is looking for ways to make their facilities less austere and more inviting for patients. Offices are looking to make productivity-enhancing designs. Restaurants and hotels are looking at interior design as a way of capturing a lion’s share of the tourism industry. Home designs that incorporate personal movie theaters, libraries, offices, wine cellars, indoor gardens and home spas are drawing many designers into the luxury homes market as well. The demand for sustainable green building design is expected to be the next wave of interior design trends.
The interior design work environment is varied. Often interior designers will run between the field and the office, working with clients half the time and on their computers/design studios the other half. As can be expected, architectural firms and interior design company offices are some of the most relaxed, aesthetically pleasing environments to work in. However, some designers are self-employed and work from home, while others work at furniture stores. Often a designer will shuttle to conventions, exhibitions, manufacturing centers and design showrooms.
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