We all value expertise and seek it out. Not that long ago people "let the fingers to the walking" in search of expertise. Today we let our mouse to the scrolling, to find professionals or people with expertise, such as car mechanics, doctors, plumbers, jewelers etc. There is however one area in life were many feel no expertise is required. - When it comes to arranging our home interior spaces, we forget there are experts for that too.
So, are interior designers experts? Can they actually understand your needs and wants and deliver an interior tailormade to your lifestyle and taste? What does an Interior Designer actually do?
An Interior Designer is an expert in personalising spaces -
All of us appreciate and thrive in well -organized spaces. We aspire interiors which allow us to freely preform our daily tasks, with ease of accessibility, storage solutions and adequate comfort. Add to those the expression of our personal style through our interior living space and we feel privileged!
Interior designers have the expertise of organising space and making it effective and aesthetically pleasing for the occupant.
- not style dictator
There is more to the Interior Design profession than the understanding of design principles space and colour.
Interior Designers are experts in recognising the physical and psychological needs of their client. In other words, good interior designers design for the occupants and not for the space. Rather than style dictator, a good interior designer views their role as lifestyle facilitator.
Their goal is always to deliver personalised interior design for their clients. To achieve this, apart from training and experience the interior designer relies on good interpersonal skills and natural abilities.
Interpersonal Skills
1. Communication - the reciprocal process of listening and advising credibly by reasoning and explanation.
2. Discernment - the skill of reading "between the lines" to understand and articulate what is meant although not verbalized by the client.
3. Relating to others - the ability to grasp the perspective others have, understand their point of view and not be blinded by personal opinions and preferences.
Natural Abilities
1. Sixth sense - the ability to mentally instantly rearrange the space in real time before pen is put to paper and visualize finished product, as if the designer virtually transferred into the proposed space arrangement.
2. Confidence - conviction what they have proposed is the best solution for their client. Unaffected by third party objections they not second-guess or deviate from their educated proposal. The type of confidence that will reassure their client, not antagonise them.
3. Proactive -The best remedy is prevention even when it comes to design. Anticipating and overcoming problems before they occur is what designers do. When unforeseen problems arise, by being proactive a designer turns obstacles into opportunities.
Behind the scenes
Thus far we have described what designers do you, but how do they do it? Behind the scenes what is the process they follow that enables them to deliver your dream interior?
Behind the scenes interior designers perform a variety of important and labour intensive duties.
These are not necessarily observed by their client and are often taken for granted.
Interior Designer Duties
Analyze their client's wants and needs.
Develop a relevant design scheme in line with the principles of design and the science of human behavior.
Colour studies
Prepare presentations of the proposed concepts which include drawings 3D rendering, colour and mood boards, to effectively communicate their proposals to their client.
Ensure proposed concepts are safe, ergonomically sound, functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Address environmental and sustainability issues.
Select colors, textures, materials and finishes to meet their client’s aesthetic preferences and psychological needs.
Evaluate the functional, performance, environmental and safety benefits, of their proposals.
Select and specify furniture, fixtures and equipment to best render the particular design concept.
Design bespoke furniture, fixtures and equipment to best render the particular design concept and address particular spatial and functional considerations
Provide project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules.
Prepare working drawings and lighting designs.
Act as the client's negotiator and purchasing agent.
Communicating information on the progress and completion of the project
Post-occupancy evaluation and reports on behalf of the client.
More than decorator
There is no doubt, interior designers are not there to decorate. They are spatial experts. They understand the interaction and the impact space has on human life and their holistic design approach goes beyond just aesthetics. Their role is to facilitate the occupant's self-expression and lifestyle.
Reclaim your space, express your style and live the life you want!
We daily rely on the expertise of professionals to deliver products and services for our convenience, well being and enjoyment. Add "Interior Designer" to your arsenal of professional people and let them help reclaim your space, express your style and live the life you want!
