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Interior Design: Home

What is Interior Design?

Interior design is a profession that combines creativity, technical knowledge, and business skills. Interior designers work with clients and other design professionals to develop design solutions that are safe, functional, attractive, and meet the needs of the people using the space.

Interior designers must know how to plan a space and how to present that plan visually so that it can be communicated to the client. They must also know about the materials and products that will be used to create and furnish the space, and how texture, color, lighting and other factors combine and interact to make the space come together. In addition, interior designers must understand the structural requirements of their plans, the health and safety issues, building codes, and many other technical aspects.    

Here are some of the things that interior designers do:

  • Research and analyze their client's goals and requirements
  • Create preliminary space plans and 2- and 3-dimensional design concept studies and sketches
  • Select colors, materials and finishes
  • Select and specify furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork
  • Confirm that the space plans meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental, and sustainability guidelines
  • Prepare project budgets and schedules
  • Prepare construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications
  • Coordinate and collaborate with other allied design professionals, including architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers; and various specialty consultants
  • Oversee the implementation of projects and serve as a representative of and on behalf of the client