Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. It is a multifaceted profession that includes conceptual development, space planning, site inspections, programming, research, communicating with stakeholders, construction management, and execution of the design. An interior designer is someone who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages such enhancement projects.
Interior design is defined as the professional and comprehensive practice of creating an interior environment that addresses, protects, and responds to human need(s) . It is the art, science, and business planning of a creative, technical, sustainable, and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space, while incorporating process and strategy, a mandate for well-being, safety, and health, with informed decisions about style and aesthetics.
Interior designers craft spaces that anticipate our needs and appeal to our emotions while pulling from a broad set of skills and technical knowledge. They are expected to have working knowledge of architecture, graphic design, decorative arts, and textile, furniture, and lighting design. Today, interior designers work with contractors, architects, engineers, craftsmen, furniture dealers, and business and homeowners.
Interior design is different from interior decorating, which is a social practice that studies peoples behavior in relation to the built environment. Designers have the technical knowledge to create functional spaces, but they also understand structure, lighting, codes, and regulatory requirements.
The heart of an interior designer's work is understanding how a space impacts its inhabitants. They provide initial design concepts and space planning proposals, product and material specifications, as well as coordinate with other professionals to ensure the project runs smoothly.
