The term ‘Interior Design’ can be defined as the art of decorating the interiors of a building. An interior designer designs the architectural interiors – the provided space including the walls, windows, doors - and selects the fabrics and furnishing material accordingly. Interior Designers are employed by individuals and business establishments who want to create, or modify the existing space into a relaxed environment for their home or office. The role of the Interior Designer includes space planning, interior design, selection of furnishings, and designing of bespoke furniture, with an eye on the entire structure of the building.
The interior designer therefore converts the given area into a thoroughly functional space with aesthetic beauty. An Interior Designer is trained in planning and construction of ideas with creative design skills for the enhancement of the interior elements of the building.
While designing the interiors of a new or existing residence or a commercial building the interior designer must take into account the client’s requirements along with the environmental conditions. The Interior Designer is to find vital design solutions from a wide range of products and services available. Professional interior designer’s duties include the planning and designing of the different layouts by taking into account the different features of the interior space provided, such as the furnishings to be used, furniture needed in the space, and lighting system. Furthermore, the professional designing skills of an interior designer can be expressed in the finishing touches they give for the floors, walls and ceilings. Apart from all other technical skills it’s important that the interior designer should have a good sense of color and shading in selecting the fabrics and furnishings.
The role of the client is also important in interior design as he is the end user of the interior designer’s services. The work of the interior designer mainly depends on the co-ordination between himself and the clients. As an Interior Designer you should provide the clients with the detailed assessment and drawings of the existing space, as this is important as part of the design process. The interior designer should then present the preliminary ideas to the client for approval.
The areas of activity of the interior designers ranges from low budget buildings to five star hotels, residences, schools, hospitals, theatres, shopping centers, etc. An Interior Designer must be able to combine practical knowledge with creative ability which helps to turn theoretical ideas into successful designs. Interior designers, sometimes have to work closely with architects and clients so as to resolve the structure of space and requirements of the customer.