| Interior designer or decorator? |
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Posted: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 12:52 pm
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One of the main gripes common to most qualified interior designers is the fact that anyone can set themselves up as an ‘interior designer’. There’s no single regulating body in our industry which can certify that a client is actually employing someone with the correct qualifications, from a recognised college or university, to carry out the job in hand and which enables them to have the basic knowledge to produce a professional set of working drawings for both contractors and consultants.
For any interior design project, from small scale residential to large scale commercial, it’s crucial that a reputable interior designer is brought on board –anybody can pick a nice roll of wallpaper and call themselves an interior designer. More often than not they are no more than decorators, whilst the role of an interior designer is much more technical based.
Some people still do assume that the role of an interior designer is nothing more than that of a cushion fluffer, however, the role of a true designer goes far beyond that, with approximately only 20 per cent of our time being focussed on the creative side and a staggering 80 per cent dedicated to the technical side of things.
Once employed as interior designers on any project, we are required to undertake a complete set of working drawings and schedules, all of which have to comply with current building regulations and all that entails. Our job, although based on design and creativity, is essentially a technical undertaking. There is no point in designing an interior which is completely impractical and is ultimately not buildable.
As interior designers we should be involved in a project from the very offset, to enable us to liaise with the architects to create something which will not only meet the needs of the client, but which is practical and will perfectly serve its purpose and beyond. We’re able to advise on anything from pillars to pools and from sockets to spas.
Whilst there is no doubt that there are many people who have a talent for interior decorating, it should be remembered that it is exactly that. If these so called ‘interior designers’ were asked to submit working drawings containing construction detail drawings for joiners, electricians, and general contractors to work from, they wouldn’t know where to begin. They are not designers and really shouldn’t be permitted to call themselves such. It should be set out far more clearly for potential clients who are employing the services of an interior designer or an interior decorator.
The interior design industry as a profession is not taken as seriously as it deserves to be. This seems to be a particular problem in the UK, we really need to be regulated and directed in best practise just like many other related industries are, such as architecture, surveying and engineering.
 There are many different specialist fields in interior design, from hotel and leisure to office, retail and residential design, each of which require an in depth knowledge of relevant current technology, building techniques and materials. Without this knowledge, it would be impossible to undertake any project effectively and in the end, the client would end up with an inferior product and would be rightfully aggrieved. Like in other professions, most reputable interior design companies will not even consider employing anyone without a degree or equivalent qualification in interior design. Most colleges and universities offering interior design courses now have very stringent entry requirements and demand for places is extremely high.
There’s no doubt that there are many people out there who are excellent interior decorators and can complete a fantastic job with the aspects involved in dressing a room. Interior decorators can prove very useful to those who do not have the time or inclination to decorate their own homes. However it should be made clear that many of them are not qualified interior designers.
Employing the services of an interior designer who is accredited through one of the number of industry bodies for the design profession in the UK is one way of being safe in the knowledge that a potential designer is recognised in their field, although as yet there is not one single body which can truly regulate the industry – but I do believe it will soon come. Another way of ensuring that an interior designer is reliable is through their previous experience and by checking out their qualifications, making sure they have completed recognised degrees or qualifications as opposed to night school certifications.
Jim Rankin is an associate at RTR Design. Based in Burton-Upon-Trent, RTR Design comprises of professionals who have over 40 years experience in all aspects of interior design, project management and architecture. The company’s wealth of expertise principally focuses on the design of exclusive hotels, spas and leisure facilities but also expands to residential and commercial projects. For more information visit www.rtr-design.com or call 01238 566 788. |
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