Perception Vs Reality

Many times our perception about something can be the opposite of the reality, and that may apply to the Interior Design as a profession and the misconception about what we do and how important is our work to people. The perception that people get when they watch HGT and any other interior design show is not real, people get the impression that any project can be done in one day and there is no explanation on what needs to be considered and done before seeing the final outcome of a great interior design. On the other hand, we have professionals that to make the interior design  to look more important to people’s eyes classify themselves as: “Interior Architects”, just an easier way to stand out what we do,  instead of educate and acknowledge people about what we do, completely different from the concept of giving colors to the walls and putting curtains. Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and functional solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are to enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive. The Interior design must to adhere to code and regulatory requirements, including: research, analysis and integration of the knowledge into the creative process to fulfill the project’s goals. In the research process we have to draw preliminary space plans, with few dimensional designs and sketches that integrate the client’s needs. Once confirmed the preliminary study of space and design concepts are: safe, functional and meet public health, safety and welfare requirements, then we also check that it  includes codes  in regard to: accessibility, environmental and sustainable guidelines.  After all mentioned before we are not done yet!  We have to decide based on the socio-psychological analysis the colors, materials, furniture, fixtures, equipments and millwork and the preparation of all construction documents with layouts, elevations details and specifications will finish just the starting process. As a result we will be conducting a post-occupancy evaluation report that is more than appreciated by the client’s smile and gratitude! Now my question is: do you still believe that interior design is just give some color? Do you still believe a project can be done in one day? That’s why perception is completely different sometimes from reality!

Universal Design? Have you heard that term before?

The first time I heard the terminology “Universal Design” was from my interior design professor in a philosophical discussion about design from its humanitarian view, and I realized once again of the importance of the interior design in transforming people’s life and how important is to serve to the community without considering gender, economic status or disabilities. Then I remembered also seen a documentary about a kitchen design with specific measurements and features for people with disabilities. Well, to make the story short I started my research about this so touching topic and my readings and reflection took me to an article from UniversalDesign.com and the article that called my attention was one published by Fine homebuilding titled: “A home for the next 50 years”. Basically it reads about the principles of the universal design to create a home that’s adaptable enough to serve its inhabitants regardless of their age, ability, sex or economic status, and how important was for this couple integrated by an architect and his wife, to look for  2 years a  house with all the characteristics they were looking for to make it a 50 years home, in other words, to spend their lives in a homemade that would allow them to enjoy it while aging without relocating with the years. The architect refers to the flexibility of the adaptable features and how important will be the cost of the design not the fabrication. From their point of view, universal design yielded lower costs when compared to standard products. How important can be for any of us to live in a comfortable and safe space? How would you feel if you cannot speak up like people with: autism, children with any visual, earring or motor disability, nursing homes, among others that just live in the space that was chosen for them and didn’t decide whether they like it or not?...If I would have the chance to improve people’s life and bring a smile to a face …I will be more than happy with what I’ll do in the future once I graduate and put into practice all my knowledge and passion.  I won’t hesitate in working in any project that implies any disability or economic situation, just like doctors can not hesitate in saving a life due to the fact of not been able to afford a surgery… we will be the  home doctors  and we should always try our best to improve people’ lives… that is our goal and that’s our satisfaction.

Interior Design Vs Architecture

The Interior Design was born in the 30's and 40's as a profession that women could do without been discriminated against by men. So basically the beginning of our profession was headed by women, but nowadays it has become an unisex profession like any other that can be practiced by any sex and gender as long as you like it and you get an education and knowledge to put it into practice. The main conflict nowadays with the interior design has to do with the false concept or misconception  that people have created about this profession. The public perception still remains questionable ????? The thorough efficiency of planning a space considering the human factors along with the materials, lighting and functionality can be done only by interior designers, nor an architect even less a decorator. Architects are not superior than interior designers, there is a margin between the two professions. We have to stop the misunderstanding and concentrate more in educating people in each profession. There is so much complexity in the interior design field... the way space is used and how human's needs and psychological factors can affect people's behavior and mood... if we compare the importance of the architect and the interior designer ...it's important the outside but we spend most of time inside, and the direct relationship between body and place is stronger when we have to please people's comfort at home sweet home! without affecting their environment...it is hard to put into practice so much knowledge and at the same time make people happy... all that can be resolved only by someone that is qualified and knows what is doing ...we should stop categorizing each profession and just distinguish both professions by its unique qualifications and purpose, each profession even though are related play completely different roles . 

The meaning and importance of Interior Design for me

What Interior Design means to me?  Interior design means my beginning and my end, my inspiration and my passion. A dream that came true once I started in the Art Institute of Tampa and I confirmed that the interior design is what I love and what I was looking for to change peoples’ life.

“INTERIOR DESIGNER”: big words that people still don’t understand its importance and role; it goes way beyond than a simple painting and decoration. It implies improving the quality of life, health, safety and welfare of people, in other words, to make our everyday space where we live and work a pleasant and functional place, and that space is designed by professionals who have a unique blend of artistic talent and practical experience. Interior designers have to have a thorough understanding of efficient space planning, human factors, color, pattern, lighting, furniture and materials. All those elements are essential to the creation of residential and commercial spaces. In one phrase: to understand people’s needs.

Little by little we are contributing to expand the knowledge and understanding of our key role in our communities and people’s life, and that role is completely different from an architect’s role and function. It is a young profession, but time goes by and the profession gets stronger and wiser with the years, and our voices get louder. Interior design has come out to light over the years and with the media we have gain more attention and a better understanding, sometimes misunderstanding the profession’s capabilities, however, it is our job to make public what we are capable to do and why only a professional interior designer will be able to transform the interior of a residence or public space. We are not architects but we are “Interior Designer”.