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.