Interior design architects design the interior elements of homes and commercial buildings, ensuring that the space is optimized for its intended function while following safety and building codes. They are licensed and often work with architectural firms or start their own.
An interior design architect is responsible for designing the interior elements of a home or commercial building. Unlike interior decorators, who only focus on the aesthetics of a space, an interior designer must ensure that the space is optimized to allow the occupants to perform their intended functions. Interior designers combine elements of architecture, psychology, sociology, and decor to create an aesthetically pleasing, safe, and well-defined space.
After an architect has designed the basic shape and structure of a building, an interior design architect will take over and complete the design of the building’s interior. This includes laying out walls to create efficient and productive floor plans. He or she will keep in mind the purpose of the space, be it a home, office building, medical center or school, and use that to help them come up with a functional design.
When designing the interior of the building, the interior design architect must follow strict safety and building codes. This includes providing safe routes to escape a fire, ensuring the walls are structurally sound, and ensuring the building is accessible for the disabled. They must also follow state and local building codes.
Typically, the interior design architect will also be responsible for determining the location of doors and windows, as well as creating lighting plans. They often curate furniture and finishes, which include everything from floor coverings to paint colors. Sometimes the job of selecting furniture and colors is passed to an interior decorator, leaving the interior design architect free to focus on structure and layout.
Due to the technical nature of this work, interior design architects must be licensed. As of 2009, more than half of US states require interior designers to be licensed by the National Board of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). NCIDQ requires applicants to earn a four-year degree in interior design and complete two years of professional experience before they can be licensed. Even in states where licensure is not required by law, most companies require an interior design architect to be licensed by the NCIDQ.
Licensed interior design architects often work with employees of architectural firms. Other times, an interior design architect may want to start their own firm. They can work directly with homeowners or businesses to complete renovations and improve the layout and design of their homes or offices. Those who choose this path will often obtain a license even when not required, as this gives them more credibility and helps clients feel comfortable hiring their design firm.
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