The Importance of Interior Design by ASID, CIDQ & IIDA
Download a PDF of this article here.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERIOR DESIGN
ASID, CIDQ and IIDA believe that the legal recognition of the interior design profession is achieved through the enactment of legislation that:
- Does not limit, restrict or prevent the practice of any other design professional from practicing as they do today, including decorators, architects and engineers.
- Conforms with administrative requirements and other norms of the individual state.
- Does not limit, restrict or prevent anyone from using the title “interior design” or “interior designer”.
- Allows state-qualified interior designers to use the title “registered”, “certified” or “licensed interior designer”.
- Allow state-qualified interior designers to perform additional services related to the practice of interior design as applicable governing jurisdictions deem appropriate, primarily, the voluntary independent ability to stamp and seal construction documents for permit for nonstructural interior design elements.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERIOR DESIGN
interior design is the creation and construction of an interior space that successfully meets the requirements of the end user and improves the human experience. Interior designers are responsible for providing a safe, functional and accessible environment or their clients and meet this goal through attention, adherence and focus on codes, standards, regulations, accessibility, health, safety and welfare.
WHAT IS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
An interior designer is a professional who has acquired the expertise, knowledge and skills through a combination of education, experience and examination to create interior environments that meet the requirements of and present solutions for their clients. They have extensive knowledge of current codes, standards and regulations and adhere to these in their work, while paying strict attention to the importance of accessibility, functionality, health, safety and welfare to their clients.
- What skills do interior designers possess?
- Needs analysis
- Site inspection and analysis
- Preparation of schematic and design drawings
- Space planning
- Application of building codes and regulations
- Engineering coordination, including electrical, mechanical and plumbing
- Accessibility compliance
- Construction administration
- Post occupancy evaluation
- Pre-disaster mitigation planning
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Construction management involves a coordination of all project contractors to ensure that interior spaces are built to the standards of local and national building codes and that all project documentation and specification requirements are met. A vital and skilled part of the construction team, interior designers serve their clients by managing all project details including scheduling, payments, changes to the existing plan, potential cost increases and more.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
In many states, interior designers independently prepare construction documents for the client that are stamped and sealed for permit by a qualified interior designer who has completed established education requirements and successfully passed the national certification exam (the NCIDQ) . After approval, these documents are used to support the work of the project's general contractor.
- Partition plans
- Reflected ceiling plans
- Power and data plans
- Finish plans
- Furniture plans
- Occupancy plans
- Fully dimensioned elevations
- Construction details
- Path of egress documents
- Building code compliance
- Engineering coordination including electrical, mechanical and plumbing
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
In order to meet client expectations, goals and public safety requirements and avoid legal fines and construction delays, interior designers develop project drawings that comply with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act, the International Building Code (in place in all states) and any additional codes , regulations and federal and state laws that exist in the project location. Interior design plans often require a building permit to execute.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Interior designers further protect their government and private clients’ financial an project interests by coordinating and managing additional project details.
- Budgeting and scheduling including construction, equipment, furniture and fixtures.
- Preparation and review of bid documents with consultants and contractors.
