The training and function of interior designers should not be confused with that of interior decorators. Whereas the decorator’s function usually begins once planning and building are completed, an interior designers' function should ideally begin with the concept and continue through the planning and technical details to completion of the project.
Interior designers plan attractive and functional domestic and commercial human environments in buildings, taking into account the function, space available and space required by their clients.
Interior designers' work is influenced by many factors, such as:
- the people who are going to use the space
- the function for which the space is intended
- the limits to expansion of an existing building
- the design of the building, if new
- liaison and interaction with the architect and the builder
Thus, designers need to have a thorough knowledge of architectural design, technical service, technical drawing and construction methods, as well as building materials, to assist in the planning and execution of the project.
Once the interior space has been planned to suit the client's needs, the coordination of colour schemes, finishes for walls, floors and ceilings, as well as the choice of furniture and accessories, must be completed in order to create a satisfactory and functional total environment. Each room is planned separately, bearing in mind the purpose and intended function of the room, who the occupants will be, which colours are suitable, and whether the atmosphere is to be formal or informal.
Ideally, interior designers should consult with their clients personally, to obtain enough information concerning the people who will occupy the building to satisfy their requirements. A central theme is usually chosen and furniture and colour schemes are planned accordingly.
To achieve harmony, colours need to be chosen carefully. Although interior designers follow modern trends and fashions, they also need some knowledge of earlier styles in order to satisfy clients who prefer retrospective classical periods, for example, Victorian or Regency.
Practical considerations, such as the prevailing climate, location of the building, and the available budget are some of the factors that have to be borne in mind. It is, therefore, advisable that the designer, the owner and the architect all become acquainted with the building site.
Before work begins, the interior designer must produce detailed drawings and sketches of the design, specifications for the work to be done, the material and finishes needed, together with an analysis of the costs, for acceptance and approval by the owner and architect. The interior designer must also attend to any problems that may arise once the work has begun, and do a final check to ensure that all the requirements and specifications have been adhered to and completed.
The nature of the work also necessitates visits to shops and factories, as the designer needs to be well informed about new developments and products on the market. Business can be transacted in offices, at sites during construction or in clients' homes.
Satisfying Aspects
- seeing your clients satisfied
- creating surroundings that are pleasant and visually pleasing
- designing and organizing products or articles, so that they serve the purpose for which they were intended
- working both indoors and outdoors
- working with people
Demanding aspects
- working long hours until you have established yourself
- frustration when designs are rejected
- sometimes creativity is limited by a client's demands
- the pressure to please clients
Requirements
An interior designer should:
- be artistic, creative and imaginative
- have good business sense
- have technical aptitude
- have flair for three-dimensional design
- be patient, flexible and sensitive to client requirements / preferences
- get along well with others
- able to accept criticism
- have initiative and strong organizational skills
- have good eye for colour
- have an eye for line, form and design
- be dedicated and hard-working
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
No minimum educational qualifications for in-service training, but employers prefer a National Senior Certificate
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Visual Arts
Training
Degree: 4-year BA (Fine Arts) - all universities. Subjects should include History of Art and Architecture.
Diploma: N.Dip: Interior Design - CPUT, DUT, TUT, UJ, NMMU. Fine Arts - CUT, DUT, TUT, VUT.
Architectural Technology and Interior Design - NMMU, DUT.
Certificate: Port Elizabeth FET?College
Practising interior designers may provide in-service training to employees
National diploma courses can be followed with further qualifications, such as BTech: Interior Design
Interior design courses are also offered at Private Colleges, such as Design School, The Design Centre and Inscape. These interior design courses prepare students for careers in a wide range of disciplines related to the fields of architecture, domestic housing and commercial interiors, as well as special purpose interiors. Exhibition-stand design and general display work are included in the course of study.
A degree or diploma in Fine Arts from a university, university of technology or college provides a useful background. Most of the courses offered only provide a basic background that needs to be supplemented with practical experience. Those planning to become consultant interior designers are advised to widen their practical experience as much as possible as this is indispensable in this profession.
Employer
- Departmental stores
- Interior decorating firms
- design studios and display art studios
- home furnishing stores
- Architectural firms
- Large companies
- Television and film studios
- Hotels and restaurant chains
- Performing art councils
- Self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can start own business
Contact
Design Centre
P O Box 84190
Greenside, 2043
118 Greenway
Greenside
Gauteng
Tel: (011) 646-1984 Fax: (011) 646-6165
www.designcenter.co.za