Interior design is the process of shaping the experience of interior space, through the manipulation of spatial volume as well as surface treatment. Not to be confused with interior decoration, interior design draws on aspects of environmental psychology, architecture, and product design in addition to traditional decoration. An interior designer is a person who is considered a professional in the field of interior design or one who designs interiors as part of their job. Interior design is a creative practice that analyzes programmatic information, establishes a conceptual direction, refines the design direction, and produces graphic communication and construction documents. The distinction between interior design and 'interior decoration' is one relevant in the United States but not common elsewhere. As the United States definition does not exist in most of the world, non-Americans would be confused by the distinction.
Interior designers may perform some or all of the following activities, among other duties and responsibilities:
- Research and analyze client's goals and requirements, along with the developing the design documents, drawings and diagrams that outline those needs
- Formulate the preliminary space plans and the two- and three-dimensional design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client's needs based on knowledge of interior design principles and theories of human behavior
- Confirm that preliminary space plans and design concepts are considered safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, in addition to confirming that these elements meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental and sustainability guidelines
- Select colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept and to meet socio-psychological, functional, maintenance, life-cycle performance, environmental and safety requirements
- Select and specify the furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork that are aligned with the design concept, including layout drawings and detailed product description
- Develop the contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture
- Provide project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules
- Prepare construction documents consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications to illustrate various elements of the design concept, including the non-structural and/or non-seismic partition layouts, power and communications locations, ceiling plans, lighting designs, furniture layouts and materials and finishes
- Prepare construction documents that adhere to regional building and fire codes, municipal codes and any other jurisdictional statutes, regulations and guidelines that apply to the interior space
- Coordinate and collaborate with allied design professionals who provide additional consulting services for the design project, including, but not limited to, architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers and electrical engineers, in addition to various specialty consultants retained for the design project
- Confirm that construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer as applicable to fulfill jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials
- Administer contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client's agent
- Observe and report information about the progress and completion of the design project, in addition to conducting the post-occupancy evaluation and preparing post-occupancy reports on behalf of the client
