DON'T FORGET THE LEGISLATION: INTERIOR DESIGN LEGISLATION

For the past few weeks I have been discussing contemporary topics that affect the interior design profession. This week I am going to continue the topic with one of the most important topics for current and future interior designers. I have said in the past that there is a difference between interior decorators and interior designers. Legislation is so important to the people who received a degree in interior design. Without legislation, any person could call themselves "interior designers". To further explain this, if you are like me and are getting your four year degree in interior design you wouldn't want someone to say they were a designer if they didn't go to school, get a degree and take 3 or 4 tests to be certified would you? Well this is what is happening in the design world today. Legislation allows designers to call themselves Interior Designers if they have been certified and have a degree. Not every state has passed this law though. Careers in Interior Design states that, "twenty-five states and jurisdictions have enacted some type of interior design legislation. Of these, 16 have title acts and six have practice acts. California has adopted self-certification law and Colorado has a permitting statute". Below are definitions of Title and Practice Act, Self-Certification and Permitting Statute which was found on careersininteriordesign.com

TITLE ACT
"Regulates the use of a title, such as “registered interior designer” and is enacted in order to raise public awareness of the qualifications of professional interior designers in that particular state. Several U.S. states use the title “certified interior designer” in place of “registered interior designer” and four states and Ontario use the title “interior designer.” Title acts do not require individuals to become licensed in order to practice interior design, nor do they restrict an individual from providing the service of interior design. A person cannot, however, advertise or represent themselves as a “registered” interior designer unless he or she meets the minimum education, experience and examination requirements established in that state/province, and he or she fully applies for use of the state-regulated title with the proper state board or provincial association." (careersininteriordesign.com)

PRACTICE ACT
"A type of law that requires an individual to have a license in order to practice a profession. Practice acts prohibit the performance of professional services by anyone not licensed by the state agency charged with the duty of regulating that profession. Practice Acts also regulate a designated title (e.g., “registered interior designer,” “licensed interior designer,” “interior designer”) and often regulate other terminology as well (e.g., “interior design” and “interior design services.”)"(careersininteriordesign.com)

SELF-CERTIFICATION
"Self-certification is like a title act because it regulates the use of a title. The difference between a title act and self-certification is the entity in control of the title. In title acts, the state controls the use of the title through a state board typically appointed by the governor. In self-certification, however, the title is controlled by an independent professional organization whose board members are appointed by interior design professionals. The state has very little oversight over self-certification. California is the only jurisdiction with a self-certification law."(careersininteriordesign.com)

PERMITTING STATUTE
"Colorado’s interior design law is classified as a permitting statute. There is no state board and there is no title that is regulated. The law is an amendment to the architectural statute, adding an exemption for interior designers who have met the education, experience and examination requirements to submit plans for building permits."(careersininteriordesign.com)

I found this map through research and it further defines the areas that have passed the legislation and who are working on it.

THE AMAZING RACE: GLOBALIZATION AND HOW IT AFFECTS INTERIOR DESIGN PART 2

Previously this week I wrote about globalization and how it affects the design world. I think that globalization is something that every designer should be aware of. Globalization can help make spaces stand out from your typical trendy spaces. Through research I have come to really like the idea of taking the clients experiences and places around the world that they have been and finding pieces to coordinate. I don't have much more to elaborate on globalization and its affects on design. Until next time...

THE AMAZING RACE: GLOBALIZATION AND HOW IT AFFECTS THE DESIGN PROFESSION

Well, I'm back again and talking about more contemporary issues that affect the interior design industry. This weeks topic is globalization. Globalization has been rising in popularity in the industry for a while now. Through research, I have found that those few architects and designers that have taken the plunge and use global influence have not only benefited through customer satisfaction but also globalization has given them a larger area to reach people. Globalization gives designers the opportunity to spread their business beyond the general area and into the entire world. It makes them more diverse and help provide an easier way to receive products. Through globalization, designers make connections with other countries and look beyond the common trend of their area. "Most firms unable to establish a foreign presence do well to develop a foreign network of architectural practices and local vendors with whom they can partner effectively to help resolve local implementation issues, such as foreign code compliance, local means and methods, filing and building permits and product outsourcing" (Interiors & Sources, Alisse). I also found through some research that designers that use global influence do not follow trends. Shelley Boyd states that in her designs "It is important to source both locally and globally, however in being able to source globally she is able to bring unique and different pieces to my clients. I think personal style and enjoying the pieces that you have selected is just as important as following a certain theme" (DesignBuildSource). I agree with Shelly. Its important to bring something unique to each space. Taking the clients personal experiences and adventures is a great way to bring global influence to all of their home. So that's what I have found out about this contemporary issue so far.

DESIGN OR NO DESIGN: EVIDENCE BASED DESIGN PART 2

Since we last spoke I discussed what evidence based design was. To elaborate just a bit, evidence based design is so very important to what your everyday life will be like. It helps to better understand peoples tendencies and needs. This is a pretty obvious statement considering it is called EVIDENCE based design! Like I said in my previous post, designers use the results from research and use them to help create a space for people to function in and also make people step back and say "Wow, this is really nice." Through my internship I have began to learn the importance of client needs. My boss and coworker have really taught me how to treat clients. They treat them with respect, kindness, and "down-to-earth" personality. Doing research is so important as you have probably figured out by now but I want to make sure that people know that it is a vital step in the design process for Interior Designers. To wrap things up, here is a video I found about evidence based design. If you were still confused I hope that this can help clear some things up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egIc2xgeUlE

DESIGN OR NO DESIGN: WHY EVIDENCE BASED DESIGN IS IMPORTANT

For the past couple of weeks I have been learning so much on how important design is to our everyday lives. Through my previous posts, you can start to understand what it is that interior designers do and how important their job is to you and your family. In modern design trends evidence based design has become a frontrunner in the world of interiors. So what is evidence based design? Evidence based design is pretty simple in definition but is a serious topic. It is doing extensive research on a space to see specific needs for that particular space. Evidence based design is commonly used in healthcare and education. I bet you didn't know a designer was even needed for a hospital did you? Well they are definitely needed! For all forms of healthcare there are certain specifications that designers have to abide by. There must be non-porous surfaces such as the flooring, upholstery and wall coverings. The reason for this is to prevent the spread of disease and bacteria in the hospital which is very important to the well being of the patients in the hospital. So how do you follow these specific guidelines and still have a creative and cohesive space for people to come and feel comfortable? Thats why you have designers. We can take these codes and make spaces for children, cancer patients, local clinics, mental health, physical therapy and trauma recovery patients and create a space for people to use and hopefully get back to their normal everyday lives. 

 

THE SPECIAL NEEDS CHALLENGE: AGING IN PLACE

To continue on yesterdays post, there are many factors that contribute to the special needs of interior design, one of which was discussed in my last post. Another special need in the interior design industry is aging in place. Now I'm going to be honest, I didn't exactly know what this meant when I read it but I had somewhat of an idea. Once I did some research, it made a lot of sense to me. The CDC describes aging in place as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level." If you think about it, the definition is quiet simple. For example, my family recently built a  home. We designed the floor plan with the future in mind. My parents wanted this home to be there last so they built it so that when they get older they can still function in this home with ease. Things like lever handles instead of rounded knobs, entrance without stairs, and an open plan are some factors that a designer has to consider when designing a floor plan for a client. Below are some pictures to further visually explain aging in place.

Restroom Example

Pull out cabinets for easy access

THE SPECIAL NEEDS CHALLENGE: UNIVERSAL DESIGN

In the interior design world, there are more decisions to make than just paint colors.  We have have to space plan areas and design floor plans. One thing that is up and coming in the design world that affects interior design is Universal Design. Have you ever heard of Universal Design? If not, then you've come to the right place. A simple description of Universal Design is creating a space that is accessible to all people whether they are handicapped, elderly, or not handicapped. Universal Design has seven principles that designers must abide by. These qualifications help to further explain what universal design is and also helps those of us who are designers, architects or contractors to create spaces that help those around us.

The 7 principles of Universal Design:
1. EQUITABLE USE
2. FLEXIBILITY IN USE
3. SIMPLE AND INTUITIVE
4. PERCEPTIBLE INFORMATION
5. TOLERANCE FOR ERROR
6. LOW PHYSICAL EFFORT
7. SIZE AND SPACE FOR APPROACH AND USE

Well, now you know a little about universal design. Universal Design is used everywhere not just in commercial spaces. It is also used in residential spaces. Since I like to focus more on the residential side of Interior Design, here are a few examples of what to expect from a designer for Universal residential design.
Examples:
-Smooth ground entrance to the home
-No stairs
-Lever handles instead of twisting handles
-Wide interior doors, hallways, and isles
-5 foot turn radius for wheelchairs
-Pull out shelving in bathrooms and kitchens
-Height of counters are lower or higher depending on the person
-Ramps

Here is a link to many universal ideas for homes to help better understand it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yINSxTduC6A

universal bathroom

universal kitchen

WHO WANTS TO BE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER: THE STORE & WHAT I DO

Style of firm "Living Room by Lounge Interiors"

 Well, its my third week at Lounge Interiors so I figured I would talk a little about the firm and give an overview of what my job responsibilities have been these past few weeks. We have been pretty busy at Lounge. From stocking our showroom, artwork sales and about 6 major clients to work on we have had our hands full! Since we have had so much to do Haley (my awesome boss) has let me join her on a couple of her projects. Below are a few projects that I actually have gotten to select fabrics and furniture for. I even got to go out on the job and field measure for some roman shades we are getting custom made for a client. But before I talk about my responsibilities let me tell you a little about the store. Lounge Interiors is owned by Haley Bianchini and managed by Laci Wheatley. Together they run a very successful business that offers interior retail sales, local artwork and a personal interior design service. They strive to make every person that walks through their doors feel welcome and to help them achieve the look that the client wants. The overall style of Lounge Interiors is transitional contemporary. A word that Haley often describes her pieces in the store and designs is "Classic". A classic transitional contemporary style for those of you that are completely confused by that is somewhere between completely modern and traditional pieces. The girls at lounge use light colors with a lot of fun accent colors. Something that Haley first said to me when I went for my interview is that, "the best way to design a space is to go with neutrals and use colors on the lamps, pillows and other accessories." So, now that you kinda have a feel for what Lounge Interiors is I'm going to fill you in on what I've been up to these past few weeks.

Pretty much every day I come in and help the business manager check on purchase orders and answer emails to get the day started after that its pretty much different everyday. I help Haley with her projects, organize the sample room, help with inventory, and help Laci or Haley with pretty much everything they do. The project on the left is a beach condo on dolphin island we have recently been working on. Its actually my bosses condo ha ha
 She has let me choose many of the finishes and furniture for it which is so much fun!! This picture has pretty much everything I have done so far for it. From space planning, fabric selection and furniture selection she has included me in all of it! Still have a ways to go on it but its coming along...
The other project that I have been really involved in is a baby boys room. This project, I have field measured for roman shades and actually got to experience the struggle with dealing with the clients taste. It has been really exciting and challenging to design for an actual client but it is helping me so much with my people skills and creativity. Well, I guess that's all for now! Until next time....

Baby Boy's Room

Haley's Beach Condo