Yesterday a friend forwarded me a blog post titled “107 Reasons Why You, Architect, Matter.” To me the list seemed pretty obvious.
For instance, Reason #7 was, “We do more with less.” I think this could easily have been the motto for any industry in 2009. But once I started to think about it, I realized that architects, project managers and interior designers are all in a unique position to do more with less–in terms of budget, project teams and aesthetics.
Unfortunately the list quickly devolved into such self-serving statements as, “Architects are sexy” and “Architects are for the most part fascinating people.” Really? This is why you, as an architect matter?
Still, the list was a gentle reminder for me that everyone needs a cheerleader. We wouldn’t think twice about thanking our teachers, doctors and nurses for their service to the community. But what about interior designers who provide a much-needed service and constantly battle the public perception of their value?
So, if you’ve been feeling under-appreciated or under-valued, this list is for you.
1. You are a combination of engineer and artist. Not only do you take into account safety and economy when designing a space, but you also create an aesthetic that can comfort and inspire.
2. Your work improves the lives of others. You design for the homebody and the workerbee, in addition to the aged, handicapped, and infirm. Whether you add light to a dark interior or design a beautiful and healthy working space, you make a difference in the lives of others.
3. You are continually learning and seeking answers. You take CEUs, discuss problems with your peers and research materials. You know that the profession is evolving, and you’re evolving with it.
4. You don’t settle for the tried and true. You push boundaries and discover new and better ways of doing things.
5. You provide a service. You work with clients who typically have little to no experience in design, and you find a way to turn their ideas into a tangible reality.
6. You pay attention to details. Whether you’re picking which carpet to use in a hotel hallway or what color to paint a hospital wall, you make each seemingly small decision count for the client’s health and happiness.
7. You explore what sustainable design can mean in the home and workplace. You’re debunking myths and testing new products, and you’re saving clients money along the way.
8. You’re a problem solver. Each project you work on is a new puzzle with a new set of challenges. As the designer, you’re in charge of making it work.
9. You’re collaborators. You’ve learned the value and benefits of teamwork, and how to process and connect disparate ideas into a working whole. Even if you work alone, you’re never really working alone. You have a network of peers that you turn to for advice and support along the way.
10. You work to change the public perception of Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator. You refrain from sighing when your colleague’s friend learns you are an Interior Designer and asks you to suggest paint colors for her son’s room, and instead patiently explain qualifications, certifications and scope of experience. You are more than just a reality TV design star.
Now it’s your turn. Why do you, the designer, matter?
Here’s also a great page and video about Why Interior Design Matters: http://www.widm.org
I´m a student of interior design, and I think it´s true. All the people think that design is not important. I am really happy to know that there are people who think otherwise.
There are many people who are interior designer by destiny hence décor is not work it is their passion and smile of satisfaction on the client’s face is their fees.
Can’t agree more! Thank you.
[...] List taken from http://iidahq.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/10-reasons-interior-designers-matter : [...]
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Just come across this from LinkedIn. Great article – I’m about to start my career change into interior design and found this article a useful overview of what interior designers do, as well as the constant confusion they face thanks to their portrayal in the media.
I think I’ll share this on my blog too – take a look!
http://theinteriordesignstudent.wordpress.com/
Really liking the info here. Thanks!!
[...] 11:49 am | Comments Off | Posted By: Robert OHalloran I came across the following article on the Design Matters Blog while conducting some research for an upcoming project. The article summerized some of the top [...]
[...] 10 Reasons Interior Designers Matter September 17, 2011 Posted by cadtrainingonline in Uncategorized. Tags: CAD, interior design trackback 10 Reasons Interior Designers Matter [...]
Well said! I, in working Internationally for 30 years have said this many, many times and yes it is amazing how many clients do not understand the process of design. Robert Merchant
I am sure there are many more reasons than 10 as the comments indicate! Good article- please read and appreciate your Interior Designer!
We are “imaginators” (pls, permit me to use that word)…… because the way we think out of the box is just unimaginable…..
Also, thinking for others and about others makes us LEADERS…..
this is a wonderful note…. i will keep it in my memories for ever…. God bless you for this……….. cheers.
The job of every interior designer is, of course, to do all of those things that you have listed – but our quest must be to use those modalities to discern what is their very special individual comfort zone. Very often the client cannot tell you, so thru the interview process we must find the answers to their style & colors; bright light s soft light; what must be the size, shape, and scale of furnishings; bright sound vs soft sound; what are their collections and how important they are (ie: artwork, children, pets, & family heirlooms); future needs; types of entertainment; sports interests; business interests; etc., etc., etc.
Then, and only then, can we be prepared to create that environment in which the client will flourish and enjoy life.
There is nothing more rewarding then to hear from a client a year later that they still love walking down that staircase every morning; or that great feeling they have upon returning home from work every evening and walk in the front door.
That’s what matters.
Well said.!
This is a fantastic article, so fantastic I shared on my FB wall (Design Magnifique). You really provided some great short insight about what we, Interior Designers, do.
Hear Hear! And in the same vein of thought I wrote my blog entry tonight that discusses our important roll in the earthquake evacuation in DC. Read it here: http://ambidesign-theblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/interior-designers-ok-and-architects.html
GREAT post & points! Love it! Found it shared over on FB on Kelly Berg’s wall. Sharing to mine now =)
xo Lynda
Loved this post! Well done… everyone needs a cheerleader (so true!).
Thanks Ryan. Steelcase is a great cheerleader!
Thanks for the article, appreciate! =)
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I am pleased to have found your article this evening. I have been very thankful for my cheerleader partner and appreciate what a positive attitude can do to keep the creative ideas flowing.
[...] Source: http://iidahq.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/10-reasons-interior-designers-matter/ [...]
Great list. So valid. I hope all of my students will read this…they get it. They do need the cheerleading section to stand up and holler for them after the rigors of a 4 year CIDA accredited education.
This is just what I needed to read today! You made some very valid points-such as how we assist in decor, yet we are not decorators, that we are both artist and engineer, and that we take into account comfort and safety. I think if we are to be taken more seriously, including safety in a description of what we do, is a great way to earn the respect we deserve. I just added some of your verbiage to the definition of an Interior Designer on my own website. I think it’s a step in the right direction. Thank you!
This is a well written article. I am not a designer, but I work with them everyday and I can see how detailed and difficult the job is. Each project I complete I realize it is you that makes a lot (and I mean a lot) of it fall into place successfully. Without you, I see a lot of chaos.
i find the comments refreshing. This is the first time I actually took the time to read them and I see that great minds think alike! Thanks Carmen. I appreciate the fact that we as a profession see our many “hats” as possitives not negetives, especially when we are asked to do things we never thought we would be doing when we graduated design school…………..Like marriage counseling & conflict resolution specialists.
So many people call in a panic half way through as Debra has said.
We have often been stress mediators but the joy comes when as designers we improve the space and problem solve to such an extent that it knocks on into improving the clients quality of life and reduces their stress.
Thanks for your article. A former client and his wife use to call me to settle their disagreements not related to interior designer. After working with me they respected my honesty and judgement, and logic.
We are therapist!
[...] you an interior designer who needs a little validation? Design Matters wrote up a list about why you’re important. Great news: you have a [...]
This article was such an inspiration and breathe of fresh air. I struggle daily with explaining to my peers why exactly I traveled all the way to a four year institution “just for that?” I know what the value of this profession holds but people are still reluctant to embrace it. These 10 points really summed up why we are important and how amazing our talents truly are.
I love this post, Carmen! Makes so much sense. All the comments are great, too!! A designer can also add value to the client. Best way to do that? Target Market. Choose a niche and become an expert! At NeoCon healthcare, assisted living and retirement living were the buzzwords..and, of course, green design!
Deborah
I love Reason #10!!! It’s so true, people ALWAYS mistake me for someone who can pick paint colors and carpet samples. I have to explain I went to design school not a weekend decorating retreat. This is now posted next to my desk, great article!!
[...] July 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment Previously posted on the IIDA blog Design Matters [...]
Great article, Carmen! Thank you. We also sometimes “save people from themselves”, don’t you think?
Designers matter because we activate people’s imaginations and help to realize their visions. We empower and inspire others.
I am with Bonnie, its the true.
Thank you for this post. Don’t forget that designers are also mediators, referees… marriage counselors! New builds, renovations or refurbishments are usually very stressful (and personal) for the client(s) and they look to their interior designer for assurances. An interior designer has done this many times, so they know what to expect, and they can look at the project as an outsider and with a clearer mind.
Aahhhh, yes. Stress mediators. Who knew? Did you feel like you were adequately prepared for this when you first started in the profession, Leah? And if not, how did you get to a point of comfort dealing with emotional clients?
Get the word out why it’s important to consult prior to starting a project. The do-it-yourselfers call in a panic half way through a project to their “Designer” friends and expect free advice because they did the leg work.
Good point. Thanks Debra!