Pay it forward.

Today, I woke up, took a vitamin with a shot of V8, did the get-ready routine, shuffled myself into my car, buckled my seat-belt (remember, “click-it, or ticket!”), turned on the air conditioning, turned off the radio, pulled out of my driveway, and then it began.  My mind began scrolling through the daily list of things I needed to accomplish, by order of priority and detail.  First thing on my list, seriously... GET STARTED, ALREADY! 

Other than the normal annoyances of driving from point A to point B, I like driving, it gives me time to be with myself, and dwell on subjects as they come to mind, or just try and figure out what my dinner plans are.  But, this time was different.  I thought about my significant role, as an Interior Design student, and the impact those two words have had on me.  I thought about my journey to get where I am today in my personal life, education, and where I might go with these two words.  My next thought was about what I initially portrayed Interior Design to be (I dare not speak of certain television channels), and what my current opinions are of my profession, efforts, struggles and opportunities.  When asked what Interior Design is, how can I best define the scope of knowledge I practice day in and day out to the average Joe?  First I laughed, because my past responses have typically revolved around a formal response, “to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public…”  But, the average person, to no fault of their own, only selectively sees/hears what the media projects; moreover, word to the wise, those who wish to turn a corner should turn on a blinker beforehand… this deters both accidents and misconceptions. 

A commitment has been made to the education I have received and pride in knowing that what I do has value, and part of that commitment is to correct any misconceptions that may enable opposition.  It is not enough to lay out a resume of skills and software that are required for accreditation to define what Interior Design entails. What the general public should know first and foremost about Interior Design is that it is a profession, not an occupation, not a hobby, and not a popularity contest to make rooms look pretty by painting one wall red, toss up framed art on another and call it a day.  That “job” is for a decorator, only.   An Interior Designer is an expert of research and functionality of interior space for the user, and surrounding environment; this means the space you occupy and the indirect atmospheres you experience through the senses (which accounts for a percentage of how a person will react when entering a new interior space).    With that said, Interior Designers are constantly striving to provide the public with a social understanding of our responsibilities. 

Our responsibilities include:  >research of survey sites  > research of cultural related demands >identifying the client/user needs  >knowledge of building/fire/ADA codes  >spatial diagramming (identifying approach to space, use of circulation and intersecting paths created by public and private areas, size of spaces by usage and orientation to surroundings, and placement of specifications for functional testing)  >conceptual proposal   >specification research (furniture, fixtures, sustainable  textiles, special equipment)  >construction documents of design  >detailed drawings and perspective area drawings  >oversee complete construction of design at the site.  An Interior Designer practices this method to ensure the users a universal ability to occupy any space with comfort and efficiency.

My last thought during my drive today was this:  I depend on this vehicle to get me where I need to be, in a safe and comfortable manner.  I rely on my car to withstand certain weathers and its durability over time.  Just because a vehicle may be a nice color, does not mean it is dependable, and functional; you have to look under the hood to see what is really goin’ on.  Interior Designers are the details.   Please pass it on.