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IID

support people's physical and expertise of an entire team of experts
Professional mental well-being including not only interiordesigners
• Interior designers work on both but also acoustic engineers, IT/audio-
Interior Designers commercial and residential visual consultants, graphic and branding
projects, due to the high level specialists, security consultants, etc.
Are they worth it? of technical knowledge and the For simple residential projects where
bigger teams involved. the exterior of the house remains intact
• Interior designers must have a and the major systems (plumbing,
hen you walk into a well- Interior designers must possess a complex • Overall structure (materials and minimum qualification of three electrical and mechanical) will remain
designed space, all five of set of skills to determine the physical type of roof/walls/foundation, years from a CHE registered untouched, an interior designer is
Wyour senses may be delighted and psychological relationship between fireproofing, drainage, ventilation, tertiary institution. capable of handling the entire project.
and you feel instantly comfortable. You people and the interior spaces they habit. waterproofing, etc.) • Must belong to a professional He/she can relocate non-structural walls
may notice the wood floors and the big Together with architects, engineers, • Exterior openings (locations and body and their doors, re-plan kitchens and
windows and you may appreciate the contractors, consultants, and suppliers, types of doors and windows), bathrooms, relocate power, plumbing
artwork and the strong wifi. You may not, they create spaces that protect the health, including an understanding of Interior Decorators and light switch locations, design new
however, realise the thousands of design safety and welfare of their users. "daylighting" – maximising natural • Use their aesthetic sensibilities to cabinetry, and select new colours,
decisions that went into its construction, light and minimising artificial light adorn a space with attractive colours, finishes, furniture etc.
nor the cutting edge knowledge about Both interior designers and architects: • Major building systems (types and materials, furniture, art and other And if the client is seeking only a
human health, technology, energy • Undergo rigorous education, locations of mechanical, electrical, objects. cosmetic refresh, an interior decorator They SAVE YOU TIME. IID members
efficiency and material science that was experience and examination plumbing etc.) • Tend to focus on residential projects, can do wonders with new paint, carpet, work faster and more efficiently than you
used by the professionals who designed it. standards • Overall layout (location of entrance, but are not limited to these furniture, lighting and accessories. can, because they can quickly sift through
• Possess knowledge of the latest public vs. private areas, food prep & • Interior decorators should obtain a Sometimes interior designers and/ the infinite number of design choices to
Distinctions between Architects and building codes, accessibility dining, bathrooms, staircases and qualification in a one year course in or decorators are "subcontracted" by the the ones that make sense for you. They
Interior Designers standards, fire-safety regulations, etc. elevators, etc.) interior decorating architect. In other cases, the client hires can give you a realistic schedule and teach
Today's buildings require a whole team • Abide by a Code of Conduct • Must belong to a professional body the interior designer directly, who works you exactly what goes into each step of the
of experts who work together to create a • Meet yearly Continuing Professional Interior Designers side-by-side with an architect We live in design.
seamless structure that is safe, beautiful, Development requirements • Consider and Design human and The takeaway here is that a truly a time of bargain hunting, unrealistic TV They SAVE YOU MONEY!
and supports human well-being. The • Possess project management built-environment context and well-designed space is cohesive – makeovers and knock offs, where entire They know what things really cost so
responsibilities of interior designers (budgeting and scheduling) and systems to articulate the relationship the architecture, interior design and buildings appear to be designed, built they help you develop a realistic budget.
and architects can overlap a great deal client communication skills of interior environments, while decoration all complement each other. and furnished in the blink of an eye, and They can spot artificially low bids that
depending on the type of space being • Coordinate technical requirements focusing on ergonomics, function, Only then can a building be safe, useful being "Instaworthy" has somehow come have omitted key items which will needed
designed and who the client is - whether with engineers and other consultants human needs and aesthetics. and beautiful. to mean good design. to be added on later. They can advise you
they are an individual, a company or a • Belong to a professional body • Detailed layout (specific locations If the project involves the "shell" of If you have read the entire article up on what to splurge on and where you
developer. of interior non-structural walls, a building (its foundation, structural to this point, you now know that a well- can save money. They head off problems
Interior Designers improve people’s What is the difference between interior doors, built-in-cupboards, walls, stairs/elevators and roof), then an designed space is so much more than before they occur so you don't have to fix
lives by creating healthy, supportive, an Architect, Interior Designer or counters, appliances, etc.) architect must be hired. And if the project a photograph, and that professional costly mistakes later.
and comfortable spaces. Well-designed Decorator? • Building system details (specific is an extensive renovation that requires interior designers do much more than They have ACCESS TO RESOURCES
interiors can measurably improve the Architects locations of sockets, switches, sinks, extensive building system upgrades or a picking colours, selecting fabrics and that their clients are not aware of. IID
mental and physical health of their • Building siting (where the structure toilets, air vents, lights, etc.) change in use (converting an factory to an shopping for furniture. Members of members not only have extensive contacts
inhabitants and bolster their activities, sits on the plot and how it is oriented • Design of interior environments, office, for instance), it also makes sense to the African Institute of Interior Design of their own, but because they're part of
from resting, working, and healing to to the sun and to neighbouring Interior finishes (walls, ceilings, hire an architect. Professionals – the IID – are professionals a professional organisation, they can also
learning, socialising, and travelling. structures) floors, counters, etc.) Sustainable Since interior designers are trained who have received formal training in rely on a network of fellow professionals.
practice in interior environments explicitly on user needs and experience, and adhering to the following: They are They are bound by a professional
• Understanding of acoustics and it's always a good idea to hire an interior PROBLEM SOLVERS who listen and CODE OF CONDUCT that protects you
universal design designer to make sure that the details observe to get a keen understanding of and gives you recourse in case of issues.
• Cabinetry (kitchen, bath, built- support its actual use. For example, your particular needs, and not just hand For all these reasons, it makes sense to
in cupboards, etc.). Equipment interior designers don't just select light you a cookie-cutter design or foist their hire a professional to oversee one of the
(kitchen & bath plumbing fixtures, fixtures, they know exactly what type of own personal style or preferences onto most expensive investments you will ever
lighting, etc.). Furniture (built- lighting and what colour temperature you. IID members use their training and make, whether it's your home, office or
in and loose, office systems and light bulb is best for a particular room experience to devise personalised design shop. After all, built spaces are intended to
ancillary pieces) (a doctor's room vs. a bedroom vs. a solutions that not only look great but last for years; getting the expert assistance
classroom, for example), and they make work well. Spaces flow smoothly from of an IID professional will ensure that
Distinctions between Interior Designers sure the light switches are located where one to the other; everything is within you're as happy with your design project
and Decorators the user can easily find them, as well as easy reach and intuitively located. The years from now as you were when it was
Interior Designers: figure out which switch activates which lighting is exactly right for the intended first completed. dw
• Use their understanding of human light. Most commercial projects - be it a use. The materials are safe and easy to
behavior and physiology to create school, airport, hospital, office or shop - clean. And everything just feels right. www.iidprofessions.org.za
functional, beautiful spaces are complicated projects and require the

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