About This Quiz
Are you renovating your home or redesigning your office? And are you beginning to realize that this project is way out of your league and that you need professional assistance? But who to call on: an interior designer or interior decorator? Take our quiz and learn about the differences between the two seemingly similar professions.An interior designer works primarily on commercial projects, like hospitals and offices, while an interior decorator works primarily on residential projects, like a block of apartments.
Interior designers don't just decide on furnishings and accessories, they also design the layout of the room.
An architect or developer hire an interior designer once they have laid out the basic shape of the building and consulted with engineers.
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After meeting with the end users to determine the function of all the rooms, an interior designer designs a building that will efficiently and safely utilize the space for that function.
Interior design became an official profession in the 1700s, when the London Upholders' Company began offering design and decorating services.
An interior decorator usually becomes involved in a project once it is completed; i.e. when the construction is finished.
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An interior decorator is hired by the homeowners to choose furniture, fixtures, lighting and paint colors, according to the homeowners tastes and preferences.
Most firms will not hire an interior designer unless they have a four-year bachelor's degree that is accredited by the National Council for Interior Designers Qualification (NCIDQ).
To become a certified interior designer you need a four-year bachelor's degree, 3,520 hours of work experience and have passed the NCIDQ certification exam.
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In Europe, they are interchangeable terms. In the U.S., interior architects must hold an architect's license, which involves more intensive study than interior design.
The LEED program teaches how to make buildings more environmentally friendly. You can become LEED accredited by the U.S. Green Council.
Most of an interior decorator's work takes place out in the field: meeting with clients, shopping for fixtures and overseeing projects.
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An interior designer spends a significant portion of their day in the office, drafting plans and layouts and consulting safety codes and product libraries.
In 2006, the medium annual income for an interior designer was $ 42,000.
Since 25 percent of those in the design industry are self-employed, it is a good idea to study some marketing and accounting units to help you manage your own business.
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