Interior Design and Staging Essay Example

(Weinstraub 1).

Ball (89) states that the cost of home staging can vary based on factors like house size or number of rooms. Home staging funding options include bank loans, savings, family contributions, or stock issuance. According to Ball's research (1), interior designers strive to optimize functionality, aesthetics, and significance in building interiors. Their main role is to design and plan space utilization according to clients' desired atmosphere. Moreover, interior design positively impacts health, reputation enhancement, and employee productivity in business settings ("What Is an Interior Design" 1).

The text explores three categories of interior design, namely ergonomic design which concentrates on space and furniture, Elder design which aims to establish comfortable environments for people with disabilities, and environmental design which highlights material and furniture selection during construction. In order to excel in this profession, designers require creativity, artistic abilities, organizational skills, business acumen, and imaginative thinking.

To fulfill the artistic requirements of interior design, it is important to have a plan for the space, envision the design, comprehend materials and products, and establish functional spaces. Effective interpersonal communication skills are crucial for designers to engage with clients and colleagues. They should be capable of leading a team, collaborating effectively, paying attention to detail, and negotiating proficiently (“What Is an Interior Designer”2). Matthew suggests that interior designers should possess artistic and creative talent along with business acumen and problem-solving abilities (4). In summary, a competent interior designer must possess both artistic and creative talent as well as business sense and problem-solving skills.

To be successful as a designer, one must have time management skills and the ability to establish a time

strategy. This involves having a comprehensive understanding of business planning, being effective at selling ideas, being persuasive, and maintaining good client relationships ("What Is an Interior Designer" 2). In the field of interior design, there are six types of designers: the interior designer specializing in space planning and furnishing, and the architect handling interior schemes, building projects, and surface design ("Who Does Interior Design" 1).

The interior design industry can be categorized into different roles. One category is the interior architect, who plays a vital role in bridging the gap between an interior designer and an architect. Their main responsibility is to plan the space effectively. Another type of professional in this field is the interior stylist, whose task involves enhancing and decorating the area, including surface design. Furthermore, there are fit-out companies that handle both architectural and interior design concepts simultaneously. In contrast, homeowners who simply decorate a space based on their own personality and preferences are considered as stagers. The overall design process encompasses various steps.

First, the designer needs to secure a project, which can be accomplished by pitching for a job, participating in a competition, or receiving a job recommendation ("Interior Design Process" 1). Once the project is won, the designer proceeds with the programming phase. This entails meeting with the clients, recording their preferences, visiting the location, and estimating the costs involved ("Interior designers" 1). After the programming stage is completed, the designer creates a project timeline to plan for the installation and ensure timely completion of the work ("Interior Design" 2).

The interior design process involves the designer creating sketches and technical drawings. These are then

adjusted and presented to the client ("Interior Design Process" 2). Some designers use computer-aided design software for their sketches ("Interior Designers" 1). When selecting materials and furnishings, designers have to be very specific ("Interior Designer" 2). In some cases, designers may need assistance from an architect for structural work. The architect takes care of patterns and object placement (Matthew 1).

To succeed as an interior designer, a technical help like a contractor may be needed ("Interior Designers" 2). Ball (83) states that a profession is different from a vocation because it requires education and ethical standards. The level of education required distinguishes a profession from a vocation. By getting a bachelor's degree, one can start working as an apprentice designer at an entry-level position.

In order to advance as an interior designer, individuals can pursue additional education for a duration of two to four years and then graduate in order to work as assistants under established interior designers ("Interior designers" 3). To become employed in this field, designers must acquire a license by successfully completing the state examination (Ball 128). The qualifications for obtaining a license include at least six years of experience and education, which entails two years of post-secondary education ("Interior design" 3). After fulfilling these requirements, aspiring designers must approach a school placement office, submit their resume, and prepare for an interview (Ball 71).

Furthermore, it is crucial for the designer to create a contract. As stated by Ball (93), a contract serves as a legal agreement between the producer and receiver, whether it is written or verbal. Essentially, a contract represents a covenant between two individuals. In the

field of interior design, there are three types of contracts: contract firms, contract work, and contract design (Ball 94). According to Ball (95), both the client and designer have significant roles in today's extensive industrial-business complex.

Both the client and the designer are essential for the successful growth of an industry, and their collaboration is necessary in a contract. A designer can also form a contract with a supplier (Ball 83). After completing one to three years of training, a designer has the chance to become a chief designer or teach interior design in schools (“Interior designers” 4). Additionally, individuals may opt to specialize in various areas including health facilities, acoustics, home theaters, indoor gardens, electronics, or security to further advance their careers (“Interior designers” 2).

According to research, 30% of designers specialize in design services, 14% specialize in architectural design services, and 9% specialize in furniture and home furnishing stores ("Interior design" 4). The success of most interior designers is credited to their reputation, experience, and specialty ("interior designers" 5). Licensed designers have the chance to work in various firms. These range from large corporations with regular working hours and a comfortable setting to small design firms where they work on a contract and job basis ("Interior Designers" 2).

Interior designers have a variety of career options. They can work for interior design firms that serve large industries, retail stores, and business owners (Matthew 1). Alternatively, they have the choice to be self-employed and work in a small, high-pressure environment with long hours ("Interior Design" 2). The work locations for designers also vary; some work in offices or showrooms while others

work directly at the client's home or in a design center ("Interior Design" 2). The earnings per project for designers can range from $500 to $5,000 depending on local demand (Weintraub 2).

Holder states that interior designers usually have an income range of $30,000 to $45,000, although it may be lower for beginners (Interview). Ball emphasizes the importance of professional organizations in different fields as they unite individuals with similar occupational interests (178). Therefore, professional organizations consist of like-minded individuals who decide to join together and work collaboratively.

Companies establish organizations to enhance their reputation and professional path, facilitating connections between companies and other entities while promoting social well-being (Ball 118). In the field of international interior design, the profession's organization and exchange of educational concepts, teaching methods, personnel, and students shape its development (Ball 129, 133), although there are notable differences between the United States and other countries.

According to Ball (130), the disparity in interior design work between the United States and other countries could be attributed to addressing business-related concerns and resolving contract design issues. The United States confronts unique challenges and handles distinct aspects of interior design. The American Institute of Interior Design (AIID), established in 1931, was America's inaugural organization exclusively devoted to interior design. It emerged during the great depression, a period characterized by economic crisis (Ball 119).

The ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) was established in 1975 and later merged with the AIID organization. It welcomes all qualified designers (Ball 126). The IFI (International Federation of Interior Designers) is the largest organization in this field (Ball 130). My mentor, Amanda Holder, has been

working as an interior designer for four years but had a background in architecture. According to her, she chose this career because it allows her to showcase creativity and engage with people (Interview). Ms. Holder pursued Architectural Design at Georgia Tech and obtained a degree.

With approximately 1.5 years of experience in architecture, particularly interior design, she established her own company for interior design and staging less than a year ago. In an interview, Mrs. Holder acknowledges the significance of her college education and the design process she acquired during that time as crucial to her career. She affirms that these approaches can be applied to various design projects, ranging from houses to chairs or even staplers (Holder, Interview). Recognizing potential is highlighted as Mrs. Holder's greatest strength.

As an architectural designer, I see a space not for what it currently is, but for what it could become. However, I am aware that my lack of experience is a weakness. With only a few years in this field, I understand the importance of gaining more experience. In an interview, Mrs. Holder explained the difference between interior design and staging. She made it clear that interior design involves improving a space to enhance its appearance. It considers the client's preferences while also allowing the designer to refine those preferences to generate better ideas and provide a more specific process.

Staging is the opposite of interior design as it focuses on removing the client's personal taste and instead emphasizes personal style. The goal of staging is to create a visually appealing house that makes the client feel present in the space. This involves over-decorating

to achieve the desired effect (Holder, Interview). Typically, staging takes twice as long as clients initially expect and there is no set timeframe for completing a project. Designers must make accurate estimations on time to avoid losing money (Holder, Interview).