What is an Interior Designer?

Decorator vs. Designer

The terms interior decorator and interior designer are often erroneously interchanged and thought to be synonymous. An interior decorator in the early to mid 20th century was often an acquaintance with good taste from a similar social economic background. She was asked to select pieces for a friend's house because people admired her home and sense of style. Gradually, decorators began charging for their services and working for people they did not know directly. They had no formal educational training.

By the second half of the century, academic design programs were being offered in more institutions, and the graduates of these schools became known as interior designers. An interior design graduate has proficiency in space planning and in plumbing and electrical specifications, has knowledge of building materials, and is comfortable working with builders and architects as a member of a design team.

Design is a huge business today in this country, and it is important to work with a knowledgeable professional interior designer to ensure successful completion of your design project. Unlike an HGTV segment, a well-executed design project is labor- and time-intensive and not inexpensive. Your interior designer should be a professional advocate for you throughout your project whether you are building, remodeling, or refurbishing.