While architectural design deals with the overall function and aesthetics of a structure, the interior design focuses solely on the inside or interior design of a structure that corresponds to the needs of the eventual occupants.
The design of a space’s interior impacts how people live, work, and function. It can include a workplace that’s functional or a home that’s comfortable and cohesive. Interior design differs from interior decorating, which focuses on styling individual fixtures, furnishings, and other embellishments. However, an interior designer may also handle decorating, too.
What Interior Design Does
An interior designer is usually hired by an architect but may also be an architect themselves. Using CAD software, specifications, and drawings, an interior designer meets with a client to discuss their needs, their budget, and how the finished structure will be used. With an understanding of human behavior, this designer works to optimize floor space and functionality within the structure.
Using the architect’s basic design, the interior designer creates walls and floors while considering factors such as:
• Building codes, including fire safety
• Other regulatory requirements
• Efficiency
• Accessibility
• Acoustics, including sound transmission
Windows, floors, lighting, and other elements must work together to create a complete and functional look that suits each client’s needs.
Fields of Interior Design
Most interior designers work with commercial projects, but some focus on residential ones. Within the commercial realm, there are several types, including:
• Healthcare, using evidence-based design for medical facilities to create good workspaces for healthcare providers and positive spaces for patients
• Corporate, to create ergonomic, functional workspaces for employees along with company branding for clients of all sizes
• Sustainable, focusing on the environmental impact of a building and its design, including improved air quality, water, and energy efficiency, reducing waste, and the efficient use of available space. Many are LEED certified, with expertise in design using long-term sustainable practices.
• Universal design, focusing on accessibility for all ages, including the elderly and those with special needs, and used by everyone to the greatest possible extent, regardless of age, ability, or other capabilities, such as someone pushing a baby stroller.
• Kitchen/bath interior designers focus solely on creating or updating these two areas of a home or commercial structure. After discussing the client’s needs, a kitchen/bath interior designer takes their knowledge of plumbing, structure, building materials, and electrical systems to create the ideal space for the structure and for the client, and keep it within their prescribed budget.
Interior designers work with a range of people on projects, including architects, contractors, engineers, furniture vendors, and others to create the ideal interior for each client.
Call Pro Draft For All Your Architectural And Interior Design Needs
When you’re ready to begin building a house in Maui, remodel one, or add to your home or commercial property, Pro Draft is ready to help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, and permits, and to answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland.
