DESIGNER OF THE MONTH – MARCH 2010
Francesca Owings Interior Design
Question: Why hire a professional Interior Designer?
Francesca: When you hire an Interior Designer, you get the benefit of an experienced professional who can solve problems, help you avoid costly mistakes and create an attractive, affordable space designed specifically to meet your lifestyle needs. In addition to their knowledge of products, materials and finishes, professional designers have the training and expertise to plan, schedule, execute and manage your project from start to finish.
Q: What initial planning steps should be considered before contacting an Interior Designer?
F: It’s important to gather information about the styles and products you find appealing. Kitchen and bath remodeling magazines and home remodeling magazines can be a good source for you to gather pictures of what you like, and what you don't like.
Spend time thinking about your goals. How will you use the space? What are your priorities for the look and feel of the space? What is your budget?
Q: What is the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?
F: An Interior Designer is defined as one who "is professionally trained to create a functional and quality interior environment. Qualified through education, experience and examination, a professional designer can identify, research and creatively resolve issues and lead to a healthy, safe and comfortable physical environment." Interior design is the art and science of understanding people's behavior in order to create functional spaces in coordination with the architects design.
Interior Decorators, on the other hand, are primarily concerned with surface decoration including paint, fabric, furnishings, lighting and other materials. Decoration is often characterized as the furnishing or adorning of a space with appropriate items.
Q: What does ASID stand for?
F: The American Society of Interior Designers requires that members complete an established minimum of interior design education. The ASID professional track provides a pathway for members to advance to professional membership and each level of membership is a progressive step towards professionalism. Once achieving specific years of work experience, members can take the NCIDQ Examination and upon passage, can advance to ASID Professional Member status.
Q: What does NCIDQ stand for?
F: The National Council for Interior Design Qualification provides the public with the means to identify Interior Designers who have demonstrated the minimum level of competence needed to practice interior design. In fulfillment of this purpose, NCIDQ provides a professional examination in interior design. This licensing certifies that the Interior Designer is a qualified professional who has the background and schooling required to make complex decisions about interior spaces.