There are many Interior Designers out there, and all have a variety of educational experiences.
Some hold formal qualifications such as a BA Hons degree but many have completed shorter courses, modules, or a 1-year foundation diploma due to the recent surge in the profession.
So how do you know what type of interior designer you need?
Almost all interior designers will focus on aesthetics, space planning, and decoration. Projects will involve surface changes, decor updates, and furniture selection.
Some Interior Designers will be fully qualified with a BA Hons degree having studied at University for 3-4 years. They tend to have studied the principles of architecture within the constraints of a building and will often take on large renovation projects and integrate elements of architecture with interior design principles to create cohesive and functional environments. These Interior Designers are often referred to at Architectural Interior Designers.
Their specialism includes all of the above as well as:
Architectural Detailing – designing and detailing architectural elements within interior spaces, such as walls, ceilings, and floors.
Structural Modifications – planning and implementing structural changes or alterations to optimize spatial layouts and functionality.
Building Systems Integration – incorporating building systems like heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical systems into the interior design.
They often collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that design concepts are successfully implemented from concept to completion.
All Interior Designers tend to work closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences and budget constraints to create personalised and beautiful interiors.
Once you have established what kind of help you need it will be a matter of checking qualifications and references to understand the training, qualifications and experience they have as this can vary widely.
Then it will come down to the connection you feel with the person. Do you like one another? Can you communicate with them? Do you feel in safe hands; do you trust them? It is this human touch and shared communication which can really benefit a project both aesthetically and emotionally.