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Guayaquil University

INTERIOR DESIGN

One of the best options for professional training.

Ingrid N. Frank

Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Guayaquil

FAQ-N-03-VE-2

Huacón Naranjo Emily Madeline

December 23, 2021
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INTERIOR DESIGN

The interior design career teaches about the human relationship with the environment and

the needs that arise based on it. There are reasons that have to do with personal desire and

capabilities, as well as the professional and work development of the designer, which determine

the benefits of this career. There are different types of interior designs. That is: residential,

commercial, exhibition design, spatial or universal , among others. (Universiaec, 2019)

The objective of this career is to create pleasant, comfortable and functional spaces for the

user. John F. Pile suggests that, if an average of the number of hours that people spend indoors is

estimated, it would occupy 90% of the time of the day, with only 10% allocated to the time spent

outdoors. Consequently, the author suggests that, whether or not there is a preference for being in

contact with nature, current life takes place mostly inside buildings. In this way, it expresses the

importance of interior design in people's lives. (1988)

Interior design is a discipline that intervenes in the process of improving the experience of

interior space. We work with the volume and surface of the area to be conditioned,

complementing technical and creative aspects. Generally, intervention is carried out in an already

built space, making modifications to its layout and decoration.

The Interior Designer is capable of handling design theories and concepts that will allow

him to recognize, analyze and propose functional, innovative and creative solutions to problems

in the field in a logical and responsible way.

The usefulness of interior design in any imaginable environment or space makes the

possibilities of applying knowledge almost unlimited. In addition, it can be combined with the

work of other professionals, such as architects and also those who are in charge of remodeling

properties for sale or rent, thus expanding the field of work.

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It can be developed in the design and manufacture of furniture, decoration accessories,

lighting accessories, curtains, armchairs, tables, bookcases, beds and any other furniture or

structure that is needed or in turn advise on the purchase of these. Select materials for floor and

wall coverings, furniture, wallpaper, curtains and more, considering their aesthetics and

durability.

Many times Interior Design is mistakenly confused with decoration, which has created a

series of misunderstandings. Although aspects of decoration are worked on in both, they are

totally different. Interior Design does not focus only on the beauty of the space, but carries out an

observation and social study of behavior to adjust its layout, furniture and even colors to the

needs of the occupants.

Interior design consists of the art and science of understanding people's behavior to create

useful and functional spaces in a building. Let's say that they have vision regarding spaces and

usually have knowledge of architecture. Interior designers know environmental psychology and

are trained to create spaces adapted to clients' lifestyles.

Decoration, for its part, is concerned with improving the aesthetic beauty of rooms and

interiors, bringing into play the relationship between colors and lighting to create harmony and

visual beauty.

However, an interior designer can work with the interior decorator. Or even the designer

himself can do it all without having to hire the decorator's work. So we are looking at a

complement . Among the characteristics of interior design, we mean that it is a multifaceted

discipline in which a series of factors are taken into account that affect both the visual appearance

and the comfort and functionality of the space. (ESDIMA, 2018)

The famous architect Richard Buckminster Fuller said: “When I am working on a

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problem, I never think about its beauty. I just think about how to solve the problem. But when I

finish it, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong” (Fuller, 2019) this referring to the

constant challenges that both architects and designers face .

Next, we detail which elements are not missing in the work of an interior designer:

Layout: determines the place and distribution to give a hierarchy to the spaces.

Furniture: ensures the circulation and daily functioning of the place based on needs.

Comfort and Ergonomics: includes lighting, sound and environmental conditions.

Materials and Coatings: it will depend on factors such as the purpose of the space, the type of

traffic and the budget.

Knowing the differences between the two will allow you to know which professional you

need to carry out all the projects you have in mind, whether in your home or in your company.

But we must keep in mind that, although there are professionals who do both, they are two

different professions. So you might see that an expert offers one thing, but doesn't offer the other.

The work scenarios of an Interior Design professional will allow them to act in different fields of

design, integrating and leading inter, trans and multidisciplinary work groups, both in the public

and private sectors in the following fields:

✓ Interior Design companies and studios.

✓ Furniture and basic accessories industry.

✓ Planning, adaptation and construction companies for interior spaces.

✓ Independent professional.

✓ Teaching and research.

An interior designer is prepared as a professional to perform functions such as:

• Creative director of Interior Design projects.

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• Interior Designer in project planning and construction companies.

• Consulting or Interior Design services, among others.

In conclusion, the interior designer could be the duo of a decorator, but the designer

himself is a capable professional who has the technical and academic tools to decorate the space,

so it could be concluded that decoration is just a complement of the Interior Designer. The

Interior Design career allows us to develop creativity since ideas must constantly be produced. In

a changing labor market, acquiring new tools and renewing yourself is always an option. Interior

design is a highly sought-after specialty, both by companies and individuals, as it offers solutions

to improve people's productivity and quality of life. If you like to create the right solutions to

improve life indoors, interior design is for you. A discipline with different aspects that requires

knowing technical aspects, but also being a creative person. Now that you know what interior

design is, what do you think of this orientation for your professional career?

References

ESDIMA. (2018). Esdima . Obtained from Madrid School of Design: https://esdima.com/que-

is-interior-design/

Fuller, R. b. (June 12, 2019).

Pile, J. F. (1988).

Universiaec. (August 12, 2019). Universia . Obtained from Universia:

https://www.universia.net/ec/actualidad/orientacion-academica/10-motivos-cuales-

you should-study-interior-design-1166049.html