Motifs for success

CREATIVITY unlimited, is how one can aptly describe interior designing as a career. This creative enterprise does not limit itself to the interiors of just a home. It is an exciting expedition that offsets uninteresting backgrounds with just the right dicor and flatters an equally drab surrounding with vivid colours. An establishment that exudes an ambience of harmony, comfort, utility and beauty is what makes for almost the perfect setting. It is the creative capability of the professionally trained interior designer that can most often concretise the right blend of elements into an existing architectural structure. Interior designing involves designing the layout and furnishings in any set up. The interior designer provides suitable and workable alternatives within the parameters of the client's preferences.

The profession

In addition to designing techniques, the professionally trained interior designer is exposed to certain intricacies of structural engineering and basic architectural principles through study and experience. The designer takes care of external fixtures, plumbing, acoustics, ventilation, furniture, furnishings and other technicalities. They are responsible for designing the existing space aesthetically. All the changes wrought must harmonise and yet fulfil client requirements. The interior designer has to possess the ability to translate creative ideas into workable solutions. The emergent trend towards eco-friendly products provides interior designers with a new impetus to attempt at alternative designs. Unpredictable work schedules, difficult clients, payment hassles and non-availability of resources can be some of the bottlenecks that an interior designer may encounter while working. On the other hand, the creative satisfaction at the end of a project can be reward enough.

A suitable practice

As in any creative field, the initial period can be an uphill struggle to establish yourself. Once established though, there can be no dearth of work and interior designing can be a very lucrative career. A professionally trained interior designer can either work with architectural firms, construction firms or can freelance. Assignments come in the form of projects. Freelancing and setting up your own practice may take longer to settle. Internships with established architects or other designers during one's novitiate can practically orient the eager beginner. Choosing to train with a professional with a progressive attitude is important as the trainee can imbibe much.

To be an interior designer

Anyone with a flair for creativity, an eye for detail, design, colour, spatial awareness, good observation and drawing skills, a sense of aesthetics, the capacity to visualise, foresight and abstract logic can make a career in interior designing. In addition excellent communication skills are also essential to succeed as a good designer. There are no specific educational qualifications to take up a course in interior designing, though a background in science would not go waste. Structural details can be easy to assimilate in such a case. Professional courses are available in the mode of diploma and specialisation study programmes. Projects and practical internships are a part of the curriculum of any regular course in interior designing. Intensive research and knowledge of the materials and resources available is expected of students participating in the study programme.

Where to study

A course in interior designing usually consists of study of art, principles of designing, sketching, design disciplines such as textiles, architectural and mechanical drawing, including introduction to architecture, computerised design and basic engineering. Interior designing could also be offered as a specialisation course in a five year Bachelor of Fine Arts course or in a postgraduate course in architecture. A five-year professional Interior designing programme has been introduced in the recent past by the School of Interior Design, Centre for Environmental Planning Technology, Ahmedabad.

Professional courses in interior designing are offered by most polytechnics and private institutions, which can be pursued after high school (class X or plus two). The courses offered by polytechnics range from two to three year study programs. Various local institutions offer part-time and full time courses in interior decoration. Interior designing is offered as a specialisation in the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University in Hyderabad.

Subtle differences exist that distinguish the interior designer from an interior decorator. Interior designers concern themselves with technical aspects as well apart from designing while a decorator need not be professionally qualified.

On the downside, dealing with contractors, suppliers and daily wage earners can very taxing. Often the end product may be quite different from what has been visualised.

Ultimately, it is the creative edge that sets apart the successful designer. Designers can build their own universe of clients despite tough competition through qualitative service and reasonable pricing.

Samyukta Koda

samyukta.hyd@careercommunity.co.in