Responsibilities of the Interior Design Professional

Time management and attention to detail are two significant qualities of the interior designer. Besides the variety of responsibilities that come with a project, the designer may be working on several other projects and is possibly in different stages with each one.

It is a complicated process, but the design professional has to be able to pay attention to and keep track of every little detail of the project. 

1. Collaboration

In the beginning stage, as well as throughout the duration of the project, the designer is responsible for setting up meetings with the clients. The initial meeting is to consult with them and be sure that they will be able to effectively work together to come up with a unique design solution. The designer needs to be able to listen to the clients and help them decide what needs to be done. Along the way, the designer will need to be able to coordinate times to present plans and ideas to them. 

2. Attention to detail

Once the clients have agreed to hire a designer, the designer will need to survey the area and take measurements. The designer is responsible for taking and recording accurate measurements at the job site. It usually helps to take another person along to take the measurements or to record them. 

It is important to get the measurements right the first time around to prevent wasting your time and your clients' money. Items to take to the job site include: a tape measure, notepad and pencil, and a digital camera. You will want to take pictures so you don't have to go back to the job site every time you forget one of the details. 

3. Research

After the measurements have been taken and the clients' needs and wants have been assessed, the designer is responsible for coming up with a logical design plan, while keeping sustainable and universal design in mind. The designer may have to do some research at this point. 

4. Making appropriate changes

The designer will draw floor plans and perspective drawings with furniture layouts to present to the clients. Perspective drawings are often color rendered to help the client visualize the design. This is where the designer will need to set up a presentation meeting with the clients; any changes that need to be made to the plans will be discussed here. 

5. Execution of the plan

After the plan has been approved, the designer is responsible for working alongside other people, such as subcontractors, and setting up inspections to be sure that the design is coming together smoothly, as well as keeping the clients informed on the status of the project. It is important to inform the clients as soon as an obstacle comes up in the design process. The designer is also responsible for purchasing any furnishings, accessories, and materials needed. 

The design process is often complicated and may not be as straightforward as an interior designer may have hoped, but a competent designer will be able to keep track of each project and to keep the design process on track. The experienced designer has good time management and pays attention to detail.

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