Business education is essential for interior designers especially when either you want to be residential or commercial interior designer.  Interior Designers need to learn the business aspect of Interior Designing. Interior Design is not always about designing, you need to learn how to attract clients, read contracts, how well the money is being budgeted, and etc. In Interior Design field, there are two types of interior designers.

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Residential Interior Designer: 

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An interior designer 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.

A decorator fashions the "look" of a space and its outward decoration—paint, fabric, furnishings, light fixtures and other materials. In addition to enhancing the total visual environment, an interior designer creates a space that is functional, efficient and safe.

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Among the many areas of expertise a professional designer commands are

• Space planning and utilization, including organizational and storage needs

• Long-term project and lifestyle planning

• National, state and local building codes

• Safety and accessibility

• Ergonomics

• Design for people with special needs

• Conservation and “green” design

• Historic restoration

• Interior detailing of background elements, such as wall and ceiling designs

• Custom design of furniture, drapery and accessories

• Selection of appliances, plumbing fixtures and flooring materials

• Acoustics and sound transmission

• Audiovisual and communication technology

• Construction documents and specifications

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Commercial Interior Designer: 

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An interior design professional contributes at every phase of your project to ensure that the final result exceeds your expectations and ensures the health, safety and welfare of all who may use or occupy the space.  The designer can also assist in putting together the other members of the project team, such as the architect, general contractor, decorator and consultants for lighting, commercial kitchens, acoustics, art selection, etc.

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The following is a list of services the designer can provide at each phase of the design process:

Defining the Scope

• Planning and Design: feasibility studies, space planning, tenant development, budget analysis, design concepts, finish specifications, furniture specifications, art and accessory programs,

• Construction Co-ordination: project management, bid management, move management, post occupancy evaluations

Programming involving the right people and gaining insight into:

• the calendar life of the project

• the strategic plan (as it relates to the facility, people, technology)

• the work flow

• the equipment and technology

• the budgetary and maintenance issues

Schematic combines the insight gained in programming with design expertise to begin a dialogue regarding design solutions. This is typically conveyed through:

• drawings: proposed space plans, detail drawings, elevations, 3-D sketches, animated walk through

• budgets

• material samples

• product cut sheets

• product mock-ups

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Design Development refines the concepts approved in the schematic phase.  Finalizing specifications of architectural plan and details, lighting, materials, furnishings, equipment and budgets.

Construction Documentation often involves the most interface with other design team professionals and consultants to make sure all aspects of the project are properly documented.

Construction Administration insures the project is built-out based on the documented design and specifications arrived at from previous phases. Administration may include:

• Periodic inspection of work progress

• Review and approval of submitting

• Punch lists

• Authorization for payment

• As-built document production

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