There seems to be a general misunderstanding of the differences in the kinds of interior design services offered by interior designers, interior decorators and interior architects.

When you opt to study interior design, you may have an pretty clear idea of the interior design services you may wish to offer on completion of the design study.

Though quite a number of people want to be in this industry because of the fun, excitement and glamour that usually comes with the profession, some intending students of interior design decide on the pursuit of the course because they want to polish up on their creativity and decorating skills. Not to mention the fact that it is a highly lucrative career.  If this is the case, one may consider doing just the Diploma course in interior design and decoration studies.

Some students enrol for this course primarily because they are doing some home renovations, and they want to learn the best way to approach such without employing the services of an interior designer. They can then opt to do small interior jobs privately, after their initial success at working at theirs.

On the other hand, if you wish to become a professional and a career interior designer, providing both residential and commercial interior design services, then you should think about enrolling for an HND and subsequently, a BA in interior design. At the end of that, the choice of going for an MA in interior design is yours to decide.

INTERIOR DESIGN EDUCATION AND COMMITMENT

Interior design studies is really not a hobby type of course. There must be an aspect of seriousness and great commitment about making a mark in the interior design services industry before embarking on this course study.

The interior design college courses are designed as professional training programs for intending students who wish to work as interior designers and interior architects,  in the residential and commercial design industries.

INTERIOR DECORATOR

Knows different styles ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. Interior decorators have the 'secrets' of developing beautiful colour schemes, elegant and harmonious layouts while having the ability to select exquisite furniture, rugs, fabrics, drapes, wallpapers and accessories. They understand the effective use of gleaming chrome or mellow wood tones.

Co-ordinating sculpture, paintings, plants and antiques into uniquely beautiful arrangements are the exciting works of an interior decorator.

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Interior designers work to produce plan layouts, choose surface finishes and materials, lighting schemes and colour schemes, cabinetry and ironmongery, etc. These and many other elements all combine together to create a visually pleasing design that reflects the lifestyles and personalities of their clients.

There are a variety of tools at the disposal of an interior designer that will aid in helping them visualize an interior before they even begin to make purchases, avoiding costly mistakes that is the bane of the unprofessional. An interior designer providing interior design services will communicate their ideas and instructions in a professional manner through detailed drawings, specifications and mood boards

They can go on and earn a living as a residential designer and small commercial projects, or work with large interior design or architectural firms.

INTERIOR ARCHITECT

Interior architects work with different kinds of skills and mainly for commercial, or large residential interior design services or projects.

They work more with interior space, space planning and their training qualifies them to work from structure shells to newly built interior structures, the kind of projects you will find in restaurants, boutiques, shops or offices.

Interior architects study technical drawings and interior construction drawings to a higher level than interior designers/decorators, They can gut or strip an existing structure, and then rebuild it. They can communicate with technicians and contractors to ensure everything is built to standard and kept to specifications. And that their clients expectations are met.

Working as an interior architect is challenging and exciting and potentially lucrative. However, a high level of skill is required, and you will work with tight deadlines and larger budgets. This deeper knowledge and technical ability is the difference between an interior designer/decorator and an interior architect.

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