One of the questions I often get asked is what is the difference between an Interior Decorator, Interior Designer, Interior Architect and Interior Stylist. It can be confusing to understand the difference as there is no governing body that controls who can call themselves any of these titles. Unlike architecture in which the AIA (Australian Institute of Architects) allows those who are qualified and then registered to legally call themselves an architect. So basically anyone that has done a short course can call themselves an interior designer. Unfortunately there are some people out there who do not operate in a professional manner and give us all a bad name. Anyway. This is my interpretation of the difference between the following, please let me know your thoughts too:
Interior Decorator: works within an existing interior space (usually residential) to design a fully furnished room concept. Generally they make aesthetic changes without making structural changes. They design the colour scheme, select finishes, fixtures and furnishings sometimes down to bedlinen and homewares. A decorator can provide custom designed soft furnishings such as window furnishings, sofas and also provide kitchen and bathroom designs. They are usually commissioned for a project at the end once all building work has finished.
Interior Decoration by
Dianne Bergeron
Interior Decoration by
Kelly Wearstler
Interior Designer: takes an holistic approach when designing a space. They investigate the problems and restrictions and then find and create a cohesive answer. Interior designers work from the beginning of a project to ensure that the building is designed from the inside-out as well and from the outside-in. Working across all sectors including retail, residential, commercial, education, health and workplace, an interior designer considers the overall effect of the space. Every aspect of the interior is considered from the layout, colours, form, furnishings, lighting and architecture, right down the detailing the joinery items. They are aware of the building codes and often work through concept and branding, drawing/documentation, tender and project management through to the (fabulous) finished project outcome.
From the
DIA:
Interior designers plan and detail commercial and residential building interiors for effective use with particular emphasis on space creation, space planning and factors that affect our responses to living and working environments.
Interior design is also referred to as interior architecture because interior designers are trained to consider the modification of the interior structure of the building rather than just refinishing and furnishing existing spaces.
L'Opera Restaurant Paris by
Odile Decq
From
Studio Ilse website:
Studioilse’s design starts with the human being at the centre. As creative directors and designers Studioilse works across brand development, concept creation, interior architecture, furniture, lighting and product design. Studioilse is headed by Ilse Crawford, fascinated by what drives us, brings us together and ultimately makes us feel alive, this is manifested through design that can provide a frame for life.
Interior Architect: I find this term to be a tricky one. Monash University have an Interior Architecture course and to be honest I don't understand the difference between an Interior Design degree. The reason that I have a problem with the term interior architecture it is that in Australia to be called an architect there is a registration process. It would be fantastic if there was a license or registration to be called an Interior Designer/Architect in Australia however at this time there is not.
Interior Stylist: An interior stylist creates interior scenes usually as part of a photography shoot. They source everything from furniture, backdrops, objects, flowers and sometimes the location for a photo shoot. They arrange the items in an aesthetic way to suit the client brief, weather it be for an editiorial spread for a magazine, or advertising for a client or product catalogue. An interior stylist may also select and style furnishings for real estate agents in order to sell a property.
Glen Proebstel is a the top if his game. This is from his website:
Glen Proebstel is a Melbourne based stylist who produces work of a truly international standard. His ability lies, not only in his skill of selecting and bringing objects together in an aesthetically pleasing way, but in his innate feel for how to create an emotional connection. The quality of his work comes from the understanding of fundamentals such as scale, texture, placement, colour and light, but the magic comes from the unexpected, the witty and the quirky play that underpins his signature style.
Glen Proebstel for Zuster Furniture
Megan Morton for Wool Mark Australia
Sibella Court
I'd love to know what you think. What have I missed, is this how you understand the distinctions between these titles?
