Do you need an Interior Designer or Interior Decorator in Vancouver?

Often in my work I notice clients confuse the roles of an Interior Designer and Interior Decorator.

As a formally trained Vancouver Interior Designer, I would like to give some insight regardingthe difference between the two roles by highlighting some of the services each profession can offer you.

Vancouver Interior Design

Interior Design is about understanding people’s needs, behaviours and preferences in order to create functional spaces that are relevant to the location, climate, culture, and the intended purpose of the space. 

Interior Design begins with getting to know the client and the project site by carrying out a thorough analysis of the space. Some of the many subjects of importance in this design analysisare the locations of plumbing and heating, load bearing walls, where the utilities are located that service the property, permits that may be required and budgets.

From here, the Interior Designer turns their findings into a custom design concept specific to the project in response to the overall functioning of the space. 

Once the client approves the design, the Interior Designer is then responsible to coordinate allarchitectural, electrical, mechanical and structural elements of the design based on the layout of the space.

Vancouver Interior Designers

Interior Designers select, specify and create construction drawings and documents for built-in cabinetry, finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) in accordance with the architectural elements of the space. 

During the construction phase, Interior Designers perform contract administration which, in general terms, means they oversee the construction of the space and solve any issues that might arise during construction by collaborating with all site-specific Trades, Consultants and Contractors. 

Once construction of the space is completed, the decoration phase begins.

Vancouver Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating means furnishing the space with appropriate furniture and accessories to complement the architectural elements of the interior space. 

Some Interior Designers decorate as an add-on service however, Interior Decorators do not design. 

In summary, Professional Interior Decorators are hired only to focus upon décor aspects of the space, while Interior Designers can offer their services from the beginning phase of the project all the way through to the end, creating functional and aesthetically appealing spaces for home, work, rest and play.