Interior design and home decorating are often mistaken for being the same thing; however, the two terms are actually very different. Home interior design is selecting a furnishing style, selecting a paint color, to buy new furniture, and to decorate while home interior design includes running a detailed analysis of how your space is currently being used, and… you guessed it, how you plan to use it in the future. While this may seem like a rather complicated idea, with all of the aspects involved in determining what sort of home interior design you ultimately end up with, it can be surprisingly easy to get wrapped up in the process and lose sight of the end goal.
In order to really achieve a successful home design, there are a few other factors to take into consideration besides the paint color and furniture selection. Many people don’t realize that in addition to a good paint job, they also need to choose the right carpeting, laminate flooring, and whether or not to invest in a do-it-yourself electrical contractor or a professional contracting service. When you hire a professional building designer, they will take into consideration many of these things and more, so it is often best to leave the work to them. However, it can be difficult to find a good contractor or building designer locally, which is why you may wish to become certified in home design. It takes about two years to become certified through the Builders Association of America (BAA) and after that, you will find that you will have a lot of work on your hands.
Becoming certified as a home designer requires some heavy thinking, as you will have to examine everything from materials to interior finishes. While building designers used to only design residential dwellings, these days it is becoming increasingly common for building designers to design offices, restaurants, hotels, malls, and other places of business as well. There are also other career options that incorporate the field of home design, such as those tied in the academe. For example, architectural students may pursue a Master’s degree in the field, while those with carpentry skills can pursue a Bachelors degree in this field. Many architects and building designers also go on to teach college, or teach part time as an adjunct professor at a university.
While it is possible to get certified as an architectural technician, or a masonry professional, becoming certified as a home designer is a little more difficult. The certification exam is different depending on where you live, and some states require different training than others. In some states, the exam can be simply written and mailed, while in other states, professional building designers must meet specific educational and experience requirements. In the end, it is up to the states to decide if the BAA or another professional organization is right for you. The most popular options are:
While many professional building designers go on to offer their services globally, some choose to specialize in one area, such as residential or commercial architecture. In order to be eligible for certification by the American Society of Home Designers or the American Academy of Home Builders (ABAH), a person must demonstrate a certain level of expertise in residential and/or commercial construction, along with having taken an approved apprenticeship program. This shows that the person has significant experience and can be counted on to provide meaningful advice to potential clients, while being able to answer their specific questions.
There are currently several hundred apps in the Android Market designed specifically for use by architects, home builders and interior designers. These apps were specifically created to help these professionals do their jobs better, using innovative technology. For example, the iOS Builder for Home can save house plans, floor plans and specs, along with materials lists for every project, from building a simple shed to a full-fledged home renovation. Not only does the iOS Builder app help modern-day architects design better homes, it also gives them access to information they might not have otherwise, such as local zoning laws, building codes, regulations and other important information that could make a significant difference in their projects.
