As you may know, I am an Interior Coach. I break down this role on my services page but am always asked why I brand myself as an Interior Coach and not as an Interior Designer. There are several reasons, all explained below. I hope this educational post introduces you to a new and emerging area of design and interiors.
So.. what is an Interior Coach?
It’s new! Interior Coaching refers to designers, like myself, who have the skill sets, knowledge, professional experience, and portfolio of interior designers but do not meet city or state requirements for licensure. As an Interior Coach, I consider myself an unaccredited interior designer executing the same techniques and approaches.
I have extensive education and professional experience in design techniques, space planning, construction processes and management, project management, trade management, and furniture, fixture and equipment (FF&E) sourcing. I am also proudly self-taught, diligently studying and pouring over design fundamentals to make sure I am adhering to general design aesthetic. Most recently, I completed coursework in several software programs for architectural drawings and renderings to help clients visualize a space.
Are you an interior designer?
No. The title Interior Designer is a designation you receive when you meet NYS licensure requirements, which I do not meet. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) governs the licensure credentials for interior designers and requirements include at least two years of education in an accredited interior design program, and meeting professional experience requirements. While I am not an interior designer with formal training, I have extensive education and professional experience in design techniques, space planning, construction processes and management, project management, trade management, and furniture, fixture and equipment (FF&E).
Interior Coach v. Decorator… what’s the difference?
To clarify, I am not an interior decorator. Interior design is an art and science that takes years of applied work to understand and execute. Interior Decorators, on the other hand, are primarily focused on the surface aesthetics of a space and not on the functionality, space planning, efficiently, health and safety, environmental impact, or construction process behind the space. Interior Decorators are typically unfamiliar with the construction process (from RFPs and leveling BIDs to securing final CO) and will not be available for the duration of a large scale renovation or remodel.
If you’re working on a residential or commercial project I’d love to connect with you and work together to create a functional and curated space!
Tiarra
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