One of the most common misconceptions in my life is what it is I actually do for a living. It is a running joke that I choose cushions and my friend Dan the locksmith sharpens knives
[shout out to Magnum Locksmiths at Wynnum www.magnumlocksmiths.com.au].
In reality neither of us offer these services.
Thanks to Google for the above image
Overseas, an Interior Designer is what we here in Australia call an Interior Decorator and people often see these “designers” on reality TV shows doing an amazing job selecting soft furnishings or styling a home. The title for an Interior Designer in these countries is an Interior Architect, who rarely, if ever get a mention on reality TV.
SPATIAL DESIGN / RENOVATION
In Australia, the terms Interior Designer and Interior Architect are interchangeable. A qualified Interior Designer has a Bachelor degree [or higher] in Interior Design and most never do soft furnishings or styling, although some do offer these services as part of an entire project package. I have spent over 10 years in the industry and have never done soft furnishing or furniture packages for a residential project – only in office fit-out, hospitality, retail or healthcare sectors.
CUSTOM CABINETRY
Instead, in the residential space, I have designed extensions, renovations and new homes. This is what I would term “spatial design”. I also have done extensive custom cabinetry design for kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes and living room spaces. I have drafted plans, elevations, sections and construction details. I did the design work for the extension of our own home including the construction drawings, only calling in an architect friend [shout out to Chris at Gadke Architecture www.gadkearchitects.com.au] to help me with the roofing details and to get the drawings finished off as with a new born I ran out of time to get that last little bit done. I have also submitted development applications, negotiated tenders, and project managed building work and been the one to call when issues or alterations to the projects arose.