1. 38
Since my early childhood, architecture and interior
design have been two subjects that have always intrigued
me. Every time I walk by a building or a house, I wonder
what it looks like from within. The smallest details of a
building can have a profound impact on a person’s expe-
rience of a place. When the architecture of a building is
magnificent, it makes me want to explore it further. When
the interiors of a space are done well, it can cause shop-
pers to buy more, employees to be more productive, and
housing to be more marketable. In short, a well-planned
interiors program will give your project a higher value.
On several occasions, I have stepped into a building, a
house, a restaurant or a store, only to be disappointed;
the architecture looked so appealing from the outside,
but the interior was completely detached or non-function-
al. On the other hand, there have been occasions where
I have been pleasantly surprised. I have walked into
a space that had unattractive architecture but had an
amazing interior. What is stopping us from creating a
space that offers the best of both worlds—great archi-
tecture and great interiors? In this article I will explore
the role of the interior designer and discuss the value
that they can bring to a design team.
For centuries, architects were responsible for designing
the architectural interior of buildings. Once high-rise office
buildings (skyscrapers) and corporate buildings started to
take shape in the mid-1900s, the interior design profes-
sion became separated from architecture. Just as a doctor
who is a general practitioner is not the most appropriate
person to perform brain surgery, architects may not be the
most appropriate professionals to design the interior of a
building. Conversely, interior designers are not the most
qualified professionals to design an exterior space.
Over the years, the interior design field has become
complex, requiring increased expertise and more special-
ized professional knowledge. This trend toward special-
ization continues, as evidenced by National Council for
Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification. Just
like architects must obtain a degree, work experience, and
pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) to become
licensed architects, interior designers also must obtain a
formal education from an accredited school, gain work
experience and pass the NCIDQ examination to become
licensed interior designers. The NCIDQ board modeled
the interior design exam after the similar exam that was
created by The National Council of Architectural Registra-
tion Boards (NCARB) for architects. The NCIDQ licensing
exam covers interior design’s impact on health, life safety
and welfare.
Interior Designers:
The Secret Weapon to Adding Value
By Kelly Zimmer, Interior Designer I

2. 39
The practice of interior
design goes far beyond
aesthetics. Yes, inte-
rior designers provide
programming, space
planning, construction,
detailing, finish selection,
as well as considerations
of interior décor. And yes,
interior designers aim to
create spaces that are
welcoming and beautiful. However, interior design profes-
sionals are also involved in building design, developing
conceptual approaches, and creating solutions through
construction documents.
Including interior designers on the design team early in
the project can help to ensure a better result. Interior
designers can help ensure that all interior spaces work
together, that each interior space has the exact square
footage needed for its purpose, and that the interior de-
sign aligns with user needs and the overall architecture of
the building. In the case of new construction, it is critical
for the architect and client to engage interior designers
while determining the project parameters. Interior design-
ers can make valuable contributions to discussions on
scope, expected outcome of the project, schedule and
budget, consultant selection, contracts, the project type,
and architectural style. After fully understanding the cli-
ent’s needs and establishing the project parameters, the
interior design team can begin to develop a program. This
exercise is critical because it will ensure that the require-
ments adhere to the given budget and square footage. At
this phase, the interior design team calculates egress and
occupancy load, since it is a key factor in determining
the minimal number of exits, restrooms, showers, water
faucets, and many other details. Amongst other things,
interior designers also identify the necessary square
footage; the location and adjacency of spaces; and where
special equipment and furniture must be placed. In-depth
research and interviews are necessary to achieve good
programming. Nobody wants to assume the risk of
building, renovating, or leas-
ing a facility that ends up
being too small or too large
for their needs.
After gaining an under-
standing of the project’s
requirements, the design
team begins more detailed
space planning. Typically,
the client’s principal objec-
tive is to use interior space as efficiently as possible,
especially when older facilities are being modernized. For
example, when designing or renovating an office building,
it is essential that the layout be taken into consideration.
Recent advances in technology are allowing companies
to change in size, become more specialized, and have a
more dynamic workflow. However, this new technology
also requires spaces that can accommodate new com-
puters, video-conferencing, multipurpose areas, and labo-
ratory equipment. Consequently, more than ever, clients
need flexible and adaptable interiors. In the case of new
construction, a professional interior designer will help
to determine the best building configuration and layout.
In the case of renovation, an interior designer can help
to determine the necessary changes. A well thought-out
layout can allow buildings to be suitable for any tenant,
whether it be a law firm or a medical practice. No matter
how appealing the exterior architecture of a building, if the
interior is not flexible, it is less likely that the building will
be occupied.
Interior designers also play an important role when it
comes to space planning for multi-family projects and can
help to maximize each square foot of rentable space. As
populations increase, our buildings are becoming more
vertical. We are facing increased population density; more
people are living alone, more people are working from
home, and family sizes are decreasing. Including an interior
designer on your team from the beginning can be beneficial
because they can maximize space and address critical de-
tails of the design. According to real estate professionals,

3. 40
an apartment's layout is just
as important as the proximity
of good school systems and
access to public transportation
in defining its value (The New
York Times). Apartments with
odd corners, long corridors,
or awkward room shapes are
more difficult to lease. When
interior designers lay out a
plan, they take into consider-
ation all the possible uses of
space and furniture. The more
options and usable space that
are available to the potential
tenant, the more likely they will
be to rent the space.
In addition to space plan-
ning, the interior design team
participates in the development of the building’s sche-
matic design. During this phase, floor plans, sections,
elevations, and perspectives are generated and creative
possibilities are explored. Preliminary finishes and furni-
ture ideas are also developed during this phase with the
goal of enhancing productivity, durability, and sustain-
ability. It is important to note that the client’s branding,
values, culture and mission are taken into consideration
while designing a space, so it can be reflected in the final
design. No choice is random. The designer aims to pro-
vide a creative and effective design that meets the client’s
expectations and “wows” potential users.
Once the design is fully developed, the design team
refines the floor plans, elevations and details. Interior
designers finalize the selection of furniture and equip-
ment based not only on ergonomic principles but also
on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
At this point, the selection of finishes such as wall color,
flooring, ceiling, and upholstery is finalized. The interior
design team also prepares a cost estimate and budget for
construction and FF&E items.
The interior designer’s job does not stop here; now they
must bring their ideas and the design to life through the
selection of the interior millwork and furniture. During the
construction documents phase, the interior designers
prepare floor plans, reflected
ceiling plans, elevations,
sections, millwork drawings,
construction details, the FF&E
package, and the architectural
specifications package. Indeed
most of the interior designers’
time will be spent during this
phase since it involves a high
degree of detail. Through the
construction document phase,
the interior designers define
the types of walls to be used,
how materials are assembled,
how the finishes should be
installed, where the power
outlets must be located, and
where lighting is desired. They
are also usually involved in
lighting selection, where the
furniture goes, and how custom millwork should be con-
structed. Since interior designers specialize in the interior
environment, their involvement in this phase can greatly
affect the final outcome. With most projects, architects
and interior designers work closely together throughout
this phase, since most states require the drawings to be
signed by a registered architect or engineer to obtain a
building permit.
In conclusion, the role of interior design professionals
extends far beyond just designing spaces that are unique,
fun, and functional. While interior designers love the
idea of creating and transforming spaces, the profession
entails more than just selecting décor. As professionals,
interior designers are trained and experienced in address-
ing a multitude of criteria: the space must reflect the
client’s taste, branding, and business model; it must be
appealing and functional for its users; it must meet code
requirements; it must be sustainable; it must be inclusive
to any user; and it must be efficient and cost effective.
Designing is not just limited to developing fun ideas,
it involves the translation of an idea into a space that
meets all the requirements and complements the build-
ing’s architecture. When interior designers and architects
work together from the onset of a project, they are able to
increase the quality, value and timelessness of the build-
ing they design.