Design Philosophy

    As long as I can remember, I have been watching HGTV and interested in home design. Although interior architecture is about way more than what meets the naked eye, I knew from the start that design was something I took an interest in. The more I educated myself on these topics, the more I wanted to know. Once I took an entry level class about design in college, I began to realize the importance of designers in our field. I started to understand the difference between bad design and good design, and why being able to distinguish between the two is important.

    While a significant part of being a designer is making interior spaces visually aesthetic, it is also crucial to create spaces that meet the needs of the consumer. Depending on the project, the client may need a space that is handicap accessible, has an open floor plan, or sometimes even has altered countertop heights. The client should not have to worry about spaces that were not designed properly and prohibit their functionality. Whatever the need may be, it is one of the most important parts of being a designer.

    Answering the question "Why would you like to be a designer?" is simple for me. Designing is something that I can picture feeling more like fun than work. I get to have fun creating spaces that other people will love. According to https://snowbrains.com, 93% of an average person's life is spent inside. Therefore, the interior spaces we spend most of our time in should be pleasant and make us feel happy. For me personally, if an interior space is comfortable and looks nice, it puts me in a lot better headspace than a space that is cluttered, outdated, or has really bad color combinations. Even just the types of materials used can change the whole feeling of a room, so it is essential that when selecting these materials, it is done correctly.

     For commercial settings like a hospital, one should feel at ease. The purpose of the space should be to make the person feel at home, not like they are about to get a shot in their arm. For residential interiors, the purpose is clear. No matter what the customer's design style is, their house should feel like a home. It should be a place that they feel safe and want to spend time in. Even with a low budget, a home can still meet the needs of the user while being aesthetically pleasing. 

    When I begin designing for clients, my intent is to create a space that is both functional and enjoyable to be in. Whether I focus on residential or commercial design, both places should bring a sense of peace to the end user. Design is important because it effects the way we feel based off of our surroundings. By creating more beautiful interiors, a greater number of people can enjoy the spaces around them that they use each day. 

Citations

Lefton, A. (2020, February 25). These impressive before-and-after photos will make you want to buy a fixer-upper. Bob Vila. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/these-impressive-before-and-after-photos-will-make-you-want-to-buy-a-fixer-upper-53287.

SnowBrains. (2021, May 28). Brain Post: How much time does the average American spend outdoors? SnowBrains. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://snowbrains.com/brain-post-much-time-average-american-spend-outdoors/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Environmental%20Protection,of%20your%20entire%20life%20outdoors.