Liability. How far can it go?

In a Daily WebInsider from Architectural Record I came across and interesting article that relates the topics of my blog over the past couple of weeks (see link below). Even though this pertains to Architects at this moment one has to wonder if it will cross over to Interior Designers. How far can one's liability go? Is it fair or ethical to sue an Architect that has presented the correct window for the project but said specified window was changed by the developer, contractor or client. How can one be held liable if they presented a correct option that if installed or implemented there would not be an issue.

http://archrecord.construction.com/news/2014/08/140820-Lawsuit-Suggests-New-Liability-for-Architects.asp

Ethics

Ethics impact majority of decisions you make, especially as a professional. As an interior designer one should abide by good practices standards to maintain a good relationship with clients, suppliers and other design professional. For example honesty is always the best policy. Not being honest is the first way to lose trust. In the design field word of mouth is the quickest way to make you or break you. If a client has a good experience, been treated fairly and in good ethics they are likely to refer you. Here is a link to a good article and list of “standards” to help maintain good working relationships.

 http://ezinearticles.com/?Professional-Ethics-For-Interior-Designers&id=3116685

The other part of ethics in design is regarding the type of project. Would you design an abortion clinic or a strip club? Where do these fall on your moral compass? In any event when these projects come about you really don’t have time to think, you have to make a decision quick. Whether you get a cold call from a potential client or are approached by your boss. As a designer you must prepare yourself to answer intelligently, honestly and professionally.  The article in the link below discusses another aspect of ethics in design but the way to go about making a decision can be used for any ethical dilemma.

http://www.interiorsandsources.com/article-details/articleid/5729/title/ncidq-news-stretching-your-ethical-muscle.aspx

Interesting Links

Check out the links below that I have come across doing research for blog topics.

This link is to a good article on why Interior Design should be considered a specialty.

http://www.di.net/articles/interior-design-and-architecture/

This link I came across looking for curriculums/degrees that allow to you specialize in a specific type of interior design. I am glad that they explain what the difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer is.

http://www.cidinternational.org/

Specialize?

As we go through the required education to become a licensed interior designer, we are made aware of the types of interior design there are. Hospitality, Retail, Restaurant, Institutional and Office design to name a few. Usually by the time you graduate you start to have an idea of the area interior design you want to focus on. But can one get the education to actually specialize in a specific type of design?

Researching on the internet I found that there is not a specific degree that one can obtain that specializes in a type of interior design. Most curriculums in interior design introduce the 5 most common types of interiors noted above. This gives the student a brief glimpse into the many types and a balanced portfolio for the job hunt. To specialize you really have to research, gain knowledge and experience on your own. Hone your craft as they say. This may even mean working at an office or restaurant in the different positions to understand how the facility works as a whole.

For example, there is a classmate of mine that thought she wanted to be part of the restaurant industry. After working in the business for a couple of years, she realized that it wasn’t for her. Based on her love of art and design that interior design was what she wanted to do. She could combine the two if she wanted. The experience that she had in the restaurant industry gives her a better understanding of designing a restaurant because she knows how it functions. What works what doesn’t work. This can be attractive to future employers that specialize in this type of interior design.

The other important part of specializing is researching design firms. Not all firms are the same. Some may specialize while others may not. Also the size of the firm makes a difference. Typically in a larger firm you have to “earn your keep” as they say. Smaller firms allow you to get more involved in the design process when you first start out. But word of caution you don’t want a situation that is baptism by fire where you are thrown into the lion’s den on you first project. Looking at their work and networking with employees will help you understand what the firm is about. When looking to jump into the real world it’s all about doing your homework.