What's in a Name? Interior Design and/or Interior Architecture: The ...

P E R S P E C T I V ENow is the time to embrace our own future by defining what it is we do and by addressingour ethical obligation to society.ConclusionsSo given our past history, the public perceptions of our profession, and the seemingly continual fear thatinterior design will be subsumed by architecture, what are we to do when at times our future is beingchallenged and seems bleak? It is time to thoughtfully consider the four futures proposed for our professionand endorse the one (or combination thereof) that will once again move us forward. The choices range froma ‘‘do nothing’’ approach to a split between residential and commercial designers with the latter group takingthe name of interior architecture. For too long we have let others define who we are. Now is the time toembrace our own future by defining what it is we do and by addressing our ethical obligation to society.Harwood (2006) has advanced a 2015 Hypothesis to move the interior design profession forward in the ‘‘threeEs’’, but until we more effectively communicate our value and adopt a social compact that is understood inthe public and legislative arenas, the perception of the interior design profession will remain the same nomatter what our name.Questions1. When considering the Four Futures as outlined in this Perspective, what proposed Future would bestmove Interior Design forward? What is the rationale for choosing this Future? How can this Future bejustified over other Futures?2. Who/what are the major ‘‘players’’ in the adoption of this Future? Why?3. What strategies would best facilitate adoption of this Future?AppendixThe following definitions were taken from the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences.Interior Architecture:An instructional program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of interiorarchitecture—the processes and techniques of designing living, work and leisure indoor environments asintegral components of a building system. Includes instruction in building design and structural systems,heating and cooling systems, safety and health standards, and interior design principles and standards.Definition listed under ‘‘Architecture and related services’’ at http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/cip2000/ciplist90.asp?CIP2=04Interior Design:A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques tothe professional planning, designing, equipping, and furnishing residential and commercial interior spaces.Includes instruction in computer applications drafting and graphic techniques; principles of interior lighting,acoustics, systems integration, and color coordination; furniture and furnishings; textiles and their finishing;the history of interior design and period styles; basic structural design; building codes and inspectionregulations; and applications to office, hotel, factory, restaurant and housing design.Definition listed under ‘‘Visual and performing arts’’ at http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/cip2000/ciplist.asp?CIP2=50Journal of Interior Design xviiVolume 35 Number 1 2009