Assignment: Two Views of Design

Education plays two roles in interior design. The first is to educate and train the professional designer the other is to enlighten the customer and the greater public. If architecture and interior architecture in particular is art that is unavoidable then it is important that both the artists and the consumers of that art learn to appreciate and value the results of good design – this takes education. Once we all learn to appreciate good design we can become better consumers of it.

The role of credentials for an educated design professional is that they are tools for creating legitimacy in their work. Designers are professional because they abide by rules and guidelines and uphold the training they receive in order to earn those credentials. It is what separates a lay-person from one who has dedicated time, experience and learning to field. I believe that one takes matters into their own hands when working with those who lack the credentials to do a job well. We recognize other professions by the credentials and training that make them so. This community of professionals refine what may be inborn talent in a way that validates the work of all professionals in their field through credentials.

In consideration of the design professional versus the “design star” I believe that both have a place. While the design professional plans and executes according to clearly defined guidelines a design star inspires others to learn more and appreciate what good design could be. An educated person becomes a better consumer. For many people who lack access and privilege to hire a design professional they can learn something from the media-produced design star. Like the products of design there is a wide spectrum of design practitioners.

This was as much true in the 1950’s when Ray and Charles Eames introduced their chairs to the world on national television. Media has a role to play in educating both the design professional (and future design professionals) as well as the lay-person. It takes all kinds to make the world go round – even the design world.