You probably think based on what you've seen on TV, most likely the HGTV channel, that interior designers can whip up designs and knock them out in a matter of days. This is ridiculously incorrect! Back in the real world, design projects can take up to months from beginning to end. TV shows do not show the process part or anything that may go deeper into what really happens when a client approaches a designer. Don't get me wrong, I love watching HGTV on a lazy afternoon but it is not realistic what they portray. Unfortunately, because of what is shown on TV the general public only see interior designers as people who come into a space and make it pretty. While decorating is a part of interior design, it is not the only thing we are capable of. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) best defines our profession which states: Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience and examination, to protect and enhance the health, life safety and welfare of the public.
We, as future interior designer's hold the responsibility of educating the general public on what exactly it is we do. If people are not educated about our profession, we will always be confused with interior decorators.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Ethics - Do you have any?
First and foremost we have to ask ourselves a few questions about ethics. Do we know how to define the word ethics? Based on the definition, Are ethics important to you or are they not? How do your ethics affect your daily life? and How are they implemented when it comes to design?
Ethics are the moral foundation on which people build their lives. They assist in decision making, guiding you to participate in actions that meet your internal moral standards. Ethics represent the core value system you use for everyday problem solving. They create a framework for determining “right” versus “wrong”.
When defining personal ethics, there are several aspects to consider which can vary greatly from person to person. What makes up the framework of ethics is loosely based on elements of value. Starting with the value of others - or how one person treats another person in terms of respect, concern for their well being and recognition of their autonomy. It strongly impacts the depth and longevity of relationships. Next is the value of society - or how one interacts with society as a whole also speaks to their ethical standards. This includes compliance with the law, conforming to generally accepted social norms, and contributing to the community. And lastly and probably the most important, the value of self - or how a person presents themselves is an indicator of personal ethics. This refers to trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, and consistency.
Personally, Ethics are important to me! I have personal values, morals and ethics that I tap into almost everyday. On a daily basis different things come my way in which I am to make decisions on. I think about them, process them, and then make my decision. Within that process stage is when I decide whether or not the decision I make with affect my ethics, morals or values. They certainly affect my daily life but they are definitely not a hindrance in any way. Implementing ethics into design could be a little trickier. What if you were presented with a design project but it was for a business or person and you don't like or support. Would you be putting your ethics to the side to take that job? or Would that internal voice in your head tell you that it is "wrong?"and not take the job because it goes against your personal ethics.
We as designers will be facing the real world every single day while working in this career field. It is up to us and our personal ethics to decide whether or not we would take a particular job. Everyone is different and so are their ethics. There will be conflicts at some point in the future but as long as you stay true to your own personal ethics then you wont have any problems. Just keep it professional when turning down a job if it goes against what you believe is "right."
Ethics are the moral foundation on which people build their lives. They assist in decision making, guiding you to participate in actions that meet your internal moral standards. Ethics represent the core value system you use for everyday problem solving. They create a framework for determining “right” versus “wrong”.
When defining personal ethics, there are several aspects to consider which can vary greatly from person to person. What makes up the framework of ethics is loosely based on elements of value. Starting with the value of others - or how one person treats another person in terms of respect, concern for their well being and recognition of their autonomy. It strongly impacts the depth and longevity of relationships. Next is the value of society - or how one interacts with society as a whole also speaks to their ethical standards. This includes compliance with the law, conforming to generally accepted social norms, and contributing to the community. And lastly and probably the most important, the value of self - or how a person presents themselves is an indicator of personal ethics. This refers to trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, and consistency.
Personally, Ethics are important to me! I have personal values, morals and ethics that I tap into almost everyday. On a daily basis different things come my way in which I am to make decisions on. I think about them, process them, and then make my decision. Within that process stage is when I decide whether or not the decision I make with affect my ethics, morals or values. They certainly affect my daily life but they are definitely not a hindrance in any way. Implementing ethics into design could be a little trickier. What if you were presented with a design project but it was for a business or person and you don't like or support. Would you be putting your ethics to the side to take that job? or Would that internal voice in your head tell you that it is "wrong?"and not take the job because it goes against your personal ethics.
We as designers will be facing the real world every single day while working in this career field. It is up to us and our personal ethics to decide whether or not we would take a particular job. Everyone is different and so are their ethics. There will be conflicts at some point in the future but as long as you stay true to your own personal ethics then you wont have any problems. Just keep it professional when turning down a job if it goes against what you believe is "right."
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