Q1 - What is the difference between an “interior decorator” and an “interior designer”?

Answer - An “interior decorator” does not have the extensive schooling and they are not regulated in their practice by their state. Many interior design professionals, associations, and organizations require licensing in order to practice as an interior designer. This helps the consumer discern competency, prevent fraudulent practices, and protect their health, safety, and welfare. In the state of Florida an interior designer is required to obtain an Interior Design Degree and pass competency exams to expand and enhance their natural talents and abilities. This education provides the designer with a full range of technical skills, which are necessary to effectively supply interior design services for their clients. Defined Interiors is both licensed by the State of Florida and is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Our firm values its reputation and follows the strict guidelines placed on us by our state and the ASID Code of Ethics.

Q2 - What does ASID mean?

Answer - The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), founded in 1975 with the consolidation of the American Institute of Decorators (AID) and the National Society of Interior Designers (NSID), is the oldest, largest, and leading professional organization for interior designers.

Q3 - What is FIDER Accreditation and why is it important?

Answer - The Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER), was founded in 1970 and is a member in good standing of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA), an organization requiring members to subscribe to a code of good practices. FIDER establishes accreditation for interior design programs in the United States who meet their curriculum and staff guidelines. The current FIDER Standards require that an interior design program have a level of student achievement in the following areas: Theory, Interior Design, Technical Knowledge, Communication Skills, Professional Concerns, History, and Information Gathering Techniques. Schools with FIDER accreditation programs are reviewed periodically to insure that their standards are being met. Choosing an Interior Designer who has attended a FIDER accredited program, will let the consumer know that the Interior Designer is well versed in the field of Interior Design.

Q4 - We are thinking of remodeling our house. When should we call an Interior Designer?

Answer - Before you meet with any contractors, or subcontractors, schedule an appointment with Defined Interiors to come out and assist you in reviewing your current home interior design to see how you can maximize your space and create an environment to fit your lifestyle. If you have any ideas through magazines, books, etc., our firm can review them with you and give consultation on how to best use it and then expand on the concept to enhance your area(s) of interest.

Q5 - What if we are building a new home? How soon should we think of hiring an interior designer?

Answer - The construction of a new home requires much detail and insight. An Interior Designer is trained to assist the owner in all aspects of this process. From the initial design, to the layout of the rooms for proper furniture placement, electrical needs and placement, architectural detail, lighting quantity and placement, cabinetry and all the interior selections (paint, hardware, counters, lighting, and flooring). Our firm helps our clients during this process and saves them time and money by helping them to understand their needs. It is a great relief for our clients to give their builder their interior selections ahead of schedule and not spend months agonizing over how to achieve the look that they want. Our firm can also act as a liaison between you and your builder. This really helps to minimize the stresses that are associated with the building process.

Q6 - Does Defined Interiors allow their client(s) to help out in the creative process?

Answer - Absolutely! Defined Interiors values the opinions of their clients. Whenever our firm creates a space for a client, we want it to be a true extension of themselves. Our firm is dedicated to listening to our clients. This is what enables us to create an environment that they feel comfortable and delighted with.

Q7 - What if I have purchased items and want to hire Defined Interiors to gain confidence that I am headed in the right direction?

Answer - We are experts at putting our client’s minds at ease. We specialize in creating a space of your dreams. We can accomplish this through space planning, furniture placement, and using your existing items to achieve what you have preconceived. We also go shopping with our client to fill in special areas and accent the space to complete your vision. Sometimes you just want to know that you are on the right track. We give you the confidence and the knowledge to feel comfortable with your decisions.

Q8 - What are Defined Interiors areas of expertise?

Answer - Defined Interiors specializes in both residential and commercial design. Although our firm’s forte is color analysis within these venues, we are experts who visualize how colors work well together. We help our clients pull together color schemes through artwork, with fabrics we have selected, and by formulating a color scheme around the colors that the client feels comfortable with. Architectural details and accent walls are really the stepping stones in creating an incredible and memorable dimension to a space. This process gives our firm the ability to coordinate colors and create an environment that is as individual as our clients are themselves. We simply love design! What we love even more is the satisfaction in the faces of our customer when their expectations have been surpassed.

We would love to assist you in making your dreams a reality. Give us a call or drop us a note, we look forward to meeting you personally.