Handicapp experience

Have you ever been in a rush while running errands and used the handicap parking spot? Maybe you didn't feel like taking the stairs and used the elevator instead. At sometime or another everyone is probably guilty of taking advantage of available handicapp services. For the past seven weeks I have had the displeasure of using crutches, due to a lingering foot injury. Experiencing the other side has been an eye opening experience.

As an interior designer, I use ADA codes on a daily basis, but applying codes to building is defiantley different than actually being the handicapp person! Being put in this position has realized I take my health for granted. The past few weeks, I can't tell you how many time I have almost tripped on a rug or struggled to open the door that felt like weighed as much as I do! Thank you to Old Navy in Murfreesboro, TN for automatic door openers!

Parking is another issue with itself! Can you imagine crutching half a mile one way? I had to do just that a few weeks ago, while at a doctors office, because a spot wasn't available. Last week when I dropped by the McDonalds to return a Redbox movie, someone pulled into the handicap spot without a permanent or temporary tag, left the car running and went inside. What if someone else really needed that spot? Its impossible to travel a long distance or much of anything while using crutches.

Sharing a few of my frustrations while being temporarily disabled still doesn't compare to being permanently handicapp. The next time the handicap stall is avaiable in the bathroom be courteous, continue waiting line because you never know when someone will be there that actually needs it. Show everyone how much you respect your good health by not using handicap services!

Who done it?

Last week while dining at the local IHOP, I was pleasantly surprised with the tile diagonal tile pattern in the ladies room. Have you ever been out in a public place and admired the furniture or finishes? Guess what you are looking at the handy work of an Interior Designer. I enjoy visiting new business not only to tweak my curiosity of what services are inside, but also to experience the architecture and interior design. Most people don't realize what a lengthen process it is. Lots of planning and hard work go into the construction process even whether it is new construction or a remodel. Property has to be acquired, plans drawn, codes adhered to and furniture, fixtures and finishes selected, not to mention the amount of paper work. You may be thinking exactly how much work does it take to make the just the bathroom or building look "pretty". For starters space planning is a huge part. Circulation just doesn't happen, interior designers are the one who is responsible for making sure the bathroom traffic doesn't interfere with the kitchen traffic. Then there are construction specifications, we cannot let our hard work fall down now can we? Then codes, materials, life cycle costing and more codes. The execution can be a nightmare supervising the construction crews. The end result of their hard work? A beautiful structure and interiors, which support the purpose of the business!

So the next time you are admiring the furniture or the counter tops in the bathroom you know who done it and you can appreciate the art of the interior designer!

Fire Preventative- A Registered Interior Designer

Have you ever been caught in a fire? Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were? Naturally you would probably feel a sheer wave of panic, as would anyone who was caught in a fire, human instinct kicks in. Potential questions entering your mind could be how did the fire start or what could I have done to prevent the fire? More importantly specific questions that should be asked, how far did you have to travel to get out of the building, were the hallways and door openings wide enough for the number of occupants and who designed the stairwell to remain in tact longer so more occupants could escape to safety?

Who is responsible for making sure that the building occupants were able to make it to safety? Numerous parties were involved in construction, the architect, builder, but the fire generated from the window treatments. You discover the window treatments were not up to building code, but you hired a decorating professional to assist in the selection.

Here inlays the problem, you hired a "decorator" not a NCIDQ certified or registered interior designer. What is the difference? The NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Design Qualifications) NCIDQ certified interior designers have been tested about not only color and design theory, but building codes, space planning, contract administration, ADA requirement, historical periods, etc. After a designer pass the NCIDQ exam, he/she goes on to apply for state registration to use the title of Registered Interior Designer. All states do not have the title act, in fact Oklahoma just reversed their title act. Residents of Oklahoma should be outraged! Would't you want to know that the designer is qualified upfront rather than playing the twenty questions game? Your wasting your valuable time that could be spent on your profession, family or personal time.

There is a group called the IDPC (Interior Design Protection Council )who is fighting regulation. How ridiculious! If the IDPC feels that adamant about being considered equal in the world of interior design, then encourage all of your decorators to become NCIDQ certified. All it takes is education and work experience! If you want a worthy cause to donate the dollars in your pocket join ASID (American Society of Interior Designer) or IIDA (International Interior Design Assocation). Both of these organizations support NCIDQ and registered interior designers. They will assist you in finding a designer that fits your needs.

When building or remodeling remember, fire preventative. Hire an interior designer that is NCIDQ certified or a registered interior designer.

Quantity verses Quality

Over the past couple of weeks the popular phrase "quantity over quality" has entered my mind. Have you ever stopped to ponder how this pertains to design? An indefinite amount is quantity, while excellence, a peculiar or essential social characteristic, are words that define quality. As an interior designer, one has to look at the over all big picture. Designing a large commercial building can be quite the undertaking. After hours of numerous sketches and selection making, it can be difficult to separate oneself from the project. Selecting a multitude of furniture and fabrics that complement each other does not mean the quality is there. It does mean the designer has undertaken a major project with a lot of work, but failed to see the overall big picture of the space and how the end user can be most satisfied using the space. Thinking three-dimensionally about creating a place within a space and the overall functionality for the end user are characteristics of quality work of an interior designer. The next time you are in the market for an interior designer, remember it is all about quality!

Design here or there?

As Nashville principal designer for Shea-Noel Interiors,I travel around the state of Tennessee experiencing the beauty of interior design. It’s in the grocery store, the gas station and of course in your home. Life is affected by interior design. It is everywhere; that is why I love it! Sharing design with others is something I am passionate about; so in my spare time I am an instructor at O'More College of Design in Franklin, Tennessee. Follow me as I share design with you in the upcoming weeks.