1. Jonathan on July 19, 2006 1:15 PM writes...

Dear Bob,

I feel it is necessary to correct you on your use of the term 'interior designer'.

It's true that there are many television programs these days that promote interior design as a frivolous fringe activity for anyone who can say that they've 'always enjoyed working with colour'.

I would like to suggest that you don't confuse this with the work performed by a professional interior designer.

To say that 'interior design is to architecture what "styling" is to industrial design' is to completely ignore the fact that there is now an enormous amount of successful new build and refurbishment projects physically completed across many countries that have been designed by teams that include...wait for it...Interior Designers.

To produce architecture that works and is successful requires thinking from the point of view of the experience of the end user: good buildings are designed from the inside-out as much as vice versa. I've seen a fair few architectural projects that prove that being an architect with all those years of education alone does not mean that they get this concept.

Sure you are not on your own in the world with this view. However it is frustrating that someone such as yourself should not show any appreciation of the work of designers.

Thanks,

Jonathan

2. Bob Jacobson on July 19, 2006 2:54 PM writes...

Thanks, Jonathan. I appreciate your position; it's as right as my own, from a different perspective.

Perhaps I'm wearing blinders -- or maybe, just read too many doctor's office waiting-room editions of Architectural Digest. I'll tell you what: if you can write a short didactic article about interior design, what it's about and where it's at currently, including the theoretical or canonic bases of interior design, or point me to one online, like this discussion in Wikipedia, but more focused on the experience of interior design -- I'll publish it here. I promise. -- Bob

3. Susan Lewis on July 24, 2006 1:41 PM writes...

I believe that you are misusing the term "interior designer" and confusing it with "interior decorator." Interior design is almost a hybrid of architecture and interior decorating.

In other words, architects are responsible for designing and building edifices from the ground up while interior decorators mainly work with fabric, paint, furniture, accessories, etc (nothing structural).

Interior designers, on the other hand, work in both capacities. They tear down walls, raise floors, install lighting, re-surface floors, and cut openings for windows and doors while also addressing paint and finish colors and making furniture choices.

There are many architects who even primarily practice as interior designers. This is definitely the case in cities like New York where new buildings don't go up that often anf most projects come in the form of gut renovations.

At it's core, architecture deals with the creation of space and so does interior design.

4. Bob Jacobson on July 24, 2006 10:02 PM writes...

You could be right, Susan. I used interior designer and interior decorator synonymously and possibly incorrectly. Maybe it's because the profession itself isn't sufficiently cautious in this regard and often crosses the line dividing design from decorating in advertising, press releases, home openings, etc.

I appreciate your explanation of how architects and interior designers work together to provide habitats for work and homelife. Susan, thanks for your clarity. Are you an interior designer?

Bob

5. Vanessa Rai on August 8, 2006 5:32 PM writes...

Dear Bob,

Although you have a right to your own opinion, I feel that I need to relieve you of your ignorance. Like those before me, you have improperly used the term "interior designer." An interior decorator deals with space planning (arranging furniture), paint, fabric, and accessories. Interior design is a form of architecture. You need a degree in interior design, and like architecture, must sit for an exam after practicing in the field for at least 2 years (depending on your education.) An interior decorator requires none of this.

As a practicing commercial designer, interior design is the practice of the inside built environment. Designers create the interiors that you walk through. The finishes, like the stone, wood, etc are purely icing on a cake. That is a part of what we do, but only one aspect.

Interior design has stemmed out of architecture since large buildings are not being constructed as much as rennovations and complete guts. If you have any questions regarding what interior designers do- you should research it before you insult our profession. here are some links for you to understand the profession better.

http://www.iida.org
http://www.degw.com

and some real interior design firms...perhaps you've heard of them:

http://www.gensler.com
http://www.manciniduffy.com
http://www.tpbennett.com
http://www.perkinswill.com

6. jetter evans on August 17, 2006 5:19 PM writes...

Bob, where in the world did you find Donna and Temple?

Donna stood around and moaned thru all the shows, or she shopped. Where was the hard work the judges stated she did? And she took a nap in the van.

Temple is too cry-baby: she puts on the fake tears at a drop of the hat.

THE CURLY HAIRED GUY IS TOO negative-cancel his show.

THE DARKED HAIRED GUY IS TOO CUTE AND IS GREAT AT HIS JOB AND KEEPING THE PEACE.

AND MY FAVORITE THE TEXAN GIRL IS CUTE BUT EXACTLY WHAT DESIGNS CAN SHE EXECUTE ON HER OWN....?