I believe that an interior designer can be all of what is described below and most importantly... is an insurance policy for your dollars spent. Unlike clothing you can't take furniture back.Below is an excerpt from "Inspired Talk" a blog by Steve Nobel Founder and principal of NOBELINKS, a consulting practice specializing in the luxury markets for home furnishings and interior design, worldwide.
"In a recent post, I wrote about meeting the young legions of aspiring connoisseurs on the crest of an INSPIRED career. You probably know someone just like them. Imagine for a moment the skills, class and confidence a young interior designer must possess to make it in the new economy. If someone you know were listening to the siren song of design, contemplating a course of study or even a career as a designer, what would you tell them about the profession?
An interior designer is _________.
clairvoyant: a “fresh set of eyes” to know what clients want before they know it.
conjurer: to make dream believers out of clients, so when they say, “I never would have thought of that,” you say, “I did.”
couturier: like ‘made to measure’ apparel, everything a designer does is custom fitted to a client.
confidant: to listen well, really well, for the revealing cues to do what’s right for clients.
counselor: a neutral 3rd party between romantic partners to take some of the pressure off decision-making.
advocate: for a client’s cause throughout the entire process; they have probably made mistakes before, which can be discouraging and expensive!
navigator: to chart the course for successful results, in spite of misgivings clients carry with them, or have not been able to resolve on their own.
co-creator: leader of a team that brings the best ideas to the top of the list.
curator: honest and experienced editor; you know what belongs and can make the tough choices about what does not belong.
systems engineer: staying the course in strict phases; managing the subcontractors, making site visits in boots while balancing budgets and time lines.
techie: able to incorporate a myriad of technology for entertaining, healthy living, and all the new ways of living well.
concierge: the ‘go-to’ person for just about everything (florists, caterers, clubs, schools, etc.), including special access to special things in special places."