Designer, Decorator, Draftsperson...what should I choose?

The construction industry is filled with terms, codes and restrictions that can be incredibly confusing to the average homeowner. If you are considering tackling a renovation or a new building project it’s important to hire someone that can help you through the process. But how do you know who to call when the titles of the professionals that you are trying to hire are just as confusing as the codes that you are hoping they can unravel? In an effort to help you hire the correct individual for the job, below are the titles of some of the professionals that you may be looking to seek advice from and a brief description of what they can help you do. Please note that in BC there are no regulations as to designation, therefore anyone, trained or untrained, can call themselves a designer or decorator. If it is important to you, ensure that you ask for credentials.

Interior Decorator – Generally focused more on the fit and finish of room, an interior decorator is able to choose the colours and finishes that will pull a room together. Selections made by an interior decorator can include wallpaper, paint, window coverings, furnishings and accessories. An interior decorator does not necessarily have any post-secondary training although there are a number of certificate programs available in the industry.

Interior Designer – The interior designers’ realm is integrated with the architecture of the room and building. In addition to providing the same colour and finish selection services as is listed above, an interior designer will also be involved in cabinet making, room layout, traffic patterns, space restrictions, window placement, flooring selections, plumbing selections, and lighting selections. Interior Designers are trained professionals that have attended a post-secondary institution for three or four years and have received either a diploma or degree in interior design. The professional interior designer is qualified to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces.

Kitchen Designer – Designing a kitchen or bath to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing takes highly specialized skills and knowledge. A kitchen/bath designer is skilled at assessing a client’s individual wants and needs and creating designs that meet and exceed those requirements. The kitchen/bath designer is specifically trained to review work/prep stations, storage needs, space limitations, and aesthetics. A professional kitchen/bath designer remains current on local building codes as well as new products and equipment on the market.

Architect – Involved in the planning, design and oversight of a building’s construction, an architect thoroughly understands local building and operational codes under which their design must conform. Architects understand the various methods available to the builder for building the client's structure and are responsible for ensuring that the client’s cost and time budgets are met. Architects must frequently make building design and planning decisions that affect the safety and well being of the general public.

Draftsperson – Responsible for the preparation of accurate and detailed construction drawings, a draftsperson will work closely with an architect and interior designer. Although most drafters now use computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems, they still have all of the knowledge of traditional draftspersons and are sometimes hired to design the initial space layout.



Nadine Andrews D.I.D.
DESIGN EVOLUTION
Commercial and Residential Interior Design
Kelowna BC
Ph 250864-9848
Fax 250469-9411
designevolution@shaw.ca
www.designevolution.ca

A Lesson In Colour

In grade school, children are taught that white light can be divided into a rainbow of six colours by shining the light through a prism. The prism effectively breaks the light up into it’s six different wavelengths which our eyes perceive as the different forms of colour – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet.

Light is a form of energy that is either reflected by a surface or absorbed by the surface. When we see colour, what we actually see is the light that is being reflected back from that surface into our eyes. For example, a red fabric absorbs all wavelengths of light except the red. The red light is reflected from the surface and bounces into our eyes, giving our brains the perception that the fabric is red.

While white light is the combination of all colours, black is actually the absence of colour. A black surface is absorbing all of the colour wavelengths and not allowing any light to bounce back into our eyes, thus producing a void of colour – black.

The term “neutral colour” is an oft misused term. True “neutral” colours are actually white, black, grey and brown. These colours are considered to be neutral because they can co-mingle happily with any other colour in the colour spectrum. Neutral colours are the Switzerland of the colour world. Using neutral colours as part of a colour scheme is critical to creating a balanced room. Neutral colours help provide support to a colour scheme by proving the contrast and the grounding of the other colours.

Colours are either viewed as “warm” colours or as “cool” colours. The warm colours, (reds, oranges, yellows) are so called because the conjure up images of things that we know to be hot, such as fire and sunshine. The cool colours, (greens, blues, violets) can conjure up images of ice, snow and cool grass. While some colours are obviously warm or cool, note that all colours will either be warm or cool when being compared to another of a similar hue. For example, blue is a cool colour. But when viewing two blues side by side, one will appear to be more warm or more cool than the other. Being able to see the perceived temperature of a colour will go a long way in helping to determine if colours work together. Warm-toned colours should always be placed with other warm-toned colours, and cool-toned colours should be placed with other cool-toned colours.

Colour will either appear as bright and intense or as dull and muddy. Intensity is the definition of how pure a colour is. The classic primary school colours, red, yellow and blue, are very bright, very intense colours. These are pure colours that have not been muddied by the addition of grey. The more grey that is added to a colour, the less intense it becomes. Low-intensity colours are generally very calming colours that add can add elegance and sophistication to a room, while high-intensity colours will add excitement and energy to a space. Knowing what type of feeling you are attempting to create in a room can help to determine whether a high-intensity or a low-intensity colour should be chosen.

Nadine Andrews D.I.D. DESIGN EVOLUTION

Commercial and Residential Interior Design

Kelowna BC

Ph 250864-9848

Fax 250469-9411

designevolution@shaw.ca

http://www.designevolution.ca/

Commercial Design Kelowna

Designing commercial spaces is a skilful process. From the initial consultation and procurement, through to detailed working drawings for construction, and the implementation, we, at Design Evolution, ensure the aesthetic and function of a commercial property impacts its performance as an investment as well as a working environment.

At Design Evolution we begin by getting to know our clients and the way the use their space. We then develop a design concept and guide them through the entire design process, taking care of everything from working drawings to dealing with professional trades.

We pride ourselves on personalized attention to detail and service. At Design Evolution we maintain an open line of communication between our clients, ourselves and our trades and are committed to providing personalized attention to detail and service.

Nadine Andrews D.I.D.
DESIGN EVOLUTION
Ph 250864-9848
Fax 250469-9411
designevolution@shaw.ca
http://www.designevolution.ca/