Interior Design

Q: What is the difference between an Interior Designer and a Decorator?
A: The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) defines an interior designer as one who "is professionally trained to create a functional and quality interior environment. Qualified through education, experience and examination, a professional designer can identify, research and creatively resolve issues and lead to a healthy, safe and comfortable physical environment." At its heart, interior design is the art and science of understanding people's behavior in order to create functional spaces within the structures that architects design. Interior designers are required to have a license, acquired by completing the National Council Interior Design Qualification exam.

Q: I think of my Florida condominium as a residence. Why are they making me hire an interior designer to submit a plan to the building department?
A: Florida law considers condominiums, with more than two dwelling units in the building, multi-family commercial buildings. Anyone who provides decorating services for a condominium project must hold a valid Florida license as an interior designer.

Q: Aren’t townhouses residences? After all they are fee simple like a house.
A: More than two townhouses, that are connected by a common wall, are considered multi-family commercial buildings, no matter how they are titled. Anyone who provides decorating services for a condominium project must hold a valid Florida license as an interior designer.