| Designer Members |
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The IID represents professional Interior Architects,
Interior Designers and Interior Decorators who have the
required qualifications, training and experience.
Membership is also offered to Candidate Interior
Architects, Interior Designers and Interior Decorators
who have obtained the minimum qualifications from an
accredited educational institution and are in the
process of acquiring practical experience though
employment within the field. |
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How to find an Interior Architect, Designer or Decorator? |
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The
best way to find a designer is through personal
reference or by contacting the South African Institute
of the Interior Design Professions for a list of
registered designers in your area. |
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What criteria are involved in appointing an Interior Architect,
Designer or Decorator? |
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The ideal is to find a trained professional with expertise, creative flair, extensive knowledge of their
own and associated industries, a network of proven
suppliers and who is capable of completing the job on
time and to budget. Always ask to see a portfolio of
work that they have completed. All designers develop
their own personal style, which is evident in their
projects; however a good designer will ensure that your
taste and personality are reflected in the end-result. |
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Questions to ask when interviewing prospective designers |
| Share your ideas with the designer and give them as much
information about your requirements as possible,
including your particular likes and dislikes, so that
these can be incorporated into the design. Ask lots
of questions to establish whether the designer is able
to accurately interpret your brief. Thereafter trust the
designer to use his/her experience, talent and vision to
make it happen. |
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- What is their fee
structure?
- Do they work with
a contract?
- Do they have a
service level agreement?
- Which geographical
areas do they work in?
- Do they work
nationally and internationally?
- What is their
background and where did they train?
- What current
projects are they working on?
- What projects are
you able to view?
- Ask for client
references - Ensure that the designer has a good
track record with their clients.
- Do they personally
oversee each project?
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Interior Architect, Interior Designer, Interior
Decorator - What's the difference? |
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The terms "Interior Designer" and "Interior Decorator"
are often used interchangeably, as if they are identical
professions, but while both have the ability to create
beautiful rooms and their roles often overlap, there are
fundamental differences between them: |
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Interior Architect and Interior Designer |
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The professional interior architect / interior designer
is a person qualified by education, experience and
recognized skills, who: |
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- identifies,
researches and creatively solves problems pertaining
to the function and quality of the interior
environment; and
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performs services relative to interior spaces
including programming, design analysis, space
planning, aesthetics and inspection of work on site
using specialized knowledge of interior
construction, building systems and components,
building regulations, equipment, materials and
furnishings; and
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prepares technical drawings and documents relative
to the design of interior spaces, in order to
enhance the quality of life and protect the health,
safety and welfare of the public.
As per South African legislation, the
term Interior Architect may only be used by graduates
from the Pretoria University who have obtained a minimum
full time five-year degree in Interior Architecture.
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Interior Decorator |
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The professional interior
decorator is a person qualified by education, experience
and recognized skills, who: |
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is primarily concerned
with the functional and decorative planning of the
interior of a structure; and
- applies decorating principles
to beautify a space by planning the layout of the
area, taking the activities of the area into
consideration; and
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styles the room by selecting and placing furniture,
accessories and decorative finishes such as
cushions, lampshades and window treatments.
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Is a
designer really necessary and can they save you money? |
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Some clients are frightened off by the perceived costs
of using an Interior Designer or Decorator believing
that they are outrageously expensive and are only intent
on impressing their own style on your home / office.
However, not using a designer can work out costlier in
the long run, as well as time-consuming and stressful.
Clients do not always have the time to explore the
endless possibilities available to create their dream
environments. Trying to choose from among the myriad of
products offered in lifestyle stores and publications is
confusing and overwhelming. The end result of a
do-it-yourself job is often a dreadful mistake that is
even more expensive to undo.
Using the services of a professional designer is
therefore highly recommended. Every designer is unique
and their charges vary according to their knowledge and
experience so that you should be able to find a designer
that meets your needs.
Always agree on the fee structure before work commences
and be clear with your expectations. Here are some
guidelines to follow:
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Establish a Budget |
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A professional designer will help
clients to find the best value and quality for their
budget. They should consider all of the client’s ideas
and find ways for them to achieve their goals, even if
it means extending the job over a longer period or
finding suitable alternatives to your suggestions. |
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Outline Contract Terms |
The contract should outline not only
the legal terms but also the plans that you and your
designer have discussed including budget, design fees,
accountability for sub-contractors (painters, carpet
installers etc). Read the contract carefully before
signing it and before any work begins.
The fee structures can be broken down as follows: |
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Consultation Fee |
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An initial consultation fee (which
must include a follow-up consult) is usually charged at
an hourly rate and is applicable until the client and
the designer reach an agreement for the proposed work
and sign a contract. |
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Design Fee |
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An hourly design fee is charged for
layout and perspective drawings. Costs are based on the
time and effort required. These are time-consuming, so
clarify the design fee upfront. |
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| Project
Management Fee |
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This is levied for overseeing
construction and site management of the project. The
percentage charged will depend on the amount of time and
expertise required. |
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Decorating Fee |
Most designers and decorators charge
a decorating fee for their services, with different
rates applicable for the design, drawings and
consultation work done, once the agreement has been
reached between the client and the designer.
Travelling expenses are levied if the designer is
required to work out of town or on international
projects. |
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Payment of Fees |
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These can be levied according to the
various stages of the project. Usually a 50%- 70 %
deposit is required and the balance is paid on invoice.
This must be set before the project commences and will
not include any fees for design or consultation which
should be billed separately with the coordination fee. |
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Why use an iid Member? |
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To get advice and assistance from trained and highly
skilled professionals with expertise in residential and
commercial design that are able to create, implement and
manage interiors of distinction. The Institute also
offers clients the added assurance of access to
impartial mediation in the unlikely event of a dispute
arising between a client and a member. |
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Professional Members |
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Professional members are the most
qualified and experienced members of the IID. |
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Candidate Members |
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Candidate members have obtained the
minimum qualifications from an accredited educational
institution and have been practicing in the industry for
between 1 and 6 years. |
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