Valuing the Intuitive: Reintroducing Design into Interior Design Education

Abstract

Recently I observed a facilitated session with 15 invited participants representing interior design, structural engineering, architecture, industrial and product design, graphic design, lighting design, landscape architecture, design research, technology, construction management, and manufacturing who discussed the driving factors perceived as influencing collaboration across design-related professions. Although the discussion centered on collaboration, I noticed an interesting subtext emerging throughout the day: one which identified qualities, skills, and traits of strong, marketable interior design graduates. By the end of the session, two main key themes emerged, both of which could apply to graduates of almost any discipline. The first major theme was leadership. This included an understanding of business principles, facilitation skills, an ability to see the big picture, design with intelligence, and to communicate well. The second major theme focused on rational thinking. This included the ability to identify and frame problems, advance evidence-based design, show quantifiable benefits, and be current on the litany of prescriptive solutions for life safety, sustainability, ergonomics, and material science. By the end of the session, most participants agreed that they wanted to hire the impossibly accomplished graduate who met the aforementioned standards.