The Interior Design Profession’s Body of Knowledge

By knowing where the profession is today, based on our body of knowledge, we can determine where the profession wants to be in the future and the path to get there. Additionally, it is important to know how the profession defines itself in its own documents.

The Body of Knowledge Categories
Group A.1: Human Environment Needs
Interior designers gather and analyze information about the users of the space to design for their behaviors and characteristics. The contributions of the natural environment, context, human values, function, and aesthetics are all recognized as contributing to people’s well-being and are accounted for in this broad view.

Human Environment Needs Knowledge Areas 
* Programming (problem identification, requirements) 
* Research process (studies, data collection, recording, analysis) 
* Client’s/user’s needs, goals, preferences, and requirements 
* Analysis of client’s/user’s needs, activities, and goals 
* Accessibility issues (barrier-free and universal design) 
* Cultural factors and influences 
* Strategic planning (organizational issues) 
* Existing site conditions (measurement and record) 
* Human factors (ergonomics, anthropometrics) 
* Global problem solving economic factors, influences, and trends 
* Human behavior and design theories 
* Facility issues 
* Project context, location, surroundings, view, and geography 
* Psychological factors and issues 
* Psychology of color 
* Social factors, issues, and trends 
* Conflict resolution 

Group A.2: Interior Construction, Codes, and Regulations
It encompasses building systems, non-load bearing interior construction, fire and life-safety principles, codes, regulations, standards, and guidelines. 

Interior Construction, Codes, and Regulations Knowledge Areas 
* Building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural) 
* Working drawings for non-load bearing interior construction 
* Permitting processes 
* Specifications for non-load bearing interior construction 
* Reflected ceiling systems, plans, and specifications 
* Electrical plans and preliminary specifications 
* Schedules 
* Analysis of life safety requirements ]
* Data/voice telecommunication systems and plans 
* Fire and life-safety principles (compartmentalization, detection, suppression) 
* Non-load bearing interior construction systems and methods 
* Acoustics 
* Lighting/daylighting systems 
* Security systems 
* As-built drawings 
* Power distribution systems and plans 
* Energy management 
* Indoor air quality 

Group B.1: Design

Design Knowledge Areas 
* Space planning (non-load bearing interior construction) 
* Aesthetics 
* Design concept 
* Design(s) 
* Lighting design 
* Problem solving 
* Elements and principles of design 
* Function 
* Quality (interior environment) 
* Sketching 
* Color concept (selection and application) 
* History (art, architecture, interiors, furnishings) 
* Two- and three-dimensional design 
* Color principles, theories, and systems 
* Decorative elements selection and application 
* Wayfinding/signage 

Group B.2: Products and Materials
 Appropriate product and material selections and specifications involve compliance with codes, life safety, building standards, bidding processes, sustainability guidelines, and human needs, such as accessibility. Also, products and materials are no longer an issue of first cost, but life cycle cost and analysis. Aesthetics and meaning of place contribute to decision-making in terms of products and materials; however, sustainability, energy efficiency, and recycling are top-of-mind issues in specifying products and materials for the built environment.

Products and Materials Knowledge Areas 
* Finishes (selection, cost, schedules, plans, specifications) 
* Specifications 
* Fixtures (location and specifications) 
* Furnishings 
* Supplier/vendor requirements (information, installation plans, shipping instructions) 
* Cabinetry 
* Equipment documents (location and specifications) 
* Furniture documents (location and specifications) 
* Installation methods and costs 
* Schedules 
* Sustainable resources 

Group B.3: Professional Practice
Professional practice is a category that includes the content of many knowledge areas, including the practice of business itself.  The clients’ fiscal, physical, and human resources are also protected, assuring them of timely delivery of a well-designed project. Research and evidence-based design as well as collaboration are cornerstones of professional practice.

Professional Practice Knowledge Areas 
* Contract administration (bidding/negotiation, contract documents) 
* Business practices 
* Consultant work (consultation, collaboration, integration) 
* Project management (scope, schedule, budget, fee) 
* Observation, punchlists/deficiency reports 
* Client consultation 
* Ethics 
* Professional certification, licensing, and/or registration requirements 
* Legal responsibilities 
* Professional design organizations 

Group C.1: Communication
Communication by interior designers requires knowledge of oral, written, and graphic methods. Clients are also educated about the value of design solutions, products, materials, and new systems. Communication ensures that codes, standards, and regulations have been met and the specifications and budget are accurate and complete through the business of managing and administering the project.

Communication Knowledge Areas 

* Oral, visual, and written communication 
* Presentation techniques/media 
* Drawings 
* Preliminary designs, drawings, and sketches 
* Drafting/lettering (manual) 
* Study models 
* Sketches 
* Client consultation 
* Computer-aided drafting and lettering 
* Metric system