AboutPaul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
Question Hi, my name is Eleonora, I love every form of architecture, interior design, painting, Frank Lloyd Wright, Michelucci, Le Corbusier......I wanted to be an architect and interior designer but my parents were to afraid of sending me two hours away from home to attend the architecture university so I ended up doing a fine art school in the city where I lived, Catania,Sicily. Today I'm 30 years old, two kids and a wonderful husband but I'm still dreaming of beeing an interior designer. unfortunately I don't have the possibility of going to school but I'm really good at sketching, planning and presenting interiors ( I took classes when I was in high school ). Now my question is : do you think I could work for a design firm even thou I don't have experience and a valid degree? Sorry for the long story . Thank you.
Answer Hi Eleonora:
If you have talent, ability and enthusiasm, you should be able to find a way to work in the field of interior design.
Are you still in Italy? I don't know what the laws are over there. Here in the USA, more and more regulations govern what we are allowed to do. The professional Interior Designers associations in the USA, would not like you to call yourself an "Interior Designer"; unless you meet certain educational and practice requirements, and join their organization. But, you could still work for an interior design firm; or, you could work for yourself, and call your self an Interior Decorator, or "designer of interior environments", or anything else along similar lines.
If you can support yourself for three or four months while you get started, why not just print up some business cards, and seek clients on your own? Take the first couple of jobs at reduced fees, and do whatever you need to do to make sure they are happy and will give you a good recommendation. Then you are off and running.
Good luck,
PB
