Globalization in Interior Design

Globalization is the process that unifies and joins different cultures together. Interior design is now something that is recognized worldwide.  Using our resources, such as the internet, television, and magazines we can educate ourselves and have a better understanding of the different trends and themes that are taking place all around the globe. 

Globalization has an enormous effect on design.   Many companies are now international, having offices in multiple cities and countries, designing for businesses and services in other countries. The company I work for, PBS&J was recently purchased by Atkins; their headquarters is located in UK.  I am excited to say that I have the privilege to work for a firm that has designed and made a difference in not just the United States. 

As designers work in other countries, they are able to take ideas and be inspired by that culture.  They are also introducing features and ideas that perhaps that country has never seen before and can learn from.  Design is growing and communicating in every culture, over a range of languages. As people move around the globe, they take their style and history with them.  The more design is globalized the more integrated styles will become. 

It would be such a life changing opportunity to be able to work in another country, studying and designing for a culture that is not my own.  I can’t wait to get started with my career! 

The Public Image of Interior Design

With what our media portrays to be interior design in all actuality just seems to be decorating. 

Often when I tell a coworker, relative, or acquaintance about my future profession they immediately ask if I will be painting homes and buying sofas.  I would probably take huge offense to this, had it not been for the media planting these thoughts into their brains.  Anyone, and I when I say “anyone” I mean anyone can paint a room and pick out a sofa.  Why on earth would I spend several thousands of dollars to do something so simple with my life? 

We are surrounded by advertisements, magazines and television shows that show a team of workers who have 24 hours to radically transform a bedroom.  It seems to me that these shows are becoming more and more like game shows than showing the actual process is takes to construct and produce a space.  Perhaps I wouldn’t be so bitter, if the shows would show more of the drawings and cad work behind the actual construction, or if the magazines would show detailed construction documents next to the images.

Taking a step back and really evaluating the television shows and magazines, they do show what we all get excited about: the before and after.  Somehow, they totally miss the in-between process.  It makes me scratch my head and wonder, “well how did we get here?” 

These shows and magazines are not all negative and some of them can be very entertaining to watch and read.  I believe it would be beneficial to many if the makers of these shows would explain a little more in depth of what design actually is and the complexity that goes along with it.  Their portrayal of interior design is a hindrance to anyone watching who is considering going into the field.  These students are certainly in for a rude awakening.