An Interior Designer is professionally trained in space planning. While both designers and decorators are concerned with aesthetics, style, and mood, Interior Designers have comprehensive training and command skills that include an understanding of flame spread ratings, toxicity, fire ratings classifications, space planning, building codes, ADA compliance, ergonomics, lighting, and acoustics.

Decorating is just one of the many hats an Interior Designer wears in his or her creative process. A decorator works only with surface decoration—paint, fabric, furnishings, etc. Interior designers create space that is functional, efficient, and enhances the quality of the working or living environment. Interior designers have completed a 4 or 5 year accredited Interior Design program and passed a rigorous two-day professional examination to validate their skills and aptitude.