Nuts and bolts

To be or not to be....or...to hire or not to hire an interior designer

Text: Paromita Sanatani

In my experience the profession of  “interior designer” is all too frequently misunderstood or misinterpreted and often confused with interior decoration. “Oh, you must come and help me choose my curtains!” In languages such as German or Bulgarian the term “interior architect” is a more fitting title for the career that I initially chose. Sadly, just seven years after qualifying and working for some great architectural practices in London, I was sufficiently disillusioned to turn my back on a profession which, to many, still sounds like a glamorous career choice. My interest and love for the subject, as well as a basic understanding of good design, remain.
It was an art project at school that awoke in me the desire to become an interior designer. I was 15 at the time and the project was “to convert a double garage into a granny annex”. The thought of creating a space that is a practical and aesthetically pleasing environment, enhancing the quality of life of those that use the space, is as valid today as then, for my reasons to become an interior designer. Not all designers are necessarily motivated by the same aims and, unfortunately, one is not always given the option to choose the type of project to work on. Once in a niche it is hard to move on as employers want you for your experience in that niche.
 In many ways the profession continues to suffer a confused identity. Often presented as over the top, shrill, loud and extrovertly camp (in the case of men) they seem preoccupied with creating monuments to themselves, which may look spectacular in the glossy magazine pages, but are completely impractical for moving around and living in.
I will never forget how shocked I was, when I was introduced to someone for the first time and they enquired as to my profession. “Oh, I think interior designers are a load of rubbish” came the convinced reply. Needless to say this person was in no doubt that anything a designer could do – he could do better!
From the chairman’s wife to a senior accounting partner, everyone thinks they know better than an interior designer. Why, because they have decorated their own home to their own satisfaction?  I can’t quite help but wonder why I spent three years studying at college to get my degree? Oh yes, ergonomics, structures, materials, history of architecture, space planning are just a few of the topics that come to mind…
Even our closest colleagues, the architects, can often be dismissive of our existence although most of my professional career was spent working hand in hand on large scale projects such as corporate offices, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, cruise liners and so on. Designers are essential on these projects as they can focus on spaces in greater detail and propose a generic approach to the ultimate selection of colours and finishes. Many a disappointed executive secretary had to be told that she could not have her chair upholstered in her favourite dusky pink!
Clients (or, to be more specific, their chosen representatives) could be equally brutal at times. The words, “we’re not paying you for your advice – just do as you’re told!” still ring sharply in my ears and were probably instrumental in my abandoning the profession.
Please don’t get me wrong, this is not a public whinge about my professional disillusionment (OK, so maybe a little) but should be a look at what interior designers really can do for you.
Interior design is a service profession. It revolves around the client and his requirements, not the designer and his creations (only few ever reach that status!). I generally have no great desire or interest in getting involved in designing people’s homes, as I believe “your home is a reflection of yourself”. It is up to the home owner to create an environment in which he feels comfortable. That is not to say, you cannot or shouldn’t use a designer for your home. You may have tricky spaces that need to be converted or restructured, or you may wish to include some innovative or creative ideas in your home. You may also not have the time or skills to take on such a project yourself. A designer will not only be able to come up with practical and creative solutions but will also have a good knowledge of the local market i.e. availability of furniture and finishes, sourcing of craftsmen and materials. He/ she can take the headache out of the process. It’s a bit like getting an accountant to do your tax return or doing it yourself – without the creative bit if you get what I mean!
Design is a two-way process, a designer should understand his clients' requirements (he can also help you clarify your own vision if you are unsure of what you want) and ideas need to be bounced back and forth for the best results. It is therefore also recommended to work with a designer whose previous work you have seen and liked and with whom you can get along personally.
TV shows these days have given the interior designer a new level of credibility. It seems the world over, people are having problems with dysfunctional spaces and design teams are called in for a makeover. Invariably the surprised recipients exclaim “Oh, I love it – I would have never thought of that!” I have yet to see a show where the revamped space is not responded to positively, but then again those clips could be on the cutting room floor!
Interior design in Bulgaria is very much in its infant stages and until recently there was no academic qualification as such to be had in Bulgaria and it showed! It certainly has never tempted me to return to my old profession (although I have done a few small office planning projects and helped out friends).Gradually one can see an improvement in the design of places such as hotels, restaurants and shops and even local home design publications feature spaces that appeal to a more cosmopolitan reader, and are no longer just about showing off the wealth of Bulgaria’s nouveau riche.
When I was interviewed by Bulgarian magazine Nash Dom a couple of years ago, I was asked about whether I would ever return to interior design? “It depends – if I was offered the right project”.
The right project for me – an old people’s home!

By Paromita Sanatani
BA Hons Three Dimensional (Interior) Design


In the meantime, I can recommend the following interior designer: Temenouzhka Zaharieva (speaks excellent English) tel. 868 9691, 0887 974 535
http://www.trendoffice.blogspot.com