Every decision an interior designer makes affects life safety and quality of life.

Did you know that there are over 700 fires per month in buildings accessed by the public where interior finish materials and content were the first items ignited?

Did you know that those 700 fires per month cause 23 civilian deaths, 330 civilian injuries and over $399 million in direct property damage?

Did you know that qualified interior designers can help reduce the damage?

Information does exist showing actual cases of harm caused by untrained interior designers and that information will be placed on this website for your information as soon as it is gathered.

In addition, new studies are now being undertaken for cases where direct harm resulted from decisions of interior designers. ASID, the world’s oldest, most widely respected and well known trade association for the interior design profession is leading this survey.

Interior Design is a unique profession with a unique body of knowledge. While providing for the health and safety of the public, an interior designer seeks to optimize and harmonize the uses to which the built environment will be put.

Interior Designers routinely make decisions regarding health, safety and welfare including complex issues of air pollution, space planning, designing for specialized need populations, fire-safe fabrics and other materials, relevant codes and standards protecting durability and quality, lighting, color, etc.

Interior Design is much more than the applications of aesthetics. Interior Design requires a specialized domain of knowledge and analytical skills and acute judgment to utilize that knowledge in the creation of spaces which are functionally safe, efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

Ways in which Interior Designers Affect the Health, Safety and Welfare of the Public:

• Non-compliance with Barrier-Free Regulations
   - Entry doors, corridor widths
   - Flooring transitions, non-skid surfaces
   - Restroom facilities
   - Furniture design and placement
   - Wayfinding, signage

What is barrier-free design? It is the process a professional designer undertakes to ensure all products, materials and furnishings meet the needs of a person with clinical issues such as arthritis, hearing loss, eyesight loss, immobility problems, and other issues such as needing to sit to prepare meals, use a sink, reaching capabilities, etc., and all related issues that create a comfortable, easily maneuverable living and/or working environment for many people.

• Non-compliance with Building Code Regulations
   - Occupancy classification and requirements
   - Fire-resistant materials
   - Means of egress, path of travel

What are building codes? Building Codes are the safety codes adopted internationally and by each municipality and state under which those in the built environment must meet to ensure a safe, well-planned and secure interior. New Hampshire recently adopted the International Residential Building Code (IRC) creating the need for all design professionals to be educated in the new guidelines to ensure public safety. Interior Designers working on new construction, remodeling and on a commercial building must be informed about these codes when planning interior space or accidents can occur.

• Fire Code Safety Issues
   - Materials and finish selection

What are fire code safety issues? Fire Codes differ from building codes, but are required in conjunction with building codes, developed by the National Fire Protection Agency for safe use of fabrics, fibers, furnishings, materials and surfaces to eliminate or significantly reduce the incidence of fire and thereby reducing loss of life. Professional Interior Designers frequently specify fabrics, papers, furniture and furnishings for interior spaces which must meet fire safety codes or risk client injury.

• Personal Injury Issues
   - Ergonomic injuries such as Carpel Tunnel Disease
   - Air, water and noise pollution such as Sick Building Syndrome

What are personal injury issues? Personal injuries can occur if a designer specifies and/or recommends a product for personal use, whether in a commercial setting such as an office or in the home. Knowing the client’s physical limitations assists the professional designer in making correct choices to eliminate or significantly reduce additional injury to the client. A professional Interior Designer is educated in gathering important information from clients in order to specify and recommend products which cause no harm.
 

 

Sign up for e-news to keep up to date on what's happening.

CONTACT NHIDC
Phone:  603-279-0220 
  Email:  Designers@NHIDC.org