We had the good fortune of connecting with Joscelin Mackey and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Joscelin, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Let’s explore the differences between a decorator (who use the title interior designer), a commercial interior designer, and a registered interior designer:
1. Decorator:
A decorator is an individual who enhances the aesthetic appeal of a space by selecting and arranging decorative elements such as furniture, accessories, color schemes, and fabrics. Decorators typically focus on the visual aspects of design and work with clients to create a desired atmosphere or style. They may provide recommendations for furniture placement, lighting fixtures, paint colors, and other decorative elements. Decorators often have a good sense of style and a keen eye for aesthetics, but they may not have formal education or training in interior design.
2. Commercial Interior Designer:
A commercial interior designer specializes in designing interior spaces for commercial properties, such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces. They work closely with clients to understand their business needs, brand identity, and functional requirements. Commercial interior designers create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also practical, efficient, and aligned with the client’s goals. They consider factors such as traffic flow, space planning, safety regulations, accessibility, and commercial-grade materials. Commercial interior designers often have a formal education in interior design and may be required to obtain licenses or certifications depending on local regulations.
3. Registered Interior Designer:
A registered interior designer is a professional who has completed the necessary education, experience, and examination requirements to obtain registration or licensure in their jurisdiction. The specific requirements for registration can vary between countries or states. Registered interior designers have a broader scope of practice and can work on a variety of projects, including residential and commercial spaces. They possess a deeper understanding of design principles, building codes, construction techniques, and project management. They may also have a legal responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public through their design decisions. In the state of Georgia, like architects & engineers, registered interior designers are granted a stamp to prepare non-load-bearing interior construction drawings for the purpose of applying for a construction permit. This is ideal for commercial clients looking to build out their leased space or renovate an existing building.
In summary, while decorators primarily focus on the aesthetics of a space, commercial interior designers specialize in designing functional and visually appealing commercial spaces. Registered interior designers have met specific educational and professional requirements to obtain registration or licensure, allowing them to work on a wider range of projects while adhering to legal obligations.
What should our readers know about your business?
Accessible Design Studios is a Fayetteville, Georgia-based health & beauty interior design firm servicing the Atlanta metro area and beyond.
We specialize in the design of beautiful and functional medical offices, spas, med spas, and salons. Our services include renovations, new construction, and tenant build-outs that meld together the aesthetic and thoughtfulness of hospitality design with the clinical formalities demanded by the medical & beauty industries.
We understand that visits to health and beauty facilities can stir up anxiety for some patients and clients. We create environments that are comforting and relaxing, making everyone feel at ease. Our mission is to increase profitability for physicians and practitioners, by creating raving fans of their patients, clients, and staff.
From our inception, Accessible Design Studios has been committed to three core principles:
Creating spaces that make people feel good.
Increasing our client’s profitability.
Helping your staff work more efficiently.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My college professor and mentor; Jessica Marro, was and will forever be an inspiration to me. She is an example of excellence, perseverance, and compassion.
Website: https://accessibledesignstudios.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accessibledesignstudios/
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/joscelin-mackey-ncidq-rid-accessibledesignstudios
Image Credits
All images where taken or created by Joscelin Makcey