Public health, safety and welfare (HSW) are an interior designer's first priorities. Designers are trained to create spaces that meet local, state and provincial building codes and the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act - as well as the needs of the intended use.
To see exactly what the that means, view NCIDQ's interactive floor plan at the Health Safety and Welfare Portal by clicking here.
An interior designer must have a clear understanding and a level of
expertise to be able to manage a typical project, which may include
any or all of the following tasks:
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Research and analysis of the client’s goals and requirements,
and development of documents, drawings and diagrams which
outline those needs
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Formulation of preliminary space plans and two- and three-dimensional
design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client’s
program needs and are based on knowledge of the principles
of interior design and human behavior
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Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts
are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all
public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code,
accessibility, environmental and sustainability issues
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Selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately
portray the design concept and to meet functional, maintenance,
life-cycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements
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Selection, specification and documentation of furniture, furnishings,
equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed
product description; and contract documentation to facilitate
pricing, procurement and installation of new furniture
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Provision of project management services, including preparation
of project budgets and schedules
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Preparation of construction documents, consisting of plans,
elevations, details and specifications, to illustrate non-structural
and/or non-seismic partition layouts; power and communications
locations; reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials
and finishes; and furniture layouts
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Confirmation that construction documents adhere to regional
building and fire codes, municipal codes, and any other jurisdictional
statutes, regulations and guidelines that are applicable to
the interior space
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Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals
who may be retained to provide consulting services, including
but not limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical
engineers; and various specialty consultants
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Confirmation that construction documents for non-structural
and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the
responsible interior designer, and are filed with code enforcement
officials, as applicable to meet jurisdictional requirements
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Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations
as the client’s agent
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Review and reporting on the implementation of projects while
in progress and upon completion, as a representative of and
on behalf of the client; and conducting post-occupancy evaluation
reports
practices. Interior designers analyze problem areas, develop
planning and detailed design solutions, and organize and supervise projects
to full completion while maintaining attention to client needs and resources.
Interior designers also work hand in hand with other building
specialists. 
