Protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Accessibility - With 79 million people over the age of 35, and the number growing daily, there is an increasing need for universal design, i.e., designing interiors and products to be useable by people of all ages and all physical abilities. With knowledge of Americans with Disabilities codes, Interior Designers make the interiors of public spaces barrier free. Interior designers are also capable of adapting home environments to be barrier free for a person who is physically challenged.

Ergonomics - Ergonomics is a growing concern in the workplace. It is the obligation of qualified interior designers to design workspaces that are ergonomic and functional. Interior designers create ergonomic workspaces by providing adjustable chairs, tables and footrests. An environment that provides the occupant with that ability to adjust his or her space to his or her own needs can prevent problems such as repetitive motion strain. Interior designers know that the best posture is one that puts the least amount of stress on the body. Interior designers know that the best chair is the foundation for all other adjustments to your workstation. Interior designers know that often used items in a work area need to be within reach to avoid awkward body movements.

Fire Safety - Interior materials play a major part in supporting flames or toxicity. Statistics prove that more people die in fires as a result of inhaling toxic fumes and smoke than from the flames themselves. Architects are not always involved when interior furnishings and materials are selected. Many public and commercial spaces are finished by the interior designer long after the architect is no longer involved. Additionally, residences utilizing an interior designer seldom involve an architect. Interior designers are interior finishes that meet or exceed local, state and national fire codes.

Indoor Air Quality - Typically, we spend 90% of our time indoors…Indoor air quality on an average is nine times worse than outdoor air. Interior designers pay attention to details within their control that impact air quality standards of their clients by specifying furniture and fabrics manufactured without formaldehyde and by knowing the components in products such as adhesives used in carpeting and wall covering installations and by specifying those that are complaint with air quality standards.

Special Needs of the Elderly - According to the National Safety Council, the leading cause of death in the home, falls, took the lives of 10,700 people in 1998. More than 86 percent of these people were 65 years old or older. Understanding environmental needs for the aging has become a special design imperative for this century. In the year 2000, people 65 years of age or older represented almost 13% of the population. This number is expected to grow to be 20% of the population by 2030. Interior designers are creating environments that focus on the special needs of seniors and prevent possibly fatal injuries by selecting safe furniture, adding railings and grab bars where necessary and specifying non-skid surfaces.

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