The Importance of Math for Interior Designers

Interior designers must use math for several different facets of the profession. Measuring floor, wall and ceiling space, determining total area and understanding architectural standard measurements for ergonomic purposes as well as complying with building codes are a few. Interior designers also require math for purchasing items for clients and charging professional fees to make a profit.

Measuring

Interior designers have to be able to use math to determine the area of a space by measuring or surveying it. Using math is important for an interior designer for determining what type and size of furniture and fixtures can fit properly into a space. Interior designers determine how much light a space needs by its size and area. To install flooring, interior designers must know how many square feet of material is needed.

Measuring in elevation (knowing wall height and width) is important for installing fixtures and furniture at the correct heights. Interior doors and windows cannot be installed properly without first knowing the elevation of the space they are going into.

Architectural standards

According to Information Management, architectural standards are the basis of how you are going to build something. For example, when designing interior spaces there are standards for the height of a counter, a decorative chair rail and a sofa. Interior designers must be able to compute these standards mathematically and integrate them into a space.

Building Codes

Interior designers must be able to use math to have their designs comply with building codes. For instance, building codes regulate the height, width and number of stairs in a commercial space. An interior designer must able to apply math in the design process so that his design follows all building codes.

Purchasing Furnishings for Clients

In order for an interior designer to make a profit, she must utilize math to determine a mark-up. Furnishings are purchased at trade prices. When the interior designer charges the client for this, she must charge the retail or marked-up price so she gains a profit.

Fabric

Interior designers must use math to determine how much fabric is required for window treatments and upholstery. In addition to figuring out how much fabric is required for his project in yards, he must mathematically compute what the total cost of the fabric will be.

Fees and Expenses

Interior designers typically charge an hourly rate plus expenses. Interior designers must log their hours and keep track of how much time is spent on the design process, shopping and meetings with clients.
Sometimes they choose to charge purchasing fees on items which is a percentage added to the price of an item (its mark-up). Interior designers must be able to generate a comprehensive expense report to clients so they get reimbursed for any travel or materials required to install their design.

References

• Information Management: Architecture Standards

Resources

• Architectural Graphic Standards; American Institute of Architects