Follow my blogs and unlock the latest business tips as well as the latest local and international research on the interior design profession.
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How Social Identity Shapes Interior Design Perceptions
In my ongoing exploration of interior design’s identity crisis, I’ve sought to uncover whether a viable resolution exists—one capable of rectifying the public’s misconceptions that tarnish the profession’s image and reinforce occupational stereotypes. To do so, I’ve turned to Social Identity Theory (SIT), a framework that explains how society’s perceptions of various professions are shaped…
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How Perceptions Shape Interior Designers’ Self-Esteem
Understanding How Interior Design’s Public Image Impacts on its Practitioners. Have you ever noticed that we tend to make assumptions about others based on their occupations? Social studies tell us that one of the most frequently asked questions when meeting someone new is, “What do you do?” Armed with this information, we then categorize the…
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How to Delegate and Transform Your Interior Design Firm
How to Grow Your Design Agency and Take Back Your Time Growing an interior design business is daunting because hiring an interior designer to help with the workload means that there is another salary to be paid at the end of the month and with that comes the added pressure of bringing more money into…
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Strategies for Interior Designers to Boost Credibility
Improving Your Professional Image so that the Public Takes Notice Interior design is a specialized and multifaceted discipline that enhances the quality of people’s lives through the creation of carefully designed spaces. However, it is also a discipline that is misunderstood by the public who perceive it as a superficial, easy and amateur occupation. Thus,…
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INGROUP: A Collaborative Approach to Rebranding Interior Design
South African interior designers face public misperception, viewed as mere decorators. The profession requires rigorous standards, education, and expertise. Similar challenges are global, affecting self-esteem. A call to action urges professionals to address the issue. The INGROUP platform aims to unite interior designers to redefine the profession and gain recognition for their expertise.
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How to Elevate the Interior Design Profession
The profession of interior design is often misunderstood, leading to a lack of recognition and respect. This is fueled by limited social exposure, media influence, and confusion between interior design, decorating, and architecture. To address these misconceptions, steps include raising awareness, upskilling practitioners, collaborating with professional organizations, achieving clear distinction, and leveraging media influence.
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Understanding Interior Design: Separating Fact from Fiction
Interior designers face a public image problem rooted in historical stereotypes and misconceptions. The profession is often mistaken for interior decoration, leading to feelings of frustration and inferiority. Social Identity Theory is used to analyze this issue, providing insight into how professional organizations can address it. The goal is to establish interior design’s true value…
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Are You in the INGROUP?
Social Identity Theory (SIT) examines how individuals form their identity within social groups, impacting self-worth and behavior. This theory, developed by Tajfel and Turner, is relevant for understanding professional identity, including in interior design. Applying SIT to interior design can shed light on negative stereotypes and help elevate the profession’s status.
The True Profession of Interior Design 