The document discusses the emergence of suburban compounds in Egypt and how they reduced the need for homeowners to hire architects and contractors. This led to an increased demand for interior designers to finish the interiors of compound units. It then provides definitions and explanations of interior design and the role of the interior designer. Key points made include that interior design involves creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces, and that interior designers draw from various fields like architecture, psychology, and product design. The document lists several reasons for why interior design and hiring an interior designer is important, such as improving mood, well-being, and productivity for residents and businesses. It also notes that interior design was previously seen as secondary to architecture but is now

1. 34 Dalia speaks DECEMBER 2011 35
Now we have a constructed an unfinished
building which will bring us on the
threshold of discussing the needed key
player at this stage the glamorous Interior
Designer. But before venturing deeply into
the world of the Interior Designer , would
like to discuss a subject that emerged in the
local real estate market in Egypt recently ,
which is the vastly spreading existence of
the suburban compounds that demolish
in a way the need for a personal architect
and construction contractor leaving home
owners with the possibilities of needing
an interior designer for the finishing stage
, a finishing contractor , a decorator, or the
limited possibility of simply a decorator to
furnish the house.
THE INTERIOR
EMERGE OF THE SUBURBAN big portion of society has risen and more and implementations, in addition to the
COMPOUNDS can afford to provide a percentage of capability to coordinate entire work team
In the early 90’s the concept of compounds these earnings on investing in their homes, from clients, vendors, contractors, as well
DESIGNER
owned by huge real estate developers whether as real estate value or finishing as, schedule, assess and execute every
stormed Egypt after being a huge success and furnishings which would be relative to detail from A to Z in addition to providing
earlier in the western world. It started the value of these investments. the clients with personalized attention that
with the construction of compounds for a resourceful interior designer can provide.
summer houses in the North Coast off Moreover, from my perspective I am
the mesmerizing city of Alexandria. The seeing that people in Egypt are becoming HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN
concept of these compounds quickly spread more aware of professionalism and that it And now let’s set foot in the world of the
from just summer homes to permanent actually saves money, effort and time, you renowned interior designer, not many
residences in suburbs outside Cairo such as are assigning a professional to translate know that the credit of the birth of interior
the new provinces then, as Sheikh Zayed, your dreams into accurate, flawless reality design is most often claimed to the Ancient
6th of October and New Cairo, where as opposed to trial and error. Besides, Egyptians who decorated their mud huts
"Dalia Sadany AskDesigner & Founder of
consultant, Chief
Magazine's design
people found them as a refuge from the
hectic busy capital.
More and more people were tempted to
Egypt is becoming more exposed to global
standards which results in people's desire
to adopt their homes, work places hangouts
to such standards. Dwellers nowadays
with furniture pieces enriched by animal
skins, textiles as well as painted walls,
sculptures and decorated vases. Exquisite
gold ornaments with precious jewels as well
Dezines Architecture & Interiors, Managing invest a substantial amount of money in require experts with back ground and as extravagant painted murals revealed the
Director & Partner of Divine Contracting these houses. The real estate developers knowledge of the immense amount of importance of more lavish decoration for
would hire an Architectural firm to design available, brands, trends, building materials, wealthier and powerful Egyptians.
as well as the creator of the new furniture the whole project where there would be
several units, with a variety of designs and a
brand GUSH is dwelling into the world of range of areas to provide diversity to fulfill all
Architecture, Interior Design and Contracting.
"
the needs for all home owners. They would
hire as well a contracting firm to execute
the construction and in few compounds
even finish the units with unified specs.
In the past three articles we have covered
at first the planning needed to start your These compounds minimized the need
own project to construct your home, for home owners to hire architects and
following that we initiated the detailed contractors to design and construct their
homes, since these units are already
study by dwelling into the roles of the key constructed in a mostly unified design as to
players in the construction process. We maintain the unity of the project. Eventually
have discussed the legendry Architect with home owners needed professionals to
few minor tips in the architectural design design the interior of these units, and
that was one of the main reasons for the
process, as well as the infamous Contractor. awakening in the Egyptian market for the
Clarified the definition of each of their roles role of the interior designer.
and responsibilities, how to choose them,
work with them and the means of handling There were other aspects that highlighted
them financially. the need for the interior designer, one of
which is that the financial standard of a
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2. 36 Dalia speaks DECEMBER 2011 37
The work of a designer can range from
designing the interior of a bachelor condo,
to designing massive corporate buildings, or
the design of an international hotel chain .He
would have the capability and the know-how
to juggle several skills in his work, melding bits
of architecture, psychology, aesthetics, and
product design to create a cohesive whole.
He must also have a grasp of many fields that
are important to his work, such as building
The Roman and Greek civilizations WHAT IS INTERIOR DESIGN? creating functional and beautiful to look A successful interior design for residential functional needs. In this context interior and fire codes, or specifications required to
built upon the Egyptian art of interior Interior design is a protocol that looks at interior spaces in all sorts of fields projects aims at the comfort, reflection designers are mainly concerned with how be taken into serious consideration if the
decorating and accessorizing. They placed after designing all of the interiors of any including private residences, in addition to of the residents preferences as well as to make several factors work coherently space is to be used by disabled individuals,
special emphasis on combining beauty given space. Under that umbrella lies all public buildings such as airport terminals, affecting the mood in meanwhile investing together such as colors, lighting, materials, these are vital components that could effect
and comfort and extravagance of home factors such as flooring, windows, doors, theaters, as well as commercial properties in a exquisite interior design will simply textures, furnishings and that all these and alter his design decisions.
interiors reflected wealth and social status. walls, ceilings, lighting, furniture, window as shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, increase a building's market value. aspects complement each other to end up
treatments, upholstery, curtains and the schools, hospitals, leisure venues and in a lucid collage. Traditionally, most interior designers
From then on interior design went through list goes on to all and every fixture and offices. Interior design can also be applied On the other hand in public spaces such were focused on decorating, choosing a
various phases biased by economical, miscellaneous design piece. It’s main target to temporary environments, whether that’s as schools and hospitals would benefit Interior designers are qualified through a style and color palette and then selecting
political and social influences, that field is generally to make a space that is both pop-up shops that are in existence for just more from creative interior design, here it rigorous process of education, experience appropriate furniture, floor and window
has come a long way from mud and comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, a few months at a time, or show booths has the potential to improve health and and examination. Combining knowledge coverings, artwork, and lighting. However,
bricks of the ancient Egyptians .Designers often tailored specifically to the needs and and exhibition stands that may simply last productivity, it is also an invaluable asset with vision, they work with clients and other an increasing number of designers are
nowadays have access to countless man- preferences of the owner. days. Anything that has an interior can be for businesses. An inspiring office interior, design professionals such as architects, becoming involved in architectural
made and natural finishing materials, in designed, redesigned or refurbished. for example, can help to raise the profile electro-mechanical engineers as electric, detailing, such as moldings, and in planning
addition to advanced means of presenting It is the development of creative design of a company and boost staff morale at sanitary and heating/air-conditioning layouts which is known as zoning of
and executing their work. They still draw solutions for interior environments. WHY IS INTERIOR DESIGN the same time, which would relatively engineers, acoustical engineers .contractors buildings, including helping to determine
upon the influences of the ancestors while It involves a matrix of technical IMPORTANT? increase productivity. And it goes without whether general finishing or specialized the location of windows, stairways, and
continually striving to originate innovative and analytical skills to achieve built Good interior design will not only make saying that shops, restaurants and leisure ones, craftsmen, etc . elevator etc.
personalized design trends. environments that are functional and a space look and function better, it can venues that are inviting and stimulating
enhance the quality of life and culture of have a significant impact on the mood and inside will potentially draw in more
the occupants, and are eye pleasing with wellbeing of the residents. The application clientele, and eventually increase sales
a distinctive touch of individuality. of uplifting color schemes, well-designed and therefore increase profits.
furnishings and furniture as well as the
Designers plan interior spaces of almost thoughtful manipulation of light and space Interior Design was previously
every type of building. It isn't just about can all make a real difference to how we seen as playing a secondary role to
home decoration. It is concerned with feel about the environment and in it. architecture. Lately with the emphasis on
professionalism in all its aspects, and the
depth and individuality that has emerged
in this field, add to this the countless
materials , techniques used has all
emphasized on the importance of interior
design as a relevant factor in the success of
any project . Any building needs extensive,
study, mirroring and exerted effort in its
design internally in every finest detail as
much as externally.
WHAT IS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
Interior designer is the professional
concerned with the look and design of the
interiors of spaces. His/her goal is to make
a space visually appealing while reflecting
the space owner’s preferences and
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3. 38 Dalia speaks DECEMBER 2011 39
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF INTERIOR
DESIGNER?
Interior designers vary from an independent
consultant who is known as free-lancer WHY HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
to a studio to a large firm working on big The question that a lot of clients would ask
projects or part of a group offering other themselves usually would be "Should I Hire
related engineering services. an Interior Designer? Or I am better off doing
the job myself? “The first reason that might
Although most interior designers do come to your head is the cost. Considering
diversified types of projects, some budgeting is a vital matter. But considering
specialize in one area of interior design, the percentage of the total projects cost
in order to develop technical knowledge to the fees of hiring a professional interior
specific to that area, and these designer is inconsiderate. Besides there
specifications would be categorized as is plenty of savings that could be gained ,
shown in the diagram below ; please note when the result of hiring a pro would limit
that the first category of specializations waste cost on trials and errors , or even yet
is via sectors and that is extensively costly inappropriate usage of materials.
elaborated in the second diagram There are several further reasons to justify
the importance of hiring a professional
As for the services, there are two types of interior designer among your team of
designers, some provide drawings and specs, players to reach your ultimate goal to bring
as others offer the turn key solutions, which your dream project to reality.
is designing and executing the construction
of these designs. I personally have chosen and I immensely enjoy executing my work, 1-You already have a job/ a busy life. personality would guide you and most for colors and taste and deep knowledge
that approach of combining the expertise for me there is no bigger thrill than to Whether you belong to the corporate world importantly brush up the rough image of of materials ,and your own management
of being a designer and a contractor at the visualize an idea in my head and contribute or a stay at home spouse, you already have what would suit you, and most definitely abilities, and feel you will not benefit from
same time, since I was a hands-on person, in turning it into admirable reality. a hectic full schedule. An Interior Designer how to link all the different elements a fresh perspective on things, as well of
has gone rigorous studies and training to together into one harmonious exquisite course as a lot and I mean a lot of time on
professionalize the possibility to design space, uniquely tailored for you .The first your hands by all means, do it yourself. But
with taste, creativity, color, and awareness thing a good designer should do, however, you have to question yourself and respond
to their clients’ requirements, needs and is sit down with you, and get to know how honestly whether you feel comfortable
budget. It is a full time occupation and you live and what is important to you. If with most of the following tasks;
it is extremely time consuming. Before this crucial step is followed, the final design • Research design styles and visualize each
you begin your project, you have to make should appeal to everything you told them in your designated space, and have a
sure you don’t underestimate the amount and more because it is a fresh pair of eyes strong sense of your own style and taste.
of needed time, as well as the focused looking at your home and its possibilities. • Research the basic understanding of the
meticulous effort required. design concepts and principles necessary
4-A designer can easily work with other for achieving the look you desire.
2-A designer has products’ awareness needed engineers. • Research finishing materials, and be aware
more than you. As we have mentioned earlier, designing of the ones available in the market.
In the market of finishing materials nowadays the interior of a space could involve • Select the necessary technical engineers,
there are plenty of different choices and several technical engineers, as electric, that you would need to refer to and act
varieties. Designers have access to each acoustical, heating/air-conditioning, home as the liaison between them.
and every new product on the market that automation etc… You have to link all • Perform the research necessary for a cost
you don’t. Since they are professional, they these participants together, with a clear estimate.
are in direct contact with the suppliers, understanding of whether they would work • Find a method of presenting your ideas on
and an extensive knowledge of all the parallel or concurrently, and awareness of paper as not to miss out on any essential
pros and cons of every material. They can the dependence of any of one’s assignment detail, preferably good knowledge
easily filter all the available materials and on the other. A professional would have a of CAD program (Computerized
select whichever is convenient for you that hassle free flowing relationship with all of Architectural Drawings).
fit your requirements whether price wise, them, with well studied timing according to
durability, or taste. appropriate stages, without any possibility Now, we have partially covered the interior
of future finger pointing issues between designer’s topic, since it is a vivid issue,
3-A designer has more knowledge of involved parties. with more to discuss, it will be continued in
styles and trends. the next issue along with the remnant the
You are right when you think that only After elaborating on the advantages of team players in the construction process of
you would know exactly what you like and hiring a professional interior designer, if you building your aspired home.
what will work best with your lifestyle. But still feel you might be in a good position to You can reach me at my email
a designer via his broad studies of styles tackle the job yourself, If you’re confident askdalia@ask.com
and his insightful vision of you and your enough in your own sense of style, an eye
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