IDI Journal
Interior Design Practice
The craft and business of design: techniques, materials, technology, and career insights.
Latest
Interior Design Practice
The craft and business of design: techniques, materials, technology, and career insights.
Set Decoration in Coyote vs. Acme
SET DECOR magazine goes behind the scenes with Set Decorator Wilhelm Pfau SDSA on Coyote vs. Acme, where every real-world set had to leave room for a cartoon coyote.
The NCIDQ Exam: Your Complete Preparation Guide
Everything you need to know about the NCIDQ examination, from eligibility requirements and exam structure to study strategies and practice resources for aspiring interior designers.
Healthcare Design: Evidence-Based Interiors That Promote Healing
Understand how evidence-based design principles guide healthcare interior environments that reduce stress, support clinical outcomes, and improve satisfaction for patients and staff.
Hospitality Design: Creating Memorable Guest Experiences Through Interiors
Explore the specialized discipline of hospitality interior design, from boutique hotels to restaurants, and learn how designers craft environments that delight guests and drive revenue.
Why Interior Design Education Matters More Than Ever
Interior design is often misunderstood as purely aesthetic—choosing colors, furniture, and finishes.
Revit vs. SketchUp vs. AutoCAD: Choosing the Right Design Software
An in-depth comparison of the three dominant software platforms in interior design, with guidance on which tool fits different project types, firm sizes, and career goals.
The Business of Interior Design: Running a Successful Practice
Learn the essential business skills that separate thriving interior design practices from struggling ones, including pricing strategies, client management, contracts, and marketing.
Lighting Design for Interiors: Layers, Sources, and Strategies
Discover how professional designers use layered lighting to enhance ambiance, support function, and transform interior spaces through strategic fixture selection and placement.
From Concept to Construction Documents: Navigating the Design Process
A step-by-step walkthrough of the professional interior design process, from initial concept development through construction documentation and contract administration.
Material Specification: The Designer's Guide to Selecting and Specifying Finishes
Learn the professional process of selecting, evaluating, and specifying materials and finishes for interior design projects, from performance criteria to sustainability standards.
Space Planning Fundamentals Every Designer Must Know
Explore the essential principles of space planning, from traffic flow and zoning to furniture arrangement and ADA compliance, that define functional interior environments.
Color Theory in Practice: A Designer's Complete Guide
Master the principles of color theory and learn how professional interior designers use color to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and create cohesive palettes.
Start Your Design Journey
Explore accredited interior design programs at IDI and take the first step toward a creative career.