IDI Journal
The IDI Journal
Perspectives on Southern California design, the craft of interior design, and stories from the IDI community.
Page 2 of 12
All Articles
Biophilic Design in Southern California: Bringing Nature Inside the Built Environment
Southern California's mild climate and rich natural landscapes make it an ideal laboratory for biophilic design, an evidence-based approach that integrates natural elements into interior spaces to improve health, productivity, and well-being.
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 Stonemill Design Center: Orange County's Premier Material Resource
The Stonemill Design Center in Laguna Hills brings together natural stone, tile, and hardscape specialists under one roof, offering designers a comprehensive material resource for flooring, countertops, and architectural surfaces.
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.
Student Competition Wins: IDI at Regional Design Awards
IDI students have a strong track record of competing — and winning — at regional and national design competitions. We celebrate recent victories and explore how competitive design sharpens professional skills.
Newport Beach Architecture and Interior Design: A Heritage of Coastal Luxury
Newport Beach has long been one of Southern California's most distinguished addresses for residential design, blending coastal elegance with architectural ambition across neighborhoods from Corona del Mar to Balboa Peninsula.
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.
Coastal Modernism: The Defining Aesthetic of Southern California Design
Coastal modernism merges the clean lines and open plans of mid-century architecture with the breezy materiality and light-filled spaces that define life along the Southern California coastline.
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.
Inside the Laguna Design Center: A Trade Professional's Guide
The Laguna Design Center in Laguna Niguel is one of Southern California's premier trade-only resources, offering curated showrooms, to-the-trade pricing, and a personalized experience that sets it apart from larger design centers.
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.
The SoCal Design Corridor: Mapping Southern California's Creative Epicenter
From the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood to the Laguna Design Center in Orange County, Southern California's design corridor represents one of the most concentrated creative ecosystems in the world.
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