The Career Benefits of Green Design
By Joe Cooperjoe.cooper@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist
Most interior design degree programs will involve at least one course (and probably more) on "green design," the art of designing with the environment in mind. New government standards and a genuine interest in preserving the earth's resources have many designers incorporating it into their daily work.
Going Green in Interior Design
It's not longer the exception that designers go green. Interior designer Tanya Shively told Newsroom, "Designing 'green' is actually a series of unique solutions to individual problems that attempt to balance health, environmental, social, and aesthetic issues as best as possible." Shively runs a successful design business and is also a member of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID).Green Design Elements
Some of these solutions for client needs that also meet environmental ones include the following:- Eco-friendly flooring
- Low-VOC wall paints (VOC means volatile organic compounds, and VOC paints can decrease air quality.)
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Energy-efficient windows
- Water-conserving plumbing
- Furnishings made from recycled materials
Green is Good for Interior Design Careers
Building a strong background in green design in interior design school can do well for new designers' resumes, as job competition is "keen" in this industry (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Landing an internship working on a green design project is a good resume builder, too.Showing a design firm you know how to approach environmental design for a variety of design projects is a good way to qualify for job opportunities, as the issue grows and becomes an overall industry standard.
About the Author
Joe Cooper writes home services and design articles and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.
Previous: Interior Design Pays Off: Increase Home Resale Value
Next: A School's Redesign Offers Many Types of Tools
Back to News Archive
Want to suggest interior design news or links?
