People often use the titles “interior designer” and “interior decorator” interchangeably, without realizing the very important difference between the two. Should you be contemplating a career in either field, you will want to know that difference! Interior design is not about drawing pretty pictures and choosing attractive fabrics – it is about the ability to improve interior environments (commercially and residentially) not only by creating practical, personal and beautiful environments, but also by adhering to practices that protect the health, welfare and safety of their clients. In the mid 1990’s, if anyone had told me the scope of this profession, I probably would have chosen a different career path. Now that I am older and more experienced, of course, I also realize that the rewards of being an interior designer are equal to, or even greater than, the challenges and demands it brings.