When the interaction with the outside world becomes detrimental to your well being your home can quickly become one of two things, a sanctuary, or a prison. For anyone who has found themselves confined to their home and for anyone within the design profession who may have questioned their impact on quality of life; it’s during difficult times such as these that I am reminded of the value of interior design and its effect on the well being of people.
Early in my career I struggled with the importance of interior design. How am I making a difference in the lives of others through my chosen profession if I’m not out there helping those in need or protecting and saving lives. I think the first time I realized the impact interior design can have was during a kitchen remodel for my mother shortly after my sister unexpectedly pasted away. In the midst of grieving the design process provided not only a distraction from the pain, but brought healing through the warmth of family gathering and interaction in the heart of my mother’s home, her kitchen.
Now worldwide where the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and others is to stay indoors, it is our homes that have become our safe haven. It is again in times like these that I am reminded of the value of interior design as past client have reached out expressing thankfulness for creating a space that is healing to them during these times. Our homes are a place to detox, destress, regroup, and escape from the hardships of the world; it is our safe place.
The most important responsibility of architects and interior designers is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Although I am not on the front lines and will never compare to those hero’s that risk their lives for others, I can design a home, a safe place, for them and others. I can design workspaces, offices, hospitals, and restaurants to support us in our efforts. We will all come out of this stronger and I encourage all of my colleagues to remember the value and importance of design no matter how big or small the project is! Because a space is more that walls, a floor, and a ceiling that is purely utilitarian in nature it’s a place of healing for the mind, body, and soul.
By Alina Spicer, ASID