Most interior designers who own - or plan to own - their own firms are at a disadvantage because they lack formal business training. This book provides them with essential information on accounting, financial analysis, revenue operation, contracts, personnel issues and more.

The essential guide to decision making and problem solving for the interior designer

The interior design profession requires effective problem solving and critical thinking, as they impact all phases of the design project and most work activities of the interior designer. Whether you are a student or professional designer, much of what you do involves these skills. Although most of us do not even think about what we do in terms of these activities, they are a constant part of design. They are also skills that must be performed successfully outside a professional career. Improving these skills makes you a more sought-after employee and designer, effective business owner, and fulfilled individual. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking for Designers will put the reader on the correct path to a solutions-oriented practice. Using her trademark accessible and conversational approach, Christine Piotrowski guides readers through the process of how the working designer solves problems and makes decisions. Some of the topics she discusses are:

Design process

Communication

Asking questions

Problem definition and analysis

Decision-making process

Negotiation

Working with others

Ethical decision making

This book also features real-life scenarios and design problems that guide the reader toward making correct decisions in real-life situations.