Professional

Practice & Ethics

REFLECTIVE REPORT

Interior Design Engineering

Department
Course Name: Professional Practice
& Ethics
Student name: Salma Mohammed
Student ID: 180104114663
Instructor Name: Dr.Omar Blibech
Fall Semester2022-2023
Content:
1- Introduction.
1.1- Description.
1.2- Methodology.

2- Professionalism in Interior design Engineering

2.1- What is interior design profession and professional practice?
2.2- Why should consider professionalism?
2.3- How professionalism should be considered?

3- Responsibilities of the interior design engineers

3.1- Professional & Ethical responsibilities
3.2- Environmental & social responsivities

4- How the professional organizations & bodies serve the

designer?
4.1- Skills & experience
4.2- behavior & knowledge
4.3- code of conduct
4.4- Professional Organizations for Interior Design Profession

5- Contract documents and their specifications.

5.1- Types of contract
5.1.1- Interior design services contract
5.1.2- Residential interior design contract
5.1.3- Construction contract
5.2- Construction documents as part of the contract documents
5.3- Example of construction documents.

6- The reflection of the professional practice on my internship.

6.1- My reflectivity
6.2- Observation & comments

7- Conclusion.
8- References.

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1- Introduction:
1.1- Description
This reflective report aims to improve critical thinking and to explore
the process of developing reflectivity, thoughts and observations
towards professional practice as concepts, approaches, and related
areas relevant to ethics and professional and ethical responsibilities,
codes and professional conduct, professional preparation,
professionalism and professional organizations, considering reflective
writing about different topics that should be covered such;
professional preparation, administrative and business formations,
procedures, contracts administration, contract documents and
construction documents, interior design and construction industry
management, measurement and quantification, pricing and
tendering, strategic planning, business analysis and project goals
management, budgeting and measuring performance, etc.

1.2- Methodology.
This reflective report is designed to present several areas of
knowledge which covered in this course along the semester. We will
go thought the topics starting by introducing Professionalism in
Interior design Engineering “what, why, and how it should be considered” and
then we will present the different responsibilities of the designer to
become a professional “professional, ethical, environmental, and social
responsibilities”. Third topic will be an answer of how the professional
organizations & bodies serve the designer? “Skills & experience, behavior &
knowledge, code of conduct, Professional Organizations for Interior Design Profession”.
Then I will explain the different types of contract document and how
it is implemented with interior design works. Last article will be the
reflection of the professional practice on my internship, my
reflectivity, observation and comments.

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2- Professionalism in Interior design Engineering

2.1- What is interior design profession

and professional practice?

The term of "professional practice"

refers to the unique integration of knowledge into the
characteristics and business creative process, which satisfies
practices of the individual the client's needs and available
designer as well as the regulatory resources to create an interior
framework to which the designer space that achieves the project's
is subject while at work. Interior objectives.
design profession is all about The professional interior designer
designing interior environments should do the following to
which achieved via the use of enhance quality of life, enhance
technical and artistic solutions productivity, and safeguard the
inside a structure by the public's health, safety, and welfare:
multifaceted profession of interior - Examine client needs, goals,
design. These solutions improve and life safety requirements.
the occupants' quality of life and - Integrate findings with
culture while also being visually knowledge of interior design.
attractive and useful. The - Develop and present final
project's physical location and design recommendations
social context are acknowledged through suitable presentation
in the designs, which are tools.
developed in reaction to and - Prepare working drawings
coordination with the building's and specifications for non-
shell. Designs must follow all load bearing interior
statutory and regulatory construction.
standards and promote - Administers bids and contract
environmental sustainability. The documents as the client’s
interior design process adheres to agent.
a systematic and coordinated - Reviews and evaluates design
methodology that includes solutions during
research, analysis, and the implementation and upon
completion.

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Interior design profession as a The attitude of professionalism
multi-faceted profession has should be developed. We should
major requirements, as it is all think, behave, react, plan, and
about: Problem solving, perform professionally as designers.
Programming, Schematic Design, The guiding principles for
Design Development, becoming a professional designer
Construction Documents, are self-discipline, responsibility,
Construction Administration, honesty, competence,
Project Management. Therefore, cooperation, and teamwork.
interior designer needs several The most crucial qualities that an
skills: Thinking, Conceptualizing, interior designer must have are
Analyzing, Specifying, Designing developing sensibility and
Drafting, Drawing, Rendering, confidence in the design, good
Scaling, Model Making, Time- relationships through
managing, Presentation and documentation and
effective communication. They communication (for example,
also mainly need to be: terms of contract/agreement
Creative Thinking oriented, between client and consultant
Analytical and critical thinking project progress report), honesty,
oriented, Users oriented, frankness, determination,
Environment & Sustainability assertiveness, punctuality, and
oriented, Codes and Ethics cooperation, as well as
oriented, Business oriented. physiological insight and an
appreciation of beauty.
2.2- Why should consider
professionalism in interior design? 2.3- How professionalism should be
Considering professionalism in considered?
interior design field or profession A profession is described as "a
will make it well achieved and calling requiring specialized
reflected it in the true manner. knowledge and often long and
Also considering professionalism intensive academic training [.]"
or professional conduct in the Professionalism is defined as "the
field will affect the profession conduct, aims, or traits that
industry image among the characterize or mark a profession
community and the other or a professional person."
professions which have direct or According to these definitions,
indirect relation with interior professionalism includes a variety
design profession. of diverse qualities, which when
taken as a whole serve to identify

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 and characterize a professional. • Honesty and Integrity “having
The specific knowledge of strong moral principles”
professionals is well known. They • Accountability “the quality or
have a strong dedication to their state of being accountable”
professional growth, and, if • Self-Regulation “managing
necessary, they hold the degrees behavior, reactions, and feelings”
and certifications that form the • Image “of the designer and
basis of this expertise. profession”

There are 6 main characteristics

of professionalism which can "Professionalism is exhibited by
answer the question of how one of the professional
professionalism should be characters, spirit or methods
considered:
or the standing, practice, or
• Specialized Knowledge
“which can be gained through
methods of a professional as
specialized courses or academic distinguished from an
majors” amateur”1
• Competency “can be
approved by the designer
experiences”

Figure 1: The Three Core Elements of Professionalism

1 American College Dictionary -2011

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3- Responsibilities of the interior design engineers

- Acting as professional
adviser to the client and his
advice must be
unprejudiced.
- Having moral responsibilities
to his professional associates
and subordinates.

3.3- Environmental & Social

responsivities

3.1- Professional & Ethical

responsibilities

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4- How the professional organizations & bodies
serve the designer?
An organization that includes while also supporting the professional
people who work in a particular in staying current on difficulties and
profession, interest, or occupation is possibilities. Leadership abilities can
known as a professional body be developed through volunteering
(sometimes known as a professional and working with individuals outside
institute). Professional bodies will of one's own company.
have specialized knowledge, skills,
and experience of academic 4.2- Behavior & knowledge
principles relevant to the professions
or occupations of their members,
which can enhance their members'
professional advancement.

4.1- Skills & Experience

One of the characteristics that
distinguishes a profession from a
regular job is membership in the
appropriate professional
organization. It is an essential
characteristic of a professional. All
professionals are expected to be
members of their professional
organizations. It's critical to promote
one's profession's progress, and
joining a professional association is
one way to do it. Professional
organizations & bodies works on
developing their members with 4.3- Code of conduct
advance skills and experiences A certified interior designer must
using several methods. For example, conduct all of his or her career life
these organizations work to provide with honesty, fairness, and respect for
them with the latest versions of the legal and business obligations of
programs, tools, and techniques other interior designers and
related to the profession, also allow colleagues.
them to participate in new Professional organization members
experiences and letting them to be are required to follow by all
involved in new experiments. applicable laws, rules, and
Moreover, it assists in the member's professional codes as set forth by the
personal progress

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 nation in which they carry out their
practice; the Institute shall only have
the authority to enforce its own
Code.
“Any member, who, in the opinion of
the Disciplinary Committee of the
Institute, has acted in contravention
of the Institute’s Code, may be
cautioned, suspended or expelled
from membership. Such action shall
only occur after a member has been
given the opportunity to answer all
allegations of misconduct brought
by the Disciplinary Committee. The
decision of the Disciplinary
Committee shall be final and
binding”.2

4.4- Professional Organizations for

Interior Design Profession

Figure 2: International and local Professional

Organizations for Interior Design Profession

2
The British Institute of Interior Design https://biid.org.uk/

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5- Contract documents and their specifications
5.1- Types of contract
As the interior design considered a Client is hiring Designer to perform
multi-faceted profession, designers work in/on ‘one or more area where
are deals with deferent types of Designer will be working’ at ‘the
contracts according to the project location of villa or apartment, etc.’
requirements and the project scope
of work. 5.1.1- Construction contract
Construction contract is one of the
5.1.1- Interior design services contracts that interior designer can
contract be dealing with and being involved
The contractual agreement should on it. It is an agreement between
contain detailed instructions on two or more parties. This type of
what the project will contain, how it contract details the contractor's
will be carried out, and the scope of work, including their right to
modalities involved. Requires subcontract any of the work, also it
signatures from both parties identifies exactly how and what they
agreeing to accept all terms and will charge for the work, in addition
conditions set forth in the interior of any other plans or work orders.
design project. Construction contracts are
Designers provide interior design separates into main six types, which
services to individuals or companies are:
and prepare, draft and sign -Lump Sum Contracts
detailed final contracts to ensure -Cost Plus Contracts
projects run smoothly and there are -Unit Price Contracts
no dissatisfactions on either side. is -Time and Materials Contracts
needed. Companies that offer -Integrated Project Delivery
services Anyone wishing to hire an Contracts
interior designer needs to know all -Design Build Contracts
the details of what is to be
expected and wants clarity on the
terms of the project, its
management and overall layout.

5.1.2- Residential interior design

contract
It is an agreement between two or
more parties, same as the interior
design services contract but this one
is deals with residential part only.

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5.2- Construction documents as 5.3- Example of construction
part of the contract documents documents.
Construction documents are viewed With reference to assignment 2 in this
as the part of the contract course, any construction documents
documents that consists of the begin with brief description to
drawings and specifications. It is identify Project scope, considering
significant to remember that the various key data and information
contract documents and relevant to construction documents.
construction documents differ from After that we Develop the
one another. Interior designers must appropriate Bill of Quantities for the
distinguish between contract designed Floor covering works and
documents, construction Ceiling installation works, required for
documents, and bid documents in an estimating process for this Interior
the process of their professional Design Project, considering room
work. This is based on their specified function, utility to propose
contents, which are as follows: appropriate Finish, and Materials.
Last step was to prepare and
present the appropriate type of
contract and bid document
required to perform the Project.

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 Figure 3: Residential interior design contract and construction documents.

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6- The reflection of the professional practice on my
internship.
6.1- My reflectivity The second period of internship
Internship period of 300 hours was is more advanced as it is timed
completed before taking this to be held after advanced level
course, it was divided into two of knowledge and experiences.
phases, the first was after In this period, I was able to
completing 40% of the credit hours contribute in all design and
and the second was held after implementation phases with
completing 60% of the credit hours. specific tasks assigned to me
This plan was very useful as the after getting the client
student will be involved in the requirements in clear way and
interior design industry in different informing the client step by step
stages of knowledge and of the work to get his opinion
experience. and approval.
First period of training is all about This work place was conducting
exploring and observing how the the work in professional manner
work will done and learning new with friendly working
programs and techniques used to environment as well as
improve the design, and being professional.
involved in simple tasks. After
studying professional practice and 6.2- Observation & comments
ethics course I realize that my intern After these valuable experience
experience was not that good and knowledge, it is clear to me
because of the week when talking about
professionalism implementation in professionalism and related
the work place that I was working terms and meanings and
on, the communication between according to that, here is my
the employee and the employer main observed things along my
was missing and also between the interior design journey:
designer and the client as the - The relationship between
manager was the only person who project owner and
has direct connection with the designer is based on trust
client and he deliver the client and professional
needs to the designer to start the relationship.
design. This makes many - My advice to the client
misunderstandings of the client must be the best for his
needs or the design and sadly will situation.
be reflected on the project deliver - Friendship or social
day and the project quality relationships are not
excuse for not applying
professionalism

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 - Professional advertising
about yourself is a must.
- Networking is important than
advertising.
- Satisfying the client is one of
the most important duties of
the designer.

7- Conclusion:
Finally, this report was my reflection as student. Taking professional
practice and ethics course in this advance level is highly needed, as
it is work to shape our way of thinking and doing, and gives us as
senior students the core elements to start a successful career life as
individuals and to become an effective member to our profession
and professional community.

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8- References:
- Figure1: The Three Core Elements of Professionalism http://www.merriam-webster-dictionary.com/
- Figure 2: International and local Professional Organizations for Interior Design Profession
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fptop.only.wip.la%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fblog.designmanager.com%2Fthe-top-professional-associations-for-interior-
designers&psig=AOvVaw2k5Q3MUdWDKp6c8Wcr9Z5x&ust=1672380477585000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjhxqFwoTCICJhPSU
nvwCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

- Figure 3: Residential interior design contract and construction documents. “from

assignment”

- 1 American College Dictionary -2011

- 2
The British Institute of Interior Design https://biid.org.uk/

- https://biid.org.uk/file/87976/download?token=9SDPo6q2
- https://ccidc.org/code-of-
ethics/#:~:text=A%20Certified%20Interior%20Designer%20shall%20pursue%20his%2Fher%20p
rofessional%20activities,colleague's%2C%20contractual%20and%20professional%20relation
ships.
- https://abrid.alabama.gov/about-interior-design/importance-of-joining-a-professional-
organization/
- https://www.ipl.org/essay/Importance-Of-Ethics-In-Interior-Design-F3FAZB74SJF6
- https://www.sta-design.com/on-the-profession-and-professionalism-of-interior-design/
- Christine M. Piotrowski. 2013. Professional practice for interior designers, 5 th edition,
Wiley.
- Carlo Deregibus. (2016). Intention and responsibility ethical consistency in
contemporary architecture. IPOC di Pietro Condemi. ISBN: 9788867720798
- William M. Taylor. (2011). Prospects for an ethics of architecture .2nd Edition.
Routledge.
- Allan Ashworth. Keith Hogg, and Catherine Higgs. (2013). Willis's Practice and Procedure
for the Quantity Surveyor 13th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell

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