Interior Design is the total creative solution for a programmed interior. It encompasses the conceptual planning, aesthetic and technical solutions applied to achieve the desired result. By “programmed interior” is meant a specific intended purpose or use of the built environment.

Interior design concerns itself with more than just the visual or ambient enhancement of an interior space, it seeks to optimize and harmonize the uses to which the built environment will be put. Thus, in the words of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is “practical, aesthic and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style.”

The elements of design range from the visual (color, lighting, form) to the tactile (surface, shape, texture) to the auditory (noise, echo). The designer must have an aesthetic, practical and technical appreciation for those elements. He or she must understand how people use and respond to these elements, not just individually but as the elements interact with one another.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?
An Interior designer is professionally trained to create a fuctional and quality interior environment. Qualified through education, experience and examination, a professional designer can identify, research and creatively resolve issues and lead to a healthy, safe and comfortable physical environment.

Interior Designers provide varies services including:
- consulting services to help determine project goals and objectives
- generating ideas for the functional and aesthic possibilites of the space
- creating illustrations and renderings
- developing documents and specifications relative to interior spaces in compliance with applicable building and safety codes.
- allocating, organizing and arranging a space to suit its function
- monitoring and managing construction and installation of design
- selecting and specifying fixtures, furnishings, products, materials and colors
- purchasing products and fixtures
- designing and managing fabrication of custom furnishings and interior details
- designing lighting and specifying

What is the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?
Interior Designers are professionally trained in space planning. In 18 states, they must pass a strict exam and be licensed. While both designers and decorators are concerned with aesthetics, style and mood, interior designers have comprehensive training and command skills that may include an understanding of:

- flame spread ratings, smoke, toxicity and fire rating classifications and materials
- space planning for public and private facilities
- national, state and local building codes
- standards regarding the needs of disabled or elderly persons and other special needs groups
- ergonomics
- lighting quality and quantity
- acoustics and sound transmission

What does MHSM have to offer?
MHSM is a full service interior design firm with 6 licensed Interior Designers specializing in healthcare, furniture specification, lighting design, tenant space planning and computer renderings and animations.