With over 700 vivid images and illustrations along with the wisdom of numerous practicing designers, this book provides a practical approach to introductory interior design. Covering the profession for both commercial and residential environments, the Ninth Edition introduces readers to the history, design fundamentals, and building systems (construction, electrical, mechanical) of design. Exploring topics such as the space planning process, environmental sensitivity, and multicultural design, this book contains both the necessary information and applications readers need to be fully prepared for the field. For professionals with a career or interest in design, interior decorating, architecture, construction, carpentry, and environmental design.

The field of interior design encompasses a unique blend of art and science. I have always told my students that successful designers construct a balance between their left and right brains. The designer's goal in any interior should be to analyze the needs and desires of the client, and then through the synthesis of this information to create a healthful and safe environment that enhances the client's quality of life. It is the mission of this text to assist beginning designers in achieving this goal. Significant Changes in the Ninth Edition The ninth edition ofBeginnings of Interior Environmentsdiscusses foundation information that assists the reader in understanding the nature of interior design and the practice of the interior design profession. The text continues in the tradition of earlier editions as an introductory and practical approach to understanding interior design. Although early editions focused primarily on residential design, the more recent editions expand readers' awareness of commercial design as well. The ninth edition also includes new information on sustainable design, Internet resources, and on aspects of multicultural awareness. The most significant change in the ninth edition is a discussion on visual literacy, including Gestalt psychology, patterning, and organization. This is followed by a discussion on concept and its application in the interior design process. Special features on sustainable design and actual design scenarios have been updated. Much care has been taken to update images and ensure that illustrations and figures clearly enhance the text discussion. One of the greatest challenges of updating texts is as Don Schlizt once said is "knowing what to throwaway and knowing what to keep." With almost 100 new images and plans from practicing professionals and over 150 updated and new illustrations, the text continues to be stimulating, intriguing, and current. Text Overview The following synopsis of each part of the text is repeated in the Introduction to ensure that students understand the broad knowledge base required of interior designers. Part I,"Introduction to Interior Environments," discusses the history of the design profession and reviews in detail the process by which interior designers complete an interior space. Drawings and drafted plans demonstrate the use of visual communications. A pictorial essay on the history of style will familiarize students with significant eras of design that influence today's interiors. Part II,"Design Fundamentals," establishes the basics for the study of design in all creative fields. Part II emphasizes visual literacy and the principles and elements of design that guide designers in technical and decorative design decisions. Color is given special attention because of its complexity. Part III,"Building Systems," emphasizes the architectural, electrical, and mechanical aspects of design. This section assists future designers in understanding the visual communications needed to collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and structural engineers, the client, and the rest of the design team. Part IV,"Space," addresses both the technical requirements and the creative dimensions of planning the layout of furniture and rooms. Designers learn to read floor plans by thinking and visualizing in three dimensions (3-D). These chapters encourage designers to recognize space asvolumeand to design from theinside out. Part V,"Furnishings, Fabrics, and Background Elements," provides a foundation for understanding the multitude of selections available to designers. Finally,Part VI,"The Profession of Interior Design," discusses the steps required to become a professional member of the interior design industry. It reviews basic business practices and the ethics and outlook of the profession. Ancillaries and Supplements