Paint or wallpaper? Which way should the office furniture be arranged? Is the office accessible to those persons with disabilities? An interior designer is a person with the answers to questions like these.

More information American Society for Interior Designers 608 Massachusetts Ave. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 546-3480

Interior designers plan the space and furnishings for both public buildings and private and commercial dwellings. Based on the tastes and needs of their client, they develop plans and specifications for the construction of the interior, various furnishings and finishes.

They also design lighting and architectural details such as crown molding, coordination of colors, and select floor and window coverings. When designing space they must follow state and local laws and building codes.

Kathleen Ehmann, owner of Kathleen Ehmann Interiors in Fairport, says the first thing she does is ask a prospective client to make a list of priorities and expectations. The more detailed the list, the better. "If they can't articulate what they want . . . (the project) will take longer to complete," she says.

The work can be more difficult when working outside a residential setting. "You really have to do your homework on a commercial job," says Ehmann. "You must know your codes . . . and you have to work within their time criteria. The biggest problem with commercial is pleasing everybody."

One of the fastest growing areas of interior design is in health care facilities. Ehmann, who has worked in settings everywhere from private homes to a major hotel project, says an interior designer "must consider a person that is aging and their various needs . . ." as well as what is needed for the medical professionals to do their jobs.

Those working on projects in places such as conference centers, hotels and restaurants, must use their knowledge of regulatory codes and requirements "to achieve a pleasing, entertaining and safe environment," according to the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.

According to the Joe Dickson of the American Society for Interior Designers, 21 states, including New York, have "title acts" requiring designers to gain board certification.

Since this is not mandated in each state, a benchmark achievement is membership in a professional organization, which usually requires three to four years of postsecondary education in design, two years experience in the field and passing the exam from NCIDQ.

Ehmann says the key is "to get out in the field and work in it. It is much different than learning design from a book."