<p>I think this field is often misunderstood, especially since no one can agree on what to call it. Even though there’s a good deal of overlap between architecture and interior architecture and interior architecture and decorating, the skills and applications are different.</p>
<p>A relative of mine (who was actually a creatively frustrated banker) got a degree from Pratt in what was called at the time Environmental Design. He went on to a successful and lucrative career at several large architectural firms (SOM was one) and worked on projects as diverse as the interiors of office buildings to the airport in Jedda. That last was particularly interesting and challenging as he had to design logistical space for millions of pilgrims.</p>
<p>The funny thing was that even though he did very well he always harbored lingering doubts that he should have just gone for architecture. Maybe he was a just a dissatisfied guy.</p>