Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements and encourage the principals of environmental sustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals. Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of the public. These services may include any or all of the following tasks: 

• Research and analysis of the client's goals, providing documents, drawings and diagrams which outline these goals.
• Formulation of preliminary space plans including two and three dimensional design concept studies and sketches which reflect and integrate the client's needs and are based on knowledge of the principals of Interior Design.
• Preliminary space plans and design concepts must all consider public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental and sustainability guidelines.
• The selection of colors, materials & finishes, convey design concept and meet functional, maintenance, life-cycle performance, environmental and safety issues.
• Selection of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork including layout drawings, detailed product description and contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture.
• Provide project management services including preparing project budgets and schedules.
• Prepare construction documents including plans, elevations, details and specifications to illustrate non-structural and/or non-seismic partition layouts; power and communications locations; materials and finishes and furniture layouts
• Preparation of construction documents which adhere to regional building and fire codes, municipal codes and other jurisdictional statutes applicable to the interior space.
• Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services, including but not limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers and various specialty consultants.
• Confirmation that construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials.
• Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client’s agents.
• Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion as a representative of and on behalf of the client as well as conducting post-occupancy reports.

Sheridan supports the above definition of interior design established by NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) and is endorsed by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario) and other professional associations.