The Journal of
the Korean Institute of Interior Design

The Journal of
the Korean Institute of Interior Design

Bimonthly
  • ISSN : 1229-7992(Print)
  • ISSN : 2733-6832(Online)
  • KCI Accredited Journal

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Title Contested terrain - Conflicts between BOK(body of knowledge) of interior design and HSW(health, safety, welfare) ethos of profession -
Authors 김덕수
Page pp.177-185
ISSN 12297992
Keywords Interior Design ; Professionalization
Abstract The endowed privilege to an established profession acts as an important motivation related to professionalization of occupations. The established profession enjoys cognitive, legal, and economic privilege. This study analyzes the professionalization process of interior design. Specifically, the study evaluates the suitability of the body of knowledge and professional ethos(i.e., protection of citizen's health, safety, and welfare), while analyzing the professionalization of interior design in the United States. The research aims at proposing a reference point for the professionalization of Korean interior design. Utilized data include research paper, court sentencing, and reports published by related professional organizations. The study concludes that 3E's are a means of professionalization of interior design, while separating interior design from interior decorating. In addition, there is no evidence to the protection of citizen's HSW. Rather, it increases service costs and restricts the job opportunities. When the public is not persuaded, the argument related to the necessity of license for the protecting citizen's HSW can be consumed as a mere rhetoric, concealing intentions for formulating a cartel. Thus, this study proposes that the professionalization of interior design may focus on the establishment of identity and body of knowledge, which are specific to interior design.