Who is recognized as the first professional Interior Designer?

Elise de Wolfe is recognized as the first professional interior designer due to her pioneering efforts in the field during the early 20th century. She was among the first to recognize and formalize interior design as a profession, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics, functionality, and an understanding of architecture. De Wolfe not only created beautiful interiors but also advocated for the profession by establishing standards and practices that helped to elevate interior design from mere decoration to a respected art form.

Her work transformed the perception of interior design, positioning it as a legitimate and skilled profession rather than just an extension of traditional housekeeping or domestic space planning. This shift paved the way for future generations of interior designers, leading to the development of design schools and professional organizations dedicated to the field. While other designers, such as Dorothy Draper and Florence Knoll, made significant contributions later, it was Elise de Wolfe who laid the groundwork for what we recognize today as professional interior design.