Interior Designer
An interior designer is a professional responsible for enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of interior spaces, whether in residential or commercial settings. Their work involves a keen understanding of how colors, textures, light, and furniture interact within a space to create safe and appealing designs that cater to client needs. Interior designers may focus on various projects, from private homes to large venues like hotels and restaurants, and often consult blueprints to ensure compliance with building and fire codes. Their role requires strong creative skills, business acumen, and effective communication to manage client expectations and budgets.
A typical day for an interior designer includes assessing client requirements, creating design plans using computer-aided design software, and coordinating with contractors and vendors. They must also stay organized while tracking orders and managing installation schedules. Education and training in art, design, business, and related fields are essential for aspiring designers, often supplemented by internships that provide practical experience. The work environment can be dynamic, blending office tasks with on-site consultations, and often necessitating adaptability to meet client needs outside typical business hours.
Interior Designer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction, Arts, A/V Technology & Communications, Marketing, Sales & Service
Interests: Art, business, helping others, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $61,590 per year $29.61 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Interior designers are responsible for the aesthetic aspects of the interior of a building or specific space, whether it is commercial or residential. They deal with how colors, textures, light, furniture, and space work together to develop safe, functional, and attractive design solutions that meet client needs. Commercial designers work on large projects such as hotels and restaurants, while residential designers focus on private homes. Some designers are involved in the design and planning of architectural components, such as crown molding, built-in bookshelves, and building layouts. As such, interior designers often consult blueprints and have an understanding of building and fire codes. All interior designers must work within a client’s budget, charging customers for time, drawings, materials, and workroom labor.
Work Environment. Because interior designers spend much of their time with clients and vendors pricing individual aspects of each job, they are not constantly working in an office environment. Job functions outside of the office can include time spent shopping for necessary items and materials. When they are in their offices (or working from their homes), interior designers spend many hours placing orders, following up, and making creative decisions. Some designers work in a shop where the “storefront” displays gift-type items, with design services within for those interested clients; others work in furniture showrooms, which are open to the public.
Occupation Interest. Individuals attracted to the interior design profession need to be strategic in visualizing what a customer needs or envisions—creativity gives interior designers the ability to explain an idea or concept to a client and then sell it. They should take notice of their surroundings and have an interest in physical spaces and their functionality. Interior designers need patience, business sense, and the ability to use interpersonal communication to work with a team and manage client expectations. They should be willing to negotiate and mediate to solve problems and be savvy shoppers with attention to detail. Because they are continually dealing with client budgets, interior designers need to be financially astute.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Typical daily tasks of an interior designer include determining client needs, agreeing to a budget and deadlines, and understanding how space will be used. Designers estimate costs and put together a plan, usually using computer-aided design (CAD) software, which makes it easier to revise the plans as changes occur. Once the design concept is completed, interior designers coordinate with contractors’ work schedules. They follow up on the whereabouts of furnishings or decorative items they are tracking and communicate with workroom members about installation schedules. Interior designers must also communicate with clients about the re-selection of items that may have become discontinued or unavailable for their deadline. They collaborate with everyone from electricians to builders for designs that are safe and meet construction requirements.
Interior designers might select everything required in a design plan, from fabric to paint to furniture, and/or work with other professionals such as drapery experts and carpet installers. They will also review catalogs and order samples, examine space and equipment requirements, and develop new business contacts. Interior designers must manage their time effectively and, when necessary, make customers aware of unavoidable problems that could delay a specific job, such as inaccurate orders or delays in product shipping.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. In large design firms, interior design offices are typically in well-lit, comfortable settings that reflect the designer’s style. Their hours of operation align with typical business hours. Smaller design firms or self-employed contractors adjust their workday to meet client needs, which means they may be on-site at a showroom or client location after the traditional workday. A self-employed interior designer could easily work out of their home.
Human Environment. An interior designer’s workspace is usually functional, aesthetically pleasing, and busy, with creative and inspirational people who not only enjoy the job but have a good working relationship with peers and colleagues, clients, and third-party contacts.
Technological Environment. Interior designers use computer-aided software (such as computer-aided design and drafting, or CADD) to help with the actual design process. Designers use computers, tablets, and smartphones to view, price, and order products such as stocks of fabric from any location. Being Internet and social media savvy is key to being an interior designer in the twenty-first century.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Some high schools offer courses related to interior design. Otherwise, high school students interested in pursuing an interior design career should take basic art classes, learn about the color wheel and the durability of different textiles, and work to develop basic business and math skills.
Students should maintain good study habits and participate in related extracurricular activities, such as projects or clubs involving art, graphic design, business, or math. High school students should consider applying for interior design firm internships that may later qualify them for apprenticeships or lead to paid positions.
Postsecondary. College students interested in an interior design career should take courses in art, design, business, mathematics, and the sciences, which can help them in their understanding of the basics of textiles. (The subfield of textile design requires numerous chemistry classes.) Psychology classes can help students work more effectively with other people in the creative field. Many cities offer career-specific training programs at design schools or colleges. Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, interior designers are ready for a formal design apprenticeship program.
Postsecondary students will benefit from internships and volunteer opportunities at showrooms, interior design offices, or as assistants to designers who are constantly on the road. These activities can lead to entry-level employment with various companies.
Related Occupations
− Designer
− Florist
− Multimedia Artist & Animator
Bibliography
"Interior Designers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/interior-designers.htm. Accessed 28 Sept. 2023.