Interior Designer

This position can carry many different experiences during a week. Through it all, an Interior Designer will be working with their client to develop a furnished space from conception to completion. They may be responsible for helping plan before a space is constructed, or they may be re-decorating an existing space.

An Interior Designer can expect to:

• Bid on new projects, respond to client inquiries, or get assignments if working for a firm.
• Listen carefully to a client’s hopes for a space’s aesthetic and use.
• Create idea sketches, including need for any utilities, and identify necessary materials, furniture, lighting fixtures, or similar needs for the space.
• Produce a budget for each project, as well as a completion timeline.
• Oversee the ordering and installation of design elements.
• Supervise the construction or redecoration of the space directly and on site.
• With the client, inspect the finished project to make sure all expectations have been met.

Interior Designers will have a network of contractors, engineers, and construction workers to help them make good decisions, or to help them achieve unique visions. They may work with draftsmen, but will often use a Computer Aided Drafting program to design spaces.

Corporate designers create interior designs for professional workplaces in a variety of settings, from small offices to large buildings. They focus on creating spaces that are efficient, functional, and safe for employees. In their designs, they may incorporate elements of a company’s brand.

Healthcare designers plan and renovate healthcare centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, hospitals, and residential care facilities. They specialize in evidence-based design, which uses data and research in design decision making to achieve positive results for patients, residents, and facilities.

Kitchen and bath designers specialize in kitchens and bathrooms and have expert knowledge of cabinet, fixture, appliance, plumbing, and electrical solutions for these rooms.

Sustainable designers suggest strategies to improve energy and water efficiencies and indoor air quality as well as environmentally sustainable products, such as bamboo and cork for floors. They may obtain certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council. Such certification indicates expertise in designing buildings and spaces with sustainable practices in mind.

Universal designers renovate spaces in order to make them more accessible. Often, these designs are used to renovate spaces for elderly people and people with special needs; however, universal designs benefit everyone. For example, an entryway without steps may be necessary for someone in a wheelchair, but it is also helpful for someone pushing a baby stroller.

Lighting designers design lighting for spaces. Lighting design also often intersects with concerns about environmental impact, so lighting interior designers must consider how to achieve their design goals while also minimizing the amount of needless electricity their systems use.

Exhibition designers provide working layouts and decide the décor to be used in exhibition halls. The designers need to be knowledgeable on modular stand design, custom build designs, exhibition and museum design, and floor management.

Furniture designers may be tasked with arranging furniture at houses, showrooms, offices, and other areas to use space optimally, bring out desired themes and so on. They may also work with your client’s suppliers such as carpenters, guiding them on what decorations to incorporate in the furniture to bring out your client’s tastes.

Soft Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Able to actively listen, and turn other people’s visualizations into reality.
• Attention to Detail and well organized.
• Cooperative and diplomatic.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Able to use Computer Aided Drafting software such as AutoCAD.
• Understand budget constraints and project budgeting
• Strong understanding of construction techniques and materials.
• Customer Service experience with understanding of final decision making.

• Self-Employed
• Interior Design Firm
• In-house for Retail, Office, Restaurant, Hotel, Educational Institutions
• Healthcare Organizations
• Kitchen/Bath Designers or Plumbing companies

While it is possible to become an interior designer on your own, the easier path is gaining a four-year degree in Interior Design. To be able to find a job after graduation, it may be necessary to take unpaid internships in the field. This can be a challenge, as you may need to work and intern at the same time.

It can take a long time to build up a network for Interior Design. You not only need to maintain communication and connections with other people in this specific field, you also need to build connections outside of it. The most successful Interior Designers have great relationships with carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other tradespeople who often have very different life paths from Interior Designers.

Being an Interior Designer can involve long, flexible hours. You can expect to have a differing schedule day to day, so you will need be well organized when creating your weekly calendar.

It can be challenging for some folks in this field to understand how important the trades are to the fields. Many successful Interior Designers have spent time in the construction industry to better understand the field. During college, working for a construction company (or interning) can help build your larger network as well as provide you with the experience you need.

It is also a field where you may need to take low-paying, or even no-paying, jobs in order to build a portfolio of experience. Local non-profits are one example of an organization you can use.

Depending on your state, you may be required to pass a certification exam as well. This can require certain class hours, or even work hours, to qualify for.

As with most construction fields, there is a great movement within Interior Design to promote environmentally friendly building materials and designs. There is also movement to share more on social media and create a personal brand within the field.

• Art projects, including drawing, painting and sculpture.
• Sewing and using textiles.
• Woodworking or similar “shop” classes.
• Decorating (and re-decorating) their bedrooms often.
• Following interior designers on Instagram
• Loved watching TV shows like Chip and Joanna Gaines' "Fixer Upper"