Interior Designer

What an Interior Designer Does

Interior designers work with textiles, furniture and paint to create aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces. On a daily basis, they are responsible for designing, planning and creating interior spaces using computer programs, layouts, drawings and a wide range of design materials. The interior design process begins when designers meet with a client to talk about their needs and the style of room they want to create. Designers will come up with an idea, look at furniture, fabrics, paints and installation possibilities to show clients. If the clients approve, they'll begin working on the project independently or with a team of builders, electricians and painters. Interior designers must have great people skills, be able to work well under pressure, have an fundamental grasp of art and design and enjoy creative problem solving. They must also constantly keep on top of what design trends are popular and understand the needs and desires of their clientele.

How to Become an Interior Designer

To become an interior designer, you'll need to take on somewhere from two to four years of post-secondary school training. This can be done through a university or a vocational school. Associate's degree programs will qualify students to work as design assistants while bachelor's programs will generally lead to a formal apprenticeship in the field. These apprenticeships can last anywhere from one to three years, allowing interior design grads to gain some experience working in design before going out on their own or finding a more formal job. Once this stage of training is complete, some designers will want to seek out licensure. While not all states offer this designation, it can be a great way to set yourself apart. Often, this requires taking an exam and having several years of experience and education. Other forms of certification are often available in specific fields like kitchen and bath design, and designers may want to pursue these as well.

Career Outlook for Interior Designers

Employment in the interior design field is estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow faster than average through 2018. This means a 19 percent increase in the number of available jobs, a figure that translates into almost 14,000 new positions over the coming decade. This means plenty of opportunities for those who want to get into this exciting and dynamic field. Work for interior designers will be found both with businesses looking to improve customer satisfaction and homeowners who want to create a great interior space in their own homes. The BLS suggests that some of the boom in the interior design industry will be related to the aging population and the demand for home-like design in assisted living, nursing and long term care facilities while another driving factor is the hospitality industry, needing great design for hotels, restaurants and resorts. Designers can increase their chances of finding work by learning more about green design and keeping abreast of the latest trends in the field.