Interior Designers

Career summary

Interior designers may also be called space planners, office space designers, or home and commercial designers.

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Interior designers may design and furnish the interior of:

• Private homes
• Public buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Boats
• Planes

They also plan additions or remodels to homes or other buildings. Some specialize in designing kitchens or baths.

Interior designers meet with clients to learn what they want. They consider the client's tastes, budget, and safety needs. They also consider how the space will be used and whether it should be remodeled. They measure the space so they know the exact dimensions. They must consider local building codes and standards for access to public buildings.

Interior designers draw sketches for the client. These include plans for interior remodeling, furnishings, lights, and finishing touches such as color. Interior designers may use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to print a proposed design. When the client accepts the design, interior designers create a detailed plan with an estimate of the costs and materials.

Interior designers must submit the plan to government agencies if it involves major remodeling. When the plan gets final approval, designers may oversee the subcontractors who do the work. They may hire people who install carpet or light fixtures, or paint and hang wallpaper. Designers may also select and purchase furnishings and artwork. Interior designers who work for large firms may also supervise assistants.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Art Directors
• Costume and Wardrobe Specialists
• Fashion Designers
• Graphic Designers
• Industrial Designers
• Set and Exhibit Designers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to interior designers.

• Meet with clients to determine their taste and budget and how the space will be used.
• View the space for physical details. Take notes and measurements.
• Advise the client on interior design factors, such as space planning, environmental impacts, and color coordination.
• Consider state and local building codes when remodeling work will be done.
• Prepare sketches, by hand or with the aid of a computer, for approval by the client.
• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to create a detailed design.
• Estimate costs and materials.
• Submit final design plan to the client for approval.
• Submit plan for approval to government agencies when remodeling work will be done.
• May design or select and purchase furnishings, art works, and accessories.
• May hire and oversee subcontractors who install carpets, light fixtures, or wall coverings.

Common work activities

Interior designers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Think creatively
• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Evaluate information against standards
• Develop and build teams
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Schedule work and activities
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Document and record information
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Perform administrative tasks
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Process information
• Teach others
• Coach others
• Analyze data or information
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Monitor and control resources
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform for or work with the public

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, interior designers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They work closely with clients and may supervise assistants.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• May on occasion deal with unpleasant or angry people. Clients and vendors may disagree on results or scheduling changes.
• Are responsible for work outcomes and the results of vendors and contractors.
• Often work as part of a group or design team.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work indoors. May on occasion work outdoors.
• May share the same office or work space with other workers.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could cost clients money.
• Regularly make decisions that strongly impact their company's reputation and finances.
• Make decision that affect clients and vendors on a daily basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set most of their daily tasks and priorities without consulting another.
• Work in a moderately competitive environment. They abide by strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Most work full time. Some do freelance work part time as a second job.
• May adjust their workday to meet clients' schedules. They sometimes meet clients on evenings or weekends.
• Generally work under deadlines and may work overtime to finish a job. Otherwise, they typically work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Interior designers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for interior designers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for interior designers to be able to:

• Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Interior designers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Environmental Design
• Housing and Human Environments
• Interior Design

Other programs of study to consider

• Apparel and Textiles
• Architecture
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Historic Preservation

Training

To work as an interior designer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree in interior design.

Education after high school

In the past, interior designers needed at least an associate degree in interior design. However, most now receive a bachelor's degree. There are more than 120 approved programs in interior design in the United States and Canada. These programs are usually located in schools of art, architecture, or home economics. An associate degree generally takes two years to complete and a bachelor's degree takes four.

You usually need to complete one year of basic art and design courses to qualify for a bachelor's degree program in design. You may be asked to submit drawings or a portfolio as examples of your artistic ability.

Work experience

Interior designers also prepare for their work by developing a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best work. It demonstrates your skills to clients or employers. A portfolio includes hand drawings, computer images, photos, and print samples.

After the completion of formal training, interior designers enter an apprenticeship. This training takes an additional one to three years. Most apprentices work in design or architecture firms. They are supervised by an experienced designer. Apprentices also may gain experience by working as an in-store designer in furniture stores.

On-the-job training

Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks. You receive this training after you complete your internship. It can last another one to three years.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Drawing and Painting
• Interior Design

Many interior designers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers and clients usually prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree in art or interior design. However, having a degree is not as important as creating designs that clients like. Employers and clients often review a designer's portfolio as part of the interview process. A portfolio is a collection of the designer's work. This may include sketches of plans and photographs of completed work.

Many states require interior designers to be licensed. Because licensing is not required in all states, professional standing is important. Membership in a professional organization could be helpful in seeking a job or gaining clients.

Many employers expect new designers to be familiar with the use of computers as a design tool. Interior designers use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to create many versions of interior designs.

Entry-level workers are often expected to serve an informal apprenticeship with the employer. Job competition is keen and those with less talent or without formal training will find entry into this field difficult.

Tips

Work experience (such as field placement), co-op education, and internships are helpful. Business and marketing courses are recommended.

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Costs to workers

Some workers join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Workers who become nationally certified need to purchase study materials and pay examination fees. They may also pay for continuing education classes needed for certificate renewal. Business attire is necessary when working with clients.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Interior Designers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Many interior designers do freelance work. This may be full time, part time, or in addition to a salaried job in another occupation.

Wages vary by industry. Interior designers who work for engineering and architectural firms tend to earn higher wages than those who work for home furnishing stores or other business services. Wages vary by area of the country.

Benefits vary by employer. Many full-time interior designers receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Self-employed interior designers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 23% of interior designers are self-employed. Some of these designers work part time and have a salaried job in another occupation.

Major employers:

• Interior design firms
• Architecture firms
• Furniture stores

National outlook

Demand for interior designers will grow as fast as average. Much of the demand for interior designers will occur as people decorate private homes, restaurants, offices, and retail businesses. In addition, rapid growth of the elderly population should create a demand for designers of care facilities and other places that are accessible.

Competition for jobs is expected to be strong. Many talented people are attracted to this occupation. Job prospects may be best for those who specialize in a certain type of design such as kitchen design.

Other resources

American Society of Interior Designers 
1152 - 15th Street NW, Suite 910
Washington, DC 20005
202.546.3480

Becoming an Interior Designer 
(from American Society of Interior Designers)

Council for Interior Design Accreditation 

International Interior Design Association 
111 East Wacker Dr, Suite 222
Chicago, IL 60601
888.799.4432

Society for Experiential Graphic Design 
1900 L Street NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
202.638.5555

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Interior Designers (27-1025.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Color Expert (141.051-010) 
• Interior Designer (142.051-014) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Interior Decorator

Holland occupational clusters

• Artistic/Enterprising/Realistic
• Artistic/Enterprising/Social

COPSystem

• Arts Professional