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Interior Designers


At a Glance

  • Design the inside of homes, offices, public buildings, and others
  • Often use CAD (computer-aided design)
  • Work with clients
  • Are creative and detail-oriented
  • Work under deadlines
  • Most have a bachelor's degree
  • May need a license

Career summary

Interior designers plan and design spaces and furnish interiors.

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:

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:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to interior designers.

Common work activities

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

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, interior designers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Interior designers frequently:

It is important for interior designers to be able to:

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

Skills and abilities

Interior designers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Use math and science

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

Work with things

Perceive and visualize

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

Other programs of study to consider

Training

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

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:

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

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.

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

Wages

Interior designers (SOC 27-1025)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $17.88 $22.93 $28.69 $36.27 $46.01
Monthly $3,099 $3,974 $4,972 $6,286 $7,974
Yearly $37,190 $47,690 $59,680 $75,430 $95,700
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $17.46 $25.16 $29.93 $42.39 $48.28
Monthly $3,026 $4,360 $5,187 $7,346 $8,367
Yearly $36,315 $52,330 $62,258 $88,171 $100,404
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $16.43 $18.17 $27.69 $32.80 $37.13
Monthly $2,847 $3,149 $4,799 $5,684 $6,435
Yearly $34,186 $37,804 $57,599 $68,217 $77,231
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $21.84 $25.62 $29.70 $33.45 $36.88
Monthly $3,785 $4,440 $5,147 $5,797 $6,391
Yearly $45,437 $53,290 $61,768 $69,581 $76,717
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $18.22 $23.85 $29.55 $37.40 $47.81
Monthly $3,158 $4,133 $5,121 $6,481 $8,285
Yearly $37,905 $49,610 $61,457 $77,791 $99,445
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $20.20 $22.56 $26.93 $34.59 $38.91
Monthly $3,501 $3,910 $4,667 $5,994 $6,743
Yearly $42,008 $46,916 $56,026 $71,961 $80,922
    Vancouver Hourly $16.95 $20.73 $25.62 $33.66 $42.84
Monthly $2,937 $3,593 $4,440 $5,833 $7,424
Yearly $35,262 $43,124 $53,288 $70,005 $89,119
    Yakima Hourly $13.40 $14.87 $17.92 $25.96 $31.46
Monthly $2,322 $2,577 $3,106 $4,499 $5,452
Yearly $27,868 $30,935 $37,259 $54,012 $65,429
United States Hourly $14.41 $19.27 $25.66 $34.34 $45.25
Monthly $2,497 $3,339 $4,447 $5,951 $7,842
Yearly $29,970 $40,080 $53,370 $71,430 $94,130

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.

Interior Designers (SOC 27-1025)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 1,722 11.8% 16.1% 208
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 35 0.0% 11.9% 3
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 82 17.1% 15.2% 11
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 21 28.6% 14.1% 3
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 28 10.7% 14.6% 3
    King County 1,506 12.0% 19.6% 183
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 22 9.1% 13.8% 2
    Pierce County 53 7.5% 15.2% 6
    Spokane County 55 7.3% 13.9% 6
United States 75,400 4.2% 5.2% 8,000

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:

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 (external link)
1152 - 15th Street NW, Suite 910
Washington, DC 20005
202.546.3480
Becoming an Interior Designer (external link)
(from American Society of Interior Designers)
Council for Interior Design Accreditation (external link)
International Interior Design Association (external link)
111 East Wacker Dr, Suite 222
Chicago, IL 60601
888.799.4432
Society for Experiential Graphic Design (external link)
1900 L Street NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
202.638.5555

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Strong Interest Inventory

Holland occupational clusters

COPSystem