Synonyms: Decorating Consultant, Interior Designer, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Design Coordinator

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become an Interior Designer
• Career Promotion Path
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Christie

Quick Facts

What interior designers do:

Interior designers create functional, safe, and beautiful indoor spaces by selecting essential and decorative items like colors, lighting, and materials. They plan and design spaces to reflect their clients’ best selves, ensuring practical and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Median income:

$62,510 annually or $30.05 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Interior designers often have a hybrid work schedule, splitting time between home and on-site meetings. They usually work from 9 to 5 but may need extra hours to meet deadlines. Flexibility is key, as in-person client meetings are essential for selecting materials and finishes.

Job outlook:

The future for interior designers is bright, with a projected 4% growth in employment, which is a little faster than the average for all occupations.

Education requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in design is highly preferred for most entry-level interior design positions (see “How to Become an Interior Designer” below).

This is perfect for you if:

• You enjoy creating original visual designs
• You love and appreciate beautiful interiors
• You like engaging in practical tasks like designing and building construction projects
• You have a great attention to detail

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Christie Boriack to learn more about being an interior designer here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Can vary widely, often adapting to client needs and project deadlines, which may include evening and weekend meetings to accommodate client schedules.

Setting:

Extensive computer work for project management, correspondence with clients, vendors, and contractors, and creating architectural and interior drawings. About 30% of their time is spent on-site for meetings, presentations, and overseeing construction to ensure design intent is met.

Tasks:

Search for and bid on projects, determine client goals, create design plans, specify materials, and coordinate with other professionals. They oversee construction to ensure the design is implemented correctly and use software to produce construction documents.

Topics:

Design techniques, technical plans, construction materials, customer service principles for client satisfaction, and administration and management skills for effective project coordination and resource allocation.

Skills:

Combining artistic creativity with accurate measurement and communication. They create personalized, functional spaces by solving challenges, visualizing designs, and collaborating effectively to meet client expectations using active listening and critical thinking.

Tools:

AutoCAD for technical drawings, SketchUp for 3D modeling, and Microsoft Office Suite for internal processes. These tools facilitate effective communication with clients and team members while ensuring detailed planning and organization throughout the design process.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Detail-oriented and good listeners, adept at understanding clients’ visions and lifestyles. They excel in creativity, stay updated on design trends, and have strong communication skills to ensure a collaborative and luxurious client experience throughout the design process.

Interests:

Applying artistic principles to create visually appealing spaces and original concepts. They also enjoy the practical aspects of designing and constructing spaces, involving hands-on work and problem-solving in real-world environments.

Personality:

Artistic and realistic personality types. They are creative and express themselves through design, and yet they also value practicality and enjoy hands-on work.

Values:

Achievement through using their skills effectively to achieve results, independence in making creative decisions autonomously, and relationships by providing service and collaborating in a supportive environment.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become an Interior Designer

Education requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in design or fine arts is typically required. This degree sets candidates apart in job applications and provides essential professional skills. In some states, passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam to become a registered interior designer may be required. At the same time, specialized certifications in areas like environmental design can also enhance career opportunities.

Preferred majors:

Pursuing majors in interior design, fine arts, architecture, or a related field can be helpful.

Career Promotion Path

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

• Commercial & Industrial Designers
• Craft Artists
• Fashion Designers
• Healthcare Designers
• Kitchen and Bath Designers
• Landscape Architects
• Set & Exhibit Designers
• Sustainable Designers
• Universal Designers

Advice from Christie

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

To set yourself apart as an aspiring interior designer, consider pursuing licensure through exams like the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), which can enhance your credibility and opportunities. While not mandatory everywhere, obtaining professional certification and gaining practical experience is highly beneficial.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Get a degree focusing on interior designing and focus on mastering software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp through online courses or tutorials. Networking with professionals in the field and seeking entry-level roles such as office management or procurement assistant can also provide valuable experience and opportunities in the industry.

Recommended resources:

Christie recommends reading The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt for its comprehensive guidance on basic design principles, space planning, and furnishings, providing essential knowledge for aspiring designers.

What Christie would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:

“I would say that good design speaks for itself. You don’t have to convince others that it’s valuable and an asset to living your best life.”

Watch the full interview with Christie:

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 2 July 2024.

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