Interior Design: Job Description
Interior Design Home | Getting Started | Industry Info | Find Interior Design Schools
Getting Started Articles
Job Description
Interior Designers: What Do They Really Do?
One part artist, one part business professional and one part circus ringmaster, an interior designer is more than just a pretty face with an eye for beauty. From sketching, designing and arranging beautiful spaces to shopping for furniture and household accessories, there’s no shortage of excitement in an interior design career. A job in this field can provide opportunities to travel and work with a variety of people. However, no job can be all glamour. Interior designers must be able to manage people, budgets and client relationships – all while designing spaces that are attractive, functional, and meet building and safety codes.
Interior designers must have organizational skills and business know-how, as well as great taste and artistic ability. It comes as little surprise, then, that getting an interior design degree is quickly becoming essential for those wishing to enter the interior design job market. A degree is also a licensure requirement in many states.
Skills Needed
School Spotlight
AIU offers highly marketable associate’s, bachelor’s and master's degree programs in career paths that are technically- oriented and in demand. Attend an AIU campus with interior design programs near you:
Perhaps the most obvious essential trait for interior designers is artistic ability. You will need to provide sketches of your proposed designs for a space. CAD training may also come in handy, since the design process often involves using computer programs to create two and three-dimensional renderings. You will also choose colors, furniture and materials to complement the design, as well as suit your client's needs for function, durability and accessibility.
The ability to work well with others is also a must. As an interior designer, you will communicate with clients to assess what they want and need in a space, and then present your ideas for meeting those goals in a compelling way. Your responsibilities also include coordinating with architects, electricians, plumbers and others to complete the job in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Since interior designers complete a wide range of tasks and work with many different people, organizational skills are important. You are responsible for keeping the project on budget and on schedule. You will need to document your process and the products used, and manage contracts and negotiations on your client’s behalf. In addition to these things, you need a basic knowledge of building and safety codes to ensure that your design meets all necessary requirements.
Steps to Becoming an Interior Designer
There are four steps to becoming a licensed interior designer:
- Get Your Interior Design Education
- Get Work Experience in the Field
- Pass the NCIDQ Certification Exam
- Fulfill Licensing Requirements in Your State
Interior Design Home | Getting Started | Industry Info | Find Interior Design Schools