Interior Designer Careers | The Princeton Review

An interior designer is responsible for the interior design, decoration, and functionalityof a clients space, whether the space is commercial, industrial, or residential. Interior designerswork closely with architects and clients to determine the structure of a space, the needs ofthe occupants, and the style that best suits both. The position is a combination of engineerand artist, and it takes a unique type of mind to handle both of those concepts well. Interiordesigners have to be good with more than color, fabric, and furniture; interior designers mustknow materials, have budgeting skills, communicate well, and oversee the ordering, installation,and maintenance of all objects thatdefine a space. They also have to know aboutelectrical capacity, safety, and construction.This broader range of required knowledge distinguishes them from interior decorators.Interior designers have to be able to work with contractors and clients alike, planningand implementing all aesthetic and functional decisions, from faucet handles to miles of carpetingand all this usually must be done within a fixed budget. Interior designers are hiredfor their expertise in a variety of styles and approaches, not merely their own personal vision.Therefore, they have to be able to balance their own tastes and their clients tastesand bewilling to put their clients tastes first. This requirement can be frustrating at first for manywho enter the profession.Interior designers are often asked to begin their planning before construction of a spaceis finished; this means that they must be good at scheduling and comfortable reading blueprints.This element of the job comes as a surprise to many new interior designers, whoexpect to have less of an administrative and technical role and more of a role in influencingthe overall feel and appearance of a space. Those who thrive in the industry say this ability tobalance the practical with the aesthetic is crucial to being a successful interior designer.Interior design is hard work, but those who do it well find the work very satisfying.Paying Your DuesThe academic and professional requirements for most areas of design are fairly general,with the emphasis on portfolio development and professional experience. Interior design, however,has nationallystandardized requirements. Interior designers must have a bachelorsdegree. Employers look favorably on those who have studied engineering, design, and art. Thosewho want more specific study complete interior design programs. Across the United States andCanada, there are 105 colleges and universities accredited by the Foundation for Interior DesignEducation Research. Interior designers must also be familiar with federal, state, and local interiordesign codes (involving such issues as capacity, flammability, and stress levels). To be federallylicensed, prospective interior designers must pass the qualification exam given by theNational Council for Interior Design. Professional organizations are significant in this field,and many interior designers find it helpful to join one or more of them. To become eligible formembership, one must have completed two to three years of graduate work, worked in the fieldfor two to three years, and passed the federal licensing exam.Present and FutureIn years past, only the wealthy could afford to hire an interior designer. Most peopledesigned their interiors themselves. With the expansion and popularization of the field,along with significant reductions in the cost of materials, even modest-income families maynow hire interior designers. However, many still design their interiors without professionalhelp.Interior designers should have a bright future and are expected to be in demand. Manyowners and occupants of professional and residential complexes are turning to professionalinterior designers to shape their spaces. There is also significant age-pressure in the industry,and a significant number of interior designers are expected to retire soon. This will openadditional positions for younger interior designers. Discussions about making the requirementsfor the profession more stringent have been broached, but no specific legislative proposalshave emerged to date.Quality of Life

PRESENT AND FUTURE

Two years into the profession, many aspiring interior designers are working asinterns or assistants, as entry into the field is competitive. A number of studentsmake connections through relationships their schools have with major employers.. Duringthese first two years, many act as assistants, learning budgeting, competitive pricing, andclient communication skills. Salaries are low or nonexistent in these early years, hours arelong, and satisfaction may be low. About 20 percent of potential interior designers leave theprofession within the first three years.

FIVE YEARS OUT

After five years, interior designers have significant professional experience and apaying job in the industry. The large majority have passed the federal licensingexam. Many have associate-level responsibility for projects and work relatively unsupervised.Budgeting and cost-estimating are still reserved for more senior members of theprofession. Many consider starting their own interior design firm during these middle years.Hours become more stable, and salary increases.

TEN YEARS OUT

Ten-year interior designers have significant budgeting and cost-estimating responsibilityand extensive client contact. The majority of those who wanted to start theirown interior design firms have done so by this time, and many can point to a numberof homes, offices, or stores where potential clients can see living examples of their work.Hours remain stable, and salaries increase.

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Interior Designer Careers | The Princeton Review