Jobs in Interior Design
Working as an Interior Designer can be very exciting and rewarding. However, Interior design is a highly competitive field. There are thousands of designers and design companies all looking to win the next contract and because it is an area that relies heavily on individual taste and on fashion trends it can be difficult to find your own place within this industry. For this reason it is vital to understand what the job is about and what skills and qualifications are required.
Job description:There are two main types of Interior Design work, commercial and residential and within this division there are further sub-divisions as many Interior Designers specialize in particular areas such as commercial hotels or offices or residential soft furnishings or kitchens. But overall the Interior Designer's function is to create an interior space that is suitable for those who will use it.
Skills required:There are certain skills that an interior designer must possess in order to get work. You must be visually aware, creative, and be able to draw. Technical drawing skills and computer skills are also a must and proficiency in computer aided Design (CAD) is often required. A detailed knowledge of a wide range of interior materials and practices is essential from knowledge of fabrics to ergonomics. Familiarity with building regulations and codes is necessary and some familiarity with principles of architecture and engineering is helpful. Business skills and sales ability is also required. Interior designers need to be imaginative and to be able to keep up to date with changing trends. It can be a pressured job so the interior designer needs to be self motivated and self disciplined as a lot of the work is done on your own. And finally as it is a very competitive field the interior designer needs to be talented and persistent in order to succeed.
Necessary Qualifications:A degree or in some cases a diploma in Interior design is essential and in some countries work experience or an apprenticeship is also required. In the US licensing is required in some states and an exam must be passed in order to qualify with continuing education required to maintain the license. In many countries as well as in the US membership of a professional association may be necessary and is useful to demonstrate your qualifications and experience.
Job Statistics:Based on figures from 2004, there were approximately 65,000 Interior Design jobs then. Two in every ten Interior Designers worked in specialist design services and one in ten in architectural and landscaping services. Three in ten were self employed and four in ten worked as design consultants or providing design services in a range of industries from furniture stores to construction companies. Most Interior Designers who work for a company also freelance part time to supplement their income and many part time freelancers may hold a job in another unrelated industry.
Earnings:Again based on figures from 2004 the average earnings were over $40,670. Highest earnings were over $70,000 and lowest earnings were less than $25,000. Salaries vary widely and depend on experience, reputation, and the type of work specialized in or the type of employer. The highest earnings go to those in large Interior Design firms and Architectural firms. Many Interior Designers work on commission which is not regular or predictable and self-employed or freelance Designers are as good as their last contract. On residential projects the Interior Designer charges an hourly fee and commission on all purchases and often on contractors' work. For commercial projects there are a number of systems for charging, a consulting fee calculated on hours worked, a flat fee for the entire job or price based on square footage. Commission may also be charged on commercial projects.
Future Prospects for the Industry:Job growth is expected over the next few years. Demand will continue to increase due to increased interest in Interiors and economic growth. Demand is expected in the health care industries and in the hospitality industry. Residential demand is also increasing with improved equity and continuing popularity of television programs and magazine articles relating to Interiors in general. Niche markets are being created especially in the areas of outdoor living areas, home theaters and home spas. Demand is growing in the areas of ergonomics and green or environmentally sound design.
Career Paths and Job Prospects in Interior DesignYour first job will provide on the job training and after a year or two's experience you can expect to advance to a higher position. In a large firm you may eventually advance to a supervisory role as a department head. Many designers with this level of experience start their own businesses or specialize in one area of expertise. Teaching is another career option for experienced designers and many third level teachers work on their own consultancy business or as freelance designers as well as teaching.Overall jobs in Interior Design offer flexibility, variety and creativity to a motivated and talented self starter who is prepared to work hard and has a passion for design.
