When you become an interior designer you are pursuing a career that combines traditional skills such as geometry with creative talents to produce efficient and interesting physical space. You are able to use both your left brain and right brain and all the while generating income that begins at a minimum of $30,000 year and can grow to well over $100,000 depending on your career path.
Designing Artistic Space to Form a Great Career!
In a nutshell, an interior designer plans space. Of course there are many details missing from that statement, but space planning is the most important duty of an interior designer. The designer plans space so that it is creatively utilized in a way that is also functional and visually appealing.
The interior designer doesn’t just measure space and indicate where to move furniture. The reason this job has the word “designer” in it is because you will have to blend a number of materials and concepts in an artistic manner so that the people using the space are able to do utilize it as efficiently as possible. It’s the combination or art and utility that makes this particular occupation so fascinating.
When you become an interior designer, you will garner much respect because people intuitively understand how difficult it can be to create beautiful and functional space. The old expression, “You can’t please all the people, all the time” comes to mind and yet that is exactly what you will attempt to do! As an interior designer you have to be able to communicate technical and creative information to others like the following:
- Customers
- Contractors
- Other interior designers involved in the project
- Architects
- Government code inspectors
- Vendors or suppliers
On the website for the National Council on Interior Design Qualification the definition of interior design is described as follows:
Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive.
Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability.
The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals. (reference: ncidq.org/who/definition.htm)
As you can see, an interior designer has many responsibilities to clients just by definition.
The Nitty Gritty of Job Duties
So what are the job duties of an interior designer? What information do you need to master when learning how to become an interior designer?
- Researching client needs and creating appropriate related documents and drawings
- Determining best use of space based on client needs, available space and human behavior
- Creating space design that meets all government regulations and public health requirements
- Applying principles of aesthetics
- Select furnishings and fixtures
- Preparing project bids and budgets
- Preparing detailed plans
- Preparing construction documents
- Coordinating project progress including work of other professionals
Because you will be submitting plans and specifications for building permits, many states have detailed rules concerning the use of the title “interior designer”. For example, you cannot use the office title of interior designer unless you prove to the state board you have met all educational requirements and have passed certification exams. In other states you must have a license to practice interior design whether you use the title or not. In other states, there is no state agency involved and you gain certification through a professional organization.
The step to take if you are interested in completing an interior design program is to call the state you plan on working in and determine certification and licensing requirements. You can become a:
- Certified Interior Designer
- Licensed Interior Designer
- Registered Interior Designer
The Educational Requirements To Become An Interior Designer
To become an interior designer will need to seek an interior design degree. There are both bachelor’s and graduate degrees offered in interior designing. Quality accredited interior design programs require a rigorous course of study. Accreditation is awarded to a college or university by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The types of subjects covered in interior design classes include the following:
- Document development
- Space designing
- Use of colors, lighting, object configurations etc.
- Public health and safety laws
- Building environmental requirements
- Selection of furnishings
- Scheduling
- Budgeting
- Preparation of plans and other construction documents
- How to adhere to fire codes
- Bid preparation
- Project monitoring
It is recommended that the interior design training program you choose include a variety of courses covering the topics just listed plus offer hands-on studio experience, courses in design theory, and courses in communication. You want to attend an accredited college or university and one that will help you obtain an internship also.
The American Society of Interior Designers and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design can provide great information about degrees, licensing and accredited colleges and universities.
Time To Go To Work
The US Department of Labor reports that there were 72,000 interior designers employed in May 2008 but there will be 86,000 in 2016. The government reports there will be a 19 percent growth in interior design jobs between 20016 and 2016. Even as people move more and more to do-it-yourself remodels they still need the assistance of professional interior designers in many cases.
Naturally the growth in jobs for this type of profession is partially dependent on the condition of the economy. But there are both large and small firms hiring interior designers, and you can often apply your knowledge and skills to various types of industries.
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