Interior Design Careers Information
Interior designers create and improve the use and style of residential and commercial interior spaces, both existing and new. They use lighting, color, texture, furniture, and space to meet their clients’ needs, while also considering cost and functionality.
Interior Design Careers & Degrees
- Art Institute of Pittsburgh: Online
Many designers choose to specialize in one area, such as commercial design, or even more specific areas, such as kitchens. Often, designers will collaborate with architects or contractors, but they still must possess some of the same skills, such as being able to read blueprints, and having knowledge of relevant building codes. This means that you’re free to think outside the box while staying inside the room in any interior design careers.
Interior Design Careers Path
A Bachelor’s degree, plus normally a 1-3 year apprenticeship before being licensed. You may also need to become familiar with CAD (computer-aided design).
Interior Design Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Creative, flexible, good under pressure, persistent, good communicator, problem-solver, self-discipline, excellent business skills
Interior Designer Interview
Want a personal account of an interior design career? Read More from an Interior Designer…
Interior Design Careers Salary Expectations
The average salary for interior designers is $44,950, with the middle 50% earning between $34,620 and $61,880.
Interior Design Careers Job Outlook
About 30% of Interior Designers are self-employed. Opportunities in the field are expected to increase by 19% by 2018. There are three areas of Interior Design that are becoming increasingly popular: ergonomic design, or making spaces that minimize muscle strain; elder design, creating and modifying spaces to accommodate the elderly and disabled; and green design, using only natural textiles and energy efficient materials.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Architect
- Industrial Design
- Landscape Design
- Set Design
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos293.htm (visited November 1, 2011).
