Interior designers create plans for decorating homes, offices and other
buildings. Their work improves the quality of life, increases productivity and
protects the health and safety of those who use the buildings. The interior
environments they design may be industrial, institutional, commercial or
residential. They are employed by interior design firms, architectural firms,
construction companies or by large corporations. Many are self-employed.
Designing
an interior begins with listening carefully. The client's needs, preferences and
intentions must be taken into careful consideration. You then analyze available
resources, determine limitations and research the relevant health and safety
requirements. You think about how people enter and move through a space and how
their work is structured.
You then put together preliminary plans and design
concepts. You discuss these with the client after which you produce a final
design and an estimated budget. You also prepare detailed working drawings and
specifications for the work crews. You often work on these together with other
professionals who specialize in mechanical, electrical or structural design. In
some cases, you may supervise the actual construction process.
You may
choose to specialize in areas such as residential, corporate, hotel, restaurant
and retail interior design. As you acquire experience, you may become a partner
in an interior design firm.
If you are employed by one of the large interior design firms, you are paid
an annual salary. In smaller firms, you may be paid an hourly wage or contracted
for specific projects. You may prefer to be self-employed.
This profession
calls for well-rounded individuals with a broad range of skills and interests.
An educational background in the liberal arts and an understanding of the
materials used in construction are equally useful. You will appeal to interior
design firms if you are bright, aware and really interested in the world around
you and how it looks.
You have to be creative. If you feel drawn to the
visual arts, then you probably have what it takes. You'll also want to develop
strong analytical and interpretive abilities. Communication skills are key. You
must be able to listen to your clients and understand them. You also have to
speak and write clearly to express your ideas to your clients.
The work can
be stressful. Contractors can get very demanding at times. You also have to be
able to work hard, long hours when necessary in order to complete the job on
time.
To get into college or university program or to get a job, you must have a
portfolio of work that demonstrates your creative ability. Some colleges require
a personal interview.
Most provincial associations will register college
graduates from three-year interior design programs but employers are
increasingly looking for graduates from four-year university programs.