Interior designers are artists who play with space to create attractive, functional interiors. Interior designers select the elements that define an interior space, from furniture and paint colors to lighting and floor coverings. They may sketch freehand or use design software to create a plan that suits the client’s needs and preferences… and reflects how the space will be used. Interior designers draft project timelines and estimate costs, place orders for materials, and oversee the installation of design elements. At project completion, they follow up with clients to ensure their satisfaction. Designers must be familiar with building codes, local regulations, and universal accessibility standards. They may work with architects and builders to define permanent aspects of a space, such as the room size and wall or window placement. Some interior designers specialize, for example, in designing healthcare facilities, kitchens and bathrooms, or in using sustainability principles in their work. Meeting with clients during evening and weekend hours may be necessary. A number are self-employed. Typical employers include design firms, architects, and furniture stores.
Also known as: Certified Kitchen Designer, Decorating Consultant, Interior Design Consultant, Color and Materials Designer, Commercial Interior Designer, Designer, Director of Interiors, Interior Decorator, Interior Design Coordinator
Related Careers: Advertising and Promotions Managers, Graphic Designers, Set and Exhibit Designers Sources: Minnesota CAREERwise and CareerOneStopPeople who work in this career often:
- Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.
- Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
- Incorporate green features into the design of structures or facilities.
- Plan facility layouts or designs.
- Review details of technical drawings or specifications.
- Select materials or props.
- Confer with clients to determine needs.
- Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
- Estimate costs for projects or productions.
- Coordinate construction or installation activities.
Typical Working Conditions
- Using e-mail.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- Working with a group or team.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Sitting.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Responsibility for outcomes and results.
- High levels of competition.
Tools & Technology used by Interior Designers
Source: Minnesota CAREERwise
Most Important Skills for Interior Designers
- Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Speaking—Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
- Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Helping Others—Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Persuading Others—Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Negotiating—Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
- Solving Complex Problems—Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Most Important Knowledge Areas for Interior Designers
- Design—Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Building and Construction—Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Fine Arts—Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
- Sales and Marketing—Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Administration and Management—Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:
- Artistic—Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
- Enterprising—Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Source: Minnesota CAREERwise
| Wages Per Hour For Interior Designers (MN) | ||
Low$24.34 |
Median$30.45 |
High$37.70 |
Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.
Demand
This career is high growth compared to other careers. There will be a need for about 1,857 new Interior Designers to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
Source: Minnesota CAREERwise
This career is best for those with at least a high school degree, and many professionals earn an Associates degree or attend some college. A state license is required.
View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.
Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:
- Accounting
- Algebra I and II
- Blueprint Reading
- Business Computer Applications
- CAD Design
- Drafting
- Electronics
- Geometry
- Physics
- Technical Writing
- Trigonometry
- Woodworking
Source: Minnesota CAREERwise
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