Interior Design (ID) majors, who benefit from knowledgeable staff and a well-rounded curriculum find employment in a variety of specialties ranging from sales and drafting specialists to buyer, restorers and design consultants. In the ever-growing interior design industry, a trained professional will find themselves experiencing many different aspects of the industry on the way to solo design work.

Definition of an Interior Designer

A professional interior designer is one who is qualified by education and experience to identify, research, and creatively solve problems pertaining to the function and quality of  man’s proximate environment.

The competency of the interior designer includes fundamental design theory and aesthetics, history, analysis, space planning and programming, specifications, and inspections as related to the design of all interior spaces as well as understanding of other and related aspects of environmental design.

Many people have not consciously decided what they want or analyzed what they need in any other methodical way. Often they do not understand or consider how acquired furnishings and other possessions influence their lifestyle.

An interior designer must learn the client’s stated or unstated wants and needs. If they have trouble explaining their ideas or desires, then the interior designer must assist in drawing out and clearly identifying those desires. Some of their ideas may not be attainable, compatible, or practical; then the designer can suggest tactfully a delay until a future time or an alternate or additional design solution. A designer needs to enjoy working with people of diverse personalities.

It is not possible for the layperson to know the better sources for furnishings, especially those not marketed locally. An interior designer should know what is on the market, the cost, construction and expected service. Knowledge of the design elements and principles---line, form, color, texture, space and furnishing dimensions, and scale relationships--is essential to the selection, coordination, construction, and installation of the various interior components.

Interior designers, decorators, and crafts persons specialize or perform at different levels or standards in the interior design field. Their reputation is established by the satisfaction brought to clients over a period of time.

Basic Requirements

A variety of opportunities exist in the total interior design field. Rarely is it possible to be an interior designer, per se, as a first work experience. Usually it is necessary to acquire experience in related fields or as an assistant or as an "understudy" with a professional interior designer before the full responsibility of an interior design position can be assumed.

Requirements for positions in interior design or related fields can be general or specific, depending upon the employer’s or a firm’s needs. Opportunities in the field are available in a variety of locations and companies; however, large urban centers offer a greater number and diversity of positions.

General requirements for an interior design position include most of the following:

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the elements and principles of design and their impact on the human environment.
• An interest in and appreciation of the fine and minor arts; background in art history has a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of products’ technology; their construction or manufacturing process, their performance characteristics in various types of consumer use.
• Understanding the desires and needs of people in a home or work environment for convenience, comfort, and aesthetics.
• Ability to communicate well and work with diverse personalities. Visual design presentation skills (drawing and rendering) are a distinct advantage.
• Ability to assume responsibility and carry an assignment to completion, meeting established criteria and deadlines.
• Business knowledge of marketing, management, and accounting is basic to any interior design position.

Most positions require specialized course work in interior design at a 2-year or 4-year educational institution. A few opportunities exist where an employee can receive on-the-job training. For these a high school diploma is a minimum requirement, but usually two years of specialized course work in a professional school or university is preferred. The majority of interior design or related positions require a 3-year degree from a professional school or a 4-year degree from a university with a major in interior design or housing and home furnishings, preferably from an accredited institution.

A 4-year interior design curriculum offers specialized courses in visual presentation techniques, space planning, residential and contract design, business practices, furniture or product design and construction as well as course work in the fine and motor arts, business management, marketing and accounting, computer technology, and other special and technical subjects.

The desire of most individuals is to be self-employed, own their own business and be their own boss. While this is a worthwhile future goal, it is not recommended for the inexperienced. Experience can be acquired faster by working for an established business. Fewer errors will be made since advice and consultation from experienced co-workers is available.