If you are creative, a self-starter, have an eye for fashion, and work well with people and are looking to start a home-based business for yourself you may want to consider a career as an interior designer.
There are approximately 72,000 interior designers in the U.S. currently. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this number will increase by 19% from 2006 to 2016 and has a faster than average employment growth potential. Approximately 26% of interior designers are self employed, 26% work in specialized design services and the rest provide design services in architectural and landscape architectural services, furniture and home-furnishing/, building material and supplies dealers, and residential building construction companies. Many of the interior designers also perform freelance work on the side in addition to holding a salaried position.
Some of the skills that make a good interior designer include: reading blueprints, understanding building and fire codes, and making spaces accessible to the disabled. Interior designers also must collaborate with architects, electricians, and building contractors to ensure that designs are safe and meet construction requirements.
The process that most interior designers follow includes four critical steps.
1. Programming
2. Design Plan with Cost Estimates
3. Materials Specifications
4. Project Timeline
In the programming phase the interior designer meets with the client to determine how the space will be used and to get an idea of their preferences and budget. Once the programming is completed the interior designer moves to the design plan where they often use computer-aided design (CAD) to complete their proposed design and estimate material, labor and their service fee. Next the interior designer completes their material specifications which may include: finishes, furnishings, lighting, flooring, wall coverings, and artwork. Depending on the project they may also have to submit drawings for approval by a construction inspector. If their design involves any structural work they may also have to coordinate with an architect or engineer.
Interior designers many times may specialize in either residential or commercial work. They may also specialize in a certain design element or type of client, such as health care facilities, airports, general office spaces, lighting, electronics and home theaters, home spas, indoor gardens, acoustics and noise abatement. Elder design, and green designs are becoming more popular due to maturing baby-boomers and environmental concerns.
From an education perspective the National Council for Interior Design Accreditation has approximately 145 accredited bachelor degrees in the U.S. for interior designers. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design also has 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. In 23 states and the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico register or license interior designers. Once formal training is completed interior designers can enter a 1-year to 3-year apprenticeship to gain experience before taking a licensing exam. Once passing the exam interior designers can be become Certified, Registered, or Licensed Interior Designers, depending on the state.
