Interior design is the process of creating or enhancing the aesthetic and practical design of the inside of a building, office or home. This includes everything from the furnishings, paint and decorations to the physical space, such as where doors and internal windows are placed and what support columns will look like. The process of interior design has existed since humans first developed stable living spaces with interiors to design, but it is only in the last few hundred years that it has become more than a relatively instinctive process. Since the turn of the 20th century, however, interior design has become far more professionalized and has developed its own set of technical proficiencies that are readily accessible to anyone with the time to learn them.
What is an Interior Designer?
Interior Designers are professionals who are hired to create floor plans and layouts for the interior of various buildings, including offices, homes, hotels, businesses and virtually any other building. As more and more research is done into how the spaces in which we live and work impact human mood and productivity, learning interior design is about more than just learning how to create layouts and floor plans that are aesthetically pleasing. Learning how to design an open concept workspace is very different from designing a kitchen, though professional Interior Designers are likely to need to know how to do both.
Interior Designers are almost always either freelancers, independent contractors or employees of a company that specializes in interior design, meaning that these designers will work on a wide range of different projects (though they may be working in specific niches or sub-fields). They will be brought into projects when their services are required and they will often be given a basic outline of the kind of space that the client is looking for, though they may have increased creative freedom depending on the individual project. Interior Designers may find themselves working on a purely theoretical level (in so far as they will provide mock-ups and designs but not actually handle any of the physical furnishing) or they may find themselves tasked with going to the physical space.
Many interior design professionals will also have to work within constraints involving time, budget, logistics and the affordances of physical space. A 17th floor office renovation project, for example, can only cost so much and make so many changes to the physical building. This means working alongside contractors, estimators and other design professionals to get an understanding of the limitations of the project and what can and cannot be done during each stage. While being a professional Interior Designer offers a lot of opportunities for creativity and unique design decisions, learning to work within constraints is an essential part of the job.
Job Requirements
While, technically, there aren’t any state laws that would prevent you from becoming an interior designer with zero training or experience, it isn’t a great way to find a job or lure in prospective clients. Being an Interior Designer requires an understanding of modern design philosophies, experience working on practical design projects and knowledge of the software tools that modern designers use to streamline the process. In addition, there are numerous different certifications one can earn to demonstrate their skills and proficiencies.
Similarly, while a degree is not a requirement to become an Interior Designer, many designers do have degrees either in interior design or in an adjacent field that provides them with training in CAD and its related tools. They may also receive focused training in these skills in a dedicated interior design or CAD bootcamp, which can be used to either supplement their existing training or to serve as an entry to the field.
From there, Interior Designers will primarily be judged by the work that they do and the kinds of projects that they handle professionally. This means that you’ll want to develop a portfolio that highlights the best of your work and the kinds of projects that you have the most experience working on. This will demonstrate to employers, contractors and clients that you have experience in the field and that you are ready to work on the kinds of projects that they need an Interior Designer for (so it wouldn’t be beneficial to have a lot of kitchen layouts in your portfolio if you are bidding for an office floor plan design).
Job Responsibilities
As an Interior Designer, some regular work tasks you may encounter include:
- Designing interior floor plans for various different clients
- Meeting with clients to discuss the planning stages of the project
- Meeting with clients to provide updates on the state of the project
- Working with contractors, laborers and suppliers to complete projects
- Visiting sites and updating plans based on visits
- Creating proposals, mock-ups and other preliminary reports for clients
- Creating budgets and timelines for projects
Skills
CAD
Learning how to work as an Interior Designer will require you to understand how to utilize drafting and modeling software to communicate your plans and provide information to clients and other relevant stakeholders. This means learning how to use applications such as AutoCAD or Revit and how to make design drafts specific to the kinds of interior design projects upon which you will be working. The degree of your CAD knowledge will tend to depend on your specialties. While an interior designer working on suburban home layouts is unlikely to need the same training as a certified architect, they will still need to learn how to make use of AutoCAD or similar applications.
Creativity
Fundamentally, interior design is a creative art and requires a creative mind. Imagination, flexibility, adaptability, collaboration, and problem solving are all important aspects of creativity. Being able to picture and think about a design allows designers to try out numerous alternatives, visualize different plans, and try out various aesthetics. Working well with clients involves active listening and the ability to both accurately communicate your ideas and also adapt your design choices to fit the client. Creativity enables designers to find new ways to solve design problems that fit within the client’s needs.
Learn Interior Design
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Logistics
Perhaps equally as important as creativity, a skilled Interior Designer will be well adept at logistics. This will include things like managing the sourcing and transporting of materials for commercial or residential interiors, which can be a challenging and complex task. You’ll need to balance the quality, cost, availability, and sustainability of the materials, as well as the delivery time, storage, and installation requirements. Being skilled in logistics requires good organizational and time management skills, too.
Design Theories
Considered the fundamentals of interior design, design theories help provide a framework for the various aesthetic styles and intentions behind design. A few of the main design theories are outlined below, each of which an Interior Designer would reference and leverage for their residential and commercial projects.
Functionalism
This specific design theory is all about function over form. Functionalism believes the design of a space should be primarily determined by its intended use. Before beginning any project, Interior Designers leveraging this theory must understand the client's needs and how they plan to use the space so they can ensure that the final product is both beautiful and practical.
Minimalism
A design theory that emphasizes simplicity and the use of minimal elements. This theory is often associated with modern design, but it can be applied to a wide range of styles. A minimalist approach can be extremely effective in creating clean, uncluttered spaces that are both calming and visually striking.
Color Theory
This is the study of how colors interact with one another and how they can be used to create different moods and emotions. Understanding color theory is crucial to creating cohesive and impactful designs. You can use color theory to create contrast, highlight specific elements, and set the overall mood of a space. When selecting colors for a project, you’ll want to consider the client's preferences as well as how they plan to use the space.
Proportion and Scale
Proportion and scale are all about the relationship between different elements within a space. You’ll use these skills to create a harmonious and visually pleasing design. If you use furniture that is too large or too small for a space, you can throw off the balance of the room and make it feel awkward, too crowded, or too sparse. Mastering how different elements relate to one another is essential in creating a cohesive design that feels balanced and well-proportioned.
Lighting Design
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to create instant impact in a space. You can use lighting to create a mood, highlight specific elements, and even make a space feel larger or smaller. When designing a space, it's important to consider both natural and artificial lighting sources and how they will interact with one another.
Budgeting
An arguably less exciting skill, budgeting is extremely important for Interior Designers. When working with clients, staying within the budget will be key to the project’s success. You’ll need creative problem-solving skills along with strong financial management abilities to stay within budget, and great communication skills to discuss any unexpected expenses that may arise with your client. You’ll also need to be an expert at negotiating with vendors or suppliers to minimise supplier costs that can allow higher expenses in other areas.
Why Do Businesses Need Interior Designers?
There are many reasons why businesses and individuals alike need Interior Designers. Trained professionals have cultivated a trained eye to see the big picture and create a cohesive look by coordinating colors, textures, and furniture pieces that complement each other. Interior Designers can create spaces that are both visually appealing and functional, maximizing the use of available space and addressing potential issues like awkward layouts.
They’re technical knowledge is also valuable. Interior Designers have an understanding of building codes, material properties, and lighting techniques, ensuring a space is safe and efficient. They also plan projects carefully and select appropriate materials, helping to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a budget-friendly renovation. Essentially, they manage the entire design process from concept to completion, coordinating with contractors and vendors to ensure smooth execution. There’s lots of things involved in interior design that the average client or business won’t have the knowledge or experience in. Interior Designers work closely with clients and businesses to understand their needs, style preferences, and lifestyle to create a space that is truly unique to them.
Where Do Interior Designers Usually Work?
Interior Designers work in a variety of places. Most typically work in offices, but they may also travel to clients' design sites or work remotely with clients using e-design, which allows them to work with clients anywhere in the world. Some will work for interior design firms, others for major manufacturers or realtors, and many will work independently, running their own small businesses or serving as freelancers or contractors. From traditional offices to coworking spaces to client sites and designer’s home offices, you’ll find Interior Designers working in nearly every work environment.
Interior Designer Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Interior Designers make a median salary of $62,510. Employment of Interior Designers is projected to grow 4 percent by 2033, with about 8,800 job openings projected each year, on average, over the decade. Those that possess formal training or have had some experience in green or energy efficient-design are expected to have better employability prospects. Additionally, there is currently a demand for Industrial Interior Designers in housing developments, offices, restaurants, hospital complexes, senior care facilities, hotels, and other large building projects.
Cities experiencing increasing growth will have more job prospects available for interior design experts. As a city’s populations grow, so does their need for more warehouses, offices, event spaces, apartments, and houses. So, where you’re located may play a large part in what opportunities are available for you as an Interior Designer.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Interior Designer?
Generally, the length of time it takes to become an Interior Designer is between one and four years. The traditional pathway involves getting a bachelor’s degree, which takes about four years to do. Interior Designers often intern or work entry-level jobs in related positions like furniture or lighting sales to gain experience.
If you don’t pursue a college degree, professional training programs can help you gain the knowledge and experience needed to begin your career. These typically take anywhere from several months to two years, helping you to launch your career quicker. Each of these options (college degree, internship, and professional training) all have their own pros and cons, but if time is your top concern, a professional training course offers you the quickest pathway to your dream career in interior design.
Interior Designer vs. Architect
Two fields that often work closely together, interior design and architecture are actually quite different. Both require creative problem-solving and knowledge of styles and forms, but they apply these skills in very different ways. While interior design places an emphasis on the aesthetics inside a space, architecture focuses on the outside of a building or its overall structure.
There is also the field of interior architecture, specifically. The difference between interior design and interior architecture is that interior design emphasizes the visual sensibility of an interior, such as the color palette, artwork, and window treatments. Architects of any kind (including interior architects) focus on the physical structure, the materials used, the way windows can be placed to let in light and the impact that the slope of a roof can have. Interior Designers work to improve both the look and function of a room through things like furniture selection and placement, luxury brand selection, and material choices.
You’ll often find architects and Interior Designers working hand in hand through the design and development process of commercial and residential spaces. Together they create structurally sound, visually appealing, and easy to use spaces that people can enjoy for years to come.
Learn the Skills to Become an Interior Designer at Noble Desktop
AutoCAD Certification Program
In this Noble Desktop course, you'll learn beginner through advanced AutoCAD skills from a live instructor. You'll start with basic drawing and editing commands, then progress to higher-level techniques like using collaboration tools, customizations, macros, and more. You'll be able to ask questions, receive real-time feedback, and interact with fellow students in a supportive classroom environment. As a bonus, you’ll receive six hours of private AutoCAD tutoring and dedicated 1-on-1 time with an instructor, ensuring you're fully prepared for the certification exam. You can finish this course by taking the Autodesk AutoCAD exam, since this program includes the exam's cost, proctoring, and a free retake. Passing the exam and earning this professional certification will help you stand out in the competitive world of architecture, drafting, and design.
Interior Design Bundle
Offered by VDCI, this course combo will cover the main software applications used by Interior Designers to create drafting floor plans, 3D models, render realistic visuals, and design polished presentations for their clients. You’ll master computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling (SketchUp) software to plan, design, and furnish rooms or buildings. You’ll also learn to use Photoshop to prepare additional visuals for their presentations. This course bundle is 100% online and self-paced with no live class sessions. Course materials are accessible immediately after purchase and you can choose when to start the training, offering the most flexibility possible.
AutoCAD Fundamentals Bundle
Also from VDCI, this programconsists of two courses that introduce you to the basics of using AutoCAD for Computer-Aided Design (CAD). You’ll learn how to create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, a floor plan, and deliverable sheet files. All courses are taught by practicing professionals through hands-on, real-world, project-based training. This course bundle is online and self-paced with no live class sessions, making it ideal for those with busy schedules.
SketchUp Pro Fundamentals Bundle
This program from VDCI consists of two courses to develop your SketchUp skills for 3D modeling and rendering from the very beginning. You’ll learn the fundamentals of SketchUp to create individual 3D models, components, and topography in a series of professional projects. All courses are taught by practicing professionals through hands-on, real-world, project-based training. While offered on-demand, scheduled due dates help to keep you on track while you learn at your own convenience.
Revit Fundamentals Bundle
Consisting of two Revit classes, this VDCI program is designed to develop your understanding of Revit and its involvement in Building Information Modeling (BIM). You’ll be introduced to Revit and how information is interrelated throughout the Revit (BIM) model to design 3D models, generate 2D architectural drawings and create 3D perspective views. You’ll master Revit with the help of an expert instructor and hands-on, real-world, project-based training.