Interior Designers
Good interior designers are able to create indoor spaces that not only look good but also work well. That is, their designs suit the intended purpose of the room -- whether it’s an office, a reception area, a child’s playroom, or a beauty salon. Each of these spaces has its own purpose, from raising workers’ productivity to providing a safe place for children to play, and therefore, its own design requirements.
Interior designers design and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.
Did You Know?
Some interior designers specialize in a particular field (such as designing restaurants), a style, or a phase of interior design.
Are You Ready To...?
- Research design styles and materials
- Estimate costs
- Satisfy each client's sense of style and taste
- Use computers to create floor plans and perspective drawings
- Choose paint colors
- Select lighting fixtures
- Choose floor and wall coverings
- Design window treatments
- Choose and design furnishings and upholstery
- Collect fabric swatches and samples of other materials
It Helps To Be...
Artistic, creative, and good with all kinds of people, including clients, contractors, electricians, and carpenters.
Make High School Count
- Get a good foundation in art and design.
- Take a class in computer-aided drafting.
- Look into your school’s classes in family and consumer studies. They’re a great way to learn about residential needs in general and, sometimes, interior design specifically.
- Sign up for business classes. About one-third of designers work for themselves, so business skills could come in handy.
- Read interior design magazines to build your knowledge of design styles, materials, and trends in the industry.
- Consider interning with an interior design firm.
Did You Know?
Interior designers must know state and federal building codes so that their spaces are safe and legal.