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interior designer
Interior designers plan and organise the design and decorating of the inside of buildings. This may involve altering an existing interior, or working on a new building.
The work includes:
- meeting with clients to discuss their requirements and ideas
- developing a design that suits the needs of the client, the available budget and the type of building
- preparing initial sketches for the approval of the client
- advising on colour schemes, fabrics, fittings and furniture
- working out costs and preparing estimates
- developing initial sketches into detailed drawings, usually on a computer
- possibly recommending people to carry out the work on site and supervising their progress.
Hours and Environment
Interior designers may work long, irregular, which could include evenings and weekends.
They are usually studio-based, but may also spend a great deal of time visiting clients and sites. They might have to spend short periods of time away from home.
Freelance designers may work from home, share offices or rent a studio.
Skills and Interests
Interior designers need:
- to be both creative and practical
- excellent organisational skills for working on several projects at once
- drawing and computer-aided design skills
- an understanding and knowledge of building and safety regulations
- a high level of technical knowledge about products, the qualities of materials and architectural history
- effective communication skills for dealing with suppliers, contractors and clients
- to be able to work out costs and keep within budgets
- business skills if working freelance.
Entry
Most interior designers have a degree or HND, either in interior design or a related subject, such as 3D design or art and design. Foundation degrees are also available at some universities.
For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward
- two subjects at A level/three H grades
- another level 3 qualification, such as an AVCE in Art and Design or a BTEC/SQA National Diploma in a relevant subject area.
To get on to a foundation course you will usually need:
- five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3); and
- one A level/two H grade.
To search for colleges and universities offering art and design foundation courses, foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Entry to all courses is based on your practical skills as well as your academic ability, so you will need a portfolio of your work.
You will be assessed by interview, and examination of your portfolio. You may be accepted without the usual academic entry requirements if you are exceptionally talented and/or have relevant experience. You should check with colleges and universities for their exact requirements.
You may be able to do a portfolio-building course at a local college if you need help in assembling your work.
If you do not have a degree but have relevant skills you might be able to set up as an interior designer on a self-employed basis, but it may be difficult to become established and build up business. The design field is very competitive, and to be successful you will need high levels of talent, determination and persistence. Companies will usually employ graduates.
One way to develop your practical skills would be to do City and Guilds Design and Craft qualifications. These are available in a range of areas including interior decorating, progressively over four levels:
- Level 1 Design and Craft (7722) - for those who want to learn a creative activity for the first time
- Level 2 Design and Craft (7822) - develops skills beyond the basic level
- Level 3 Certificate in Design and Craft (7922) - develops skills to level of professional craftsperson
- Level 3 Diploma in Design and Craft (7923) - advanced level.
Other courses include:
- BTEC National Certificate and Diploma courses in 3D Design
- ABC (Awarding Body Consortium) Diploma in Interior Design
- short courses in various aspects of interior design, such as upholstery, decorating techniques and Feng Shui which are available at many colleges.
Training
When you are in employment, further training can give you the opportunity to develop your skills and progress in your career. You may be able to do relevant short courses at colleges or with private providers. You could also do postgraduate degrees and diplomas in specialised areas of interior design and related subjects.
It will be useful to join professional bodies such as the British Interior Design Association (BIDA) and the Chartered Society of Designers as this will give:
- recognition of your skills
- access to advice
- opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD)
- industry contacts.
Please see Further Information for contact details.
You can do the ABC Level 3 Award in CAD Skills for Interior Design and the ABC Level 3 Certificate in Interior Design Modelling and Visualisation at some colleges.
Opportunities
Because many designers work freelance, either finding their own work or under contract to an agency, there are limited formal vacancies for interior designers and competition is very strong.
Employers include retail outlets, interior design consultancies, or architectural practices.
Success for freelance interior depends on building up reputation and a client base.
Annual Income
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only. Income for interior designers varies depending on the location, sector and size of employer.
Junior designers earn around £15,000 to £20,000 a year.
More experienced interior designers can earn up to and over £25,000.
Designers with considerable experience can earn over £45,000.
Freelance designers may charge from £30 per hour upwards.
Further information
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
London
WC2E 7DL
Tel: 020 7420 5200
Chelsea Harbour
London
SW10 0XE
Back To Arts Crafts and Design Careers
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
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