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Job Description: Interior designers plan, design, and furnish interiors for residential or commercial projects. Interior designers must consider the function of the space as well as aesthetic concerns, and integrate the client’s preferences for colors, fabrics, and furniture into a harmonious and pleasing space. Many designers work collaboratively at design firms, where intermediate and senior designers may be responsible for different aspects of the same project. Principals are interior designers who start their own design firms and hire support staff to assist in specific areas.
Salary Range: The median salary for interior designers is $40,400 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but can vary tremendously based on the region and clientele. “Celebrity designers” are those that have made names for themselves (possibly in related design fields like fashion, furniture design, etc.) and can command much higher wages. There are a variety of ways to charge for interior design services, including hourly, commission, or flat-fee.
Education: For those seeking employment at established design firms, college degrees in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or even the arts are highly desirable. Many firms also require preliminary experience or apprenticing, and knowledge of design techniques and principles is required; a portfolio of previous work will help potential employers to understand your personal design style.
Outlook: The popularity of shows like Trading Spaces© has increased awareness of interior design. As such, the US Department of Labor predicts 22% growth between 2002 and 2012. As the importance of well-designed interiors rises, more and more people want quality furnishings and interior spaces that feel comfortable and homey.
Personality Traits: Designers play a very important role in their client’s lives – oftentimes clients want a certain “feeling” and need guidance in how to get there. An interior designer must be an active listener, with the ability to understand the client’s needs and interpret them into design solutions. Writing, sketching, and communicating effectively will impact the designer-client relationship and ultimately the success of the project.
Career Path: Design
Intern > Intermediate Designer > Senior Designer
> Principal
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