Interior design as a career

If you’re a creative person who enjoys transforming rooms in your own home, then a career as an interior designer might be perfect for you. You’ll need an artistic eye and a knack for organising, but with passion and persistence, this could be your calling.

Why become an interior designer?

There are many reasons to choose interior design as a career, and while being creative is crucial, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. If this list inspires you, you know you’re on the right track as an aspiring interior designer!

Creativity

Interior design allows you to unleash your creative side, transforming rooms into attractive and functional spaces. As an interior designer, your clients provide you with the opportunity constantly work your creative muscle, coming up with a creative vision that meets their brief and needs. You can showcase your personal style, unique ideas and innovative design preferences through various projects.

Rewarding

A fulfilling and rewarding career choice, interior design is sure to deliver job satisfaction. Seeing a design concept come to life and witnessing the transformation of a space that enhances a person’s home or workplace is incredibly rewarding.

Diverse Industry

Interior design is a diverse industry that could see you working on residential, commercial, hospitality, entertainment or healthcare projects!  You might work for a company, designing functional workspaces one day, then turn your talents to decorating for an individual’s new home, or even work for a production company where you transform film sets.

Collaborative

You won’t be lacking company as an interior designer. On the contrary, you’ll need to hone your interpersonal communication skills to collaborate with clients, architects, contractors and other professionals. You’ll invest time in networking and building personal and professional relationships to embrace your own personal growth and grow your knowledge in a field that’s as diverse as it is interactive.

Flexibility

Do you require flexibility in your working day? If so, interior design is an excellent choice. While some people may work for design firms, many prefer self-employment and enjoy flexible working conditions. Freelancing and consultancy services are also popular options for interior designers, which provide the freedom to choose projects that appeal and work to a schedule that allows a work-life balance.

Dynamic Field

You’ll need to commit to lifelong learning as an interior designer because this field constantly changes with current trends. There’s never a dull moment as designers work to produce the most innovative interiors for their clients. Often this means you’ll need to be abreast of the latest technology advancements, design approaches and trending soft and hard furnishings. A subscription to an interior design publication and continuing professional development ensures that interior designers are informed of the latest innovations, materials, and design concepts.

Variety

Interior designers have the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects, so every day is different. This variety provides unique challenges and ensures that the work is always stimulating and engaging.

Positive Impact

Making a positive impact on people’s lives through creating living and working spaces that are functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing is a powerful motivator. Seeing that your work enhances well-being, boosts productivity, and improves people’s quality of life is fulfilling and incredibly rewarding.

Financially Rewarding

Experienced and well-established interior design professionals enjoy strong financial rewards, especially those with strong portfolios or who own their own interior design firms.

So, you’re interested in a career as an interior designer? Take a look at the most important skills you’ll need to be a success.

Crucial skills of an interior designer

Creativity – you’ll need strong creative flair to conceptualise and develop unique, beautiful interiors to meet client needs.

Spatial awareness – understanding how to optimise space and visualise how design elements work in a space is important.

Communication and interpersonal skills – you’ll need to communicate clearly with other professionals and clients to convey design ideas and collaborate on a project.

Technical skills – navigating computer-assisted design (CAD) is crucial to creating floor plans, 3D models and presentations. You’ll also need to be across building codes, construction techniques and safety regulations in a career in interior design.

Project management – managing a project from inception to completion takes high-level organisation, budgeting, and time-management skills.

Attention to detail – interior designers need to consider all aspects of a design, and details are essential, whether it’s a decorative element or a precise measurement, to achieve the overall look of a space.

Problem-solving – there’s always uncertainty and change involved in interior design projects, so professionals should be open to problem-solving solutions and adjustments to overcome any obstacles.

Study interior design  

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in interior design, look at our Certificate of Interior Design.

What you’ll learn:

Our online interior design course covers the following topics.

• Planning and designing interiors
• History of interior design
• Trends in interior decoration
• Colour theory
• Acoustics, lighting, space, configuration and symmetry
• Components of interior design – finishes, flooring, soft materials and accessories, plants, paint, window coverings and furnishings
• Managing services
• Onsite safety
• Licensing requirements
• Occupied and aging buildings – ethics and legal considerations
• The design brief
• Drawing floor plans
• Using computer-assisted design (CAD)
• Create a CAD project
• Designing a new/vacant building
• Spatial planning
• Creating ambience
• Designing for health and wellbeing
• Budgeting and project management

 

If you have any questions about this course or other professional development opportunities, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants today on Live Chat or call 1300 76 2221.