What does an Interior Designer do?
As an Interior Designer you will plan the design of living and commercial environments including structural alterations, furnishing, fixtures, lighting and color schemes. The position combines the efficient and functional use of space with an understanding of aesthetics. As an Interior Designer you will develop initial ideas and acquire key information about potential projects, understand clients needs and building usage.
An ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in fine arts or related field and a minimum of 3 years as a junior designer. You will be proficient in CAD, be able to use a MAC and be well versed in design and 3D awareness. You will have experience in design consultancy and a mastery with visualizing concepts and explain it to others. You will need to travel to visit client sites.
- Determine scope of work
- Negotiate fees clients and vendors
- Set project schedules
- Research plans to ensure they are technically feasible
- Produce rough sketches and storyboards
- Use CAD software to develop detailed designs
- Select appropriate material for the design and budget
- Advise clients on project progress
- Proficient in CAD
- 3+ years of experience as a junior designer
- Well versed in design and 3D awareness
- Mastery with visualizing concepts and explaining to others
- Able to use a MAC
- Experience in design consultancy
- Skilled at inspecting and surveying buildings
- Forward thinking in design concepts
- Willingness to travel to client sites_
How much does an Interior Designer make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$73,245
/ yrInterior Designer Career Path
Learn how to become an Interior Designer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Interior Designer Insights
Raymour & Flanigan“You get 2 week’s training at the beginning and trust me the training is awesome !!”
Invento Robotics“You'll get to be part of teams and projects which are highly mission critical.”
Best Western“Training program was terrible and resulted in me not being able to fully excel in my position.”
IKEA“Management does nothing but sit at the computer all day and expects everything done in a week.”
Kiva Design“The people are really nice and you get to be involved in all aspects of an active design project.”
O'Connell Robertson“I have learned SO much during my time here and have met so many great people.”
Dreamstyle Remodeling“So good “commission and pay” at least what they say but you won’t actually see any of that money.”
Aertsen Living“4. Opportunity to directly interact with clients which a traditional design studio cannot offer.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of interior designers
Interior designers fulfill their clients' wishes by capturing an idea or concept and translating it into a new indoor space. They also renovate homes and businesses. During a typical day for an interior designer, they might give clients design options and work with plumbers, carpenters, and architects to bring the plans to fruition.
Interior design is a great career for creative people. They sometimes sketch mockups for clients or create graphic design models on the computer. An interior designer has to pay attention to the smallest detail. The best part about the job is bringing your clients one step closer to their dream home.
The average pay for an interior designer is $73,245 per year. Specialized interior designers who work in the healthcare sector earn higher salaries on average. Experience is also important as senior interior designers will enjoy a higher starting salary.
Working as an interior designer can be a hard job when clients change their minds in the middle of the design process. However, you must remember that the client's happiness is the target. Keep in mind that interior designers sometimes earn commissions when a project is finally completed.