Keen competition is expected for jobs in interior design
because many talented individuals are attracted to careers as
interior designers.
Individuals with little or no formal training in interior
design, as well as those lacking creativity and perseverance, will
find it very difficult to establish and maintain a career in this
occupation.
About 3 out of 10 are self-employed.
Postsecondary education—especially a bachelor’s degree—is
recommended for entry-level positions in interior design;
licensure is required in 23 States, the District of Columbia, and
Puerto Rico.
Interior designers draw upon many disciplines to enhance
the function, safety, and aesthetics of interior spaces. Interior
designers are concerned with how different colors, textures,
furniture, lighting, and space work together to meet the needs of a
building’s occupants. Designers are involved in planning the
interior spaces of almost all buildings—offices, airport terminals,
theaters, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals,
and private residences. Designers help to improve these spaces in
order to boost office productivity, increase sales, attract a more
affluent clientele, provide a more relaxing hospital stay, or
increase the building’s market value.
Traditionally, most interior designers focused on decorating:
choosing a style and color palette and then selecting appropriate
furniture, floor and window coverings, artwork, and lighting.
However, an increasing number of designers are becoming more
involved in designing architectural detailing, such as crown molding
and built-in bookshelves, or planning layouts of buildings
undergoing renovation, including helping to determine the location
of windows, stairways, escalators, and walkways. Interior designers
must be able to read blueprints, understand building and fire codes,
and know how to make the space accessible to the disabled. Designers
frequently collaborate with architects, electricians, and building
contractors to ensure that their designs are safe and meet
construction requirements.
Despite the varied building spaces interior designers work with,
almost all projects follow the same design process. The first step
in developing a new design is to determine the needs of the client,
known as programming. The designer usually will meet face-to-face
with the client in order to find out how the space will be used and
to get an idea of the client’s design preferences and budget. For
example, the designer might inquire about a family’s cooking habits
if the family is remodeling a kitchen or ask about a store or
restaurant’s target customer in order to pick an appropriate design.
The designer also will visit the space and take inventory of the
existing furniture and equipment as well as identify the any
potential design problems and the positive attributes of the
space.
Following the initial meeting with the client, the designer will
formulate a design plan and estimate the costs on the basis of the
client’s goals and budget. Today, designs often are created with the
use of computer-aided design (CAD), which provides a more detailed
layout and also allows for easier corrections than sketches made by
hand. Once the designer has completed the proposed design, he or she
will present it to the client and make revisions on the basis of the
client’s input.
When a design concept has been finalized, the designer will begin
specifying the materials, finishes, and furnishings required, such
as furniture, lighting, flooring, wall covering, and artwork. In
addition, depending on the complexity of the project, the designer
will need to prepare drawings and submit them for architectural
review and approval by a construction inspector to ensure that the
design meets all applicable building codes. If a project requires
any structural work, the designer will need to work with an
architect or engineer for that part of the project. Most designs
also will require the hiring of contractors to do such technical
work as lighting, plumbing, or electrical wiring. When necessary,
the designer will choose qualified contractors and write up work
contracts.
Finally, the designer will develop a timeline for the project and
ensure that it is completed on time, including coordinating the work
schedules of contractors if necessary. The designer will oversee the
installation of the design elements, and after the project is
complete, the designer, together with the client, will pay follow-up
visits to the building site to ensure that the client is satisfied
with the final product. If the client is not satisfied, the designer
will make all necessary corrections.
Designers who work as in-store designers for furniture or home
and garden stores offer their design services in addition to selling
the store’s merchandise. In-store designers provide services similar
to those offered by other interior designers, such as selecting a
style and color scheme that fits the client’s needs or finding
suitable accessories and lighting. However, in-store designers
rarely visit their clients’ spaces and are limited in using only a
particular store’s products.
Interior designers sometimes supervise assistants who carry out
their creations and perform administrative tasks, such as reviewing
catalogues and ordering samples. Designers who run their own
businesses also may devote a considerable amount of time meeting
with clients and contractors, developing new business contacts,
examining equipment and space needs, and attending to business
matters.
Although most interior designers do many kinds of projects, some
specialize in one area of interior design. Some specialize in the
type of building space—usually residential or commercial—while
others specialize in a certain design element or type of client,
such as health care facilities. The most common specialties of this
kind are lighting, kitchen and bath, and closet designs. However,
designers can specialize in almost any area of design, including
acoustics and noise abatement, security, electronics and home
theaters, home spas, and indoor gardens.
Three areas of design that are becoming increasingly popular are
ergonomic design elder design, and environmental—or green—design.
Ergonomic design involves designing work spaces and furniture that
emphasize good posture and minimize muscle strain on the body. Elder
design involves planning interior space to aid in the movement of
the elderly and disabled, such as widening passageways to
accommodate wheelchairs. Green design involves selecting furniture
and carpets that are free of chemicals and hypoallergenic and
selecting construction materials that are energy efficient or are
made from renewable resources.
Working conditions and places of employment vary. Interior
designers employed by large corporations or design firms generally
work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings.
Designers in smaller design consulting firms or those who freelance
generally work on a contract, or job, basis. They frequently adjust
their workday to suit their clients’ schedules and deadlines,
meeting with the clients during evening or weekend hours when
necessary. Consultants and self-employed designers tend to work
longer hours and in smaller, more congested environments.
Interior designers may work under stress to meet deadlines, stay
on budget, and please clients. Self-employed designers also are
under pressure to find new clients in order to maintain a steady
income.
Designers may transact business in their own offices or studios
or in clients’ homes or offices. They also may travel to other
locations, such as showrooms, design centers, clients’ exhibit
sites, and manufacturing facilities. With the increased speed and
sophistication of computers and advanced communications networks,
designers may form international design teams, serve a
geographically more dispersed clientele, research design
alternatives by using information on the Internet, and purchase
supplies electronically, all with the aid of a computer in their
workplace or studio.
Postsecondary education—especially a bachelor’s degree—is
recommended for entry-level positions in interior design. In
addition, 24 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico
register or license interior designers. Following formal training,
graduates usually enter a 1-year to 3-year apprenticeship to gain
experience before taking a national licensing exam or joining a
professional association. Designers in States that do not require
the exam may opt to take it as proof of their qualifications. The
National Council administers the licensing exam for Interior Design
Qualification (NCIDQ). To be eligible to take the exam, applicants
must have at least 6 years of combined education and experience in
interior design, of which at least 2 years constitute postsecondary
education in design. Once candidates have passed the qualifying
exam, they are granted the title of Certified, Registered, or
Licensed Interior Designer, depending on the State. Continuing
education is required in order to maintain one’s licensure.
Training programs are available from professional design schools
or from colleges and universities and usually take 2 to 4 years to
complete. Graduates of 2-year and 3-year programs are awarded
certificates or associate’s degrees in interior design and normally
qualify as assistants to interior designers upon graduation.
Graduates with bachelor’s degrees usually qualify for entry into a
formal design apprenticeship program. Basic coursework includes
computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, perspective, spatial planning,
color and fabrics, furniture design, architecture, ergonomics,
ethics, and psychology.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits
approximately 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art
and design. Most of these schools award a degree in interior design.
Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of
their artistic ability.
The Foundation for Interior Design Education Research also
accredits interior design programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree.
In 2005, there were 137 accredited bachelor’s degree programs in
interior design in the United States, located primarily in schools
of art, architecture, and home economics.
After the completion of formal training, interior designers will
enter a 1-year to 3-year apprenticeship to gain experience before
taking a licensing exam. Most apprentices work in design or
architecture firms under the strict supervision of an experienced
designer. Apprentices also may choose to gain experience working as
an in-store designer in furniture stores. The NCIDQ offers the
Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP), which helps entry-level
interior designers gain valuable work experience by supervising work
experience and offering mentoring services and workshops to new
designers.
Following the apprenticeship, designers will take the national
licensing exam or choose to become members of a professional
association. Because registration or licensure is not mandatory in
all States, membership in a professional association is an
indication of an interior designer’s qualifications and professional
standing. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is the
largest professional association for interior designers in the
United States. Interior designers can qualify for membership with at
least a 2-year or higher degree and work experience.
In addition to national licensure and membership in a
professional association, optional certifications in kitchen and
bath design are available from the National Kitchen and Bath
Association. The association offers three different levels of
certification for kitchen and bath designers, each completed through
training seminars that culminate in certification exams.
Employers increasingly prefer interior designers who are familiar
with CAD software. Interior designers also increasingly need to know
the basics of architecture and engineering in order to ensure that
their designs meet building safety codes.
In addition to possessing technical knowledge, interior designers
must be creative, imaginative, and persistent and must be able to
communicate their ideas in writing, visually, and verbally. Because
tastes in style can change quickly, designers need to be well read,
open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing
trends. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
and under pressure are important traits. People in this field need
self-discipline to start projects on their own, to budget their
time, and to meet deadlines and production schedules. Good business
sense and sales ability also are important, especially for those who
freelance or run their own business.
Beginning interior designers receive on-the-job training and
normally need 1 to 3 years of training before they can advance to
higher level positions. Experienced designers in large firms may
advance to chief designer, design department head, or some other
supervisory position. Some experienced designers open their own
firms or decide to specialize in one aspect of interior design.
Other designers leave the occupation to become teachers in schools
of design or in colleges and universities. Many faculty members
continue to consult privately or operate small design studios to
complement their classroom
activities.
Interior designers held about 65,000 jobs in 2004. Approximately
3 out of 10 were self-employed. About 2 out of 10 wage and salary
interior designers worked in specialized design services. Another 1
out of 10 worked in architectural and landscape architectural
services. The remaining of interior designers provided design
services in furniture and home-furnishing stores, building material
and supplies dealers, and residential building construction
companies. Many interior designers also performed freelance work in
addition to holding a salaried job in interior design or another
occupation.
Employment of interior designers is expected to grow about as fast as
average for all occupations through 2014. Economic expansion,
growing homeowner wealth, and an increased interest in interior
design will increase demand for designers. However, interior
designers are expected to face keen competition for available
positions because many talented individuals are attracted to this
profession. Individuals with little or no formal training in
interior design, as well as those lacking creativity and
perseverance, will find it very difficult to establish and maintain
a career in this occupation.
As the economy grows, more private businesses and consumers will
request the services of interior designers. However, design services
are considered a luxury expense and may be subject to fluctuations
in the economy. For example, decreases in consumer and business
income and spending caused by a slow economy can have a detrimental
effect on employment of interior designers. Nevertheless, demand
from the health care industry is expected to be especially high
because of an anticipated increase in demand for facilities that
will accommodate the aging population. Designers will be needed to
make these facilities as comfortable and homelike as possible for
patients. Demand from businesses in the hospitality industry—hotels,
resorts, and restaurants—also is expected to be high because of an
expected increase in tourism.
Recent increases in homeowner wealth and the growing popularity
of home improvement television programs have increased demand for
residential design services. Homeowners increasingly have been using
the equity in their homes to finance new additions, remodel aging
kitchens and bathrooms, and update the general décor of the home.
Many homeowners also have requested design help in adding year-round
outdoor living spaces.
Growth in home improvement television programs and discount
furniture stores has spurred a trend in do-it-yourself design, which
could hamper employment growth of designers. However, some clients
will still hire designers for a few initial consultations, but then
will purchase and install the design elements themselves.
Some interior designers are choosing to specialize in one design
element in order to create a niche for themselves in an increasingly
competitive market. The demand for kitchen and bath design is
growing in response to the increasing demand for home remodeling.
Designs utilizing the latest technology, such as home theaters,
state-of-the-art conference facilities, and security systems are
expected to be especially popular. In addition, demand for home
spas, indoor gardens, and outdoor living spaces are expected to
continue to increase.
Extensive knowledge of ergonomics and green design are expected
to be in demand. Ergonomic design has gained in popularity with the
growth in the elderly population and workplace safety requirements.
The public’s growing awareness of environmental quality and the
growing number of individuals with allergies and asthma are expected
to increase the demand for green design.
Median annual earnings for interior designers were $40,670 in May
2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,890 and $53,790. The
lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,440, and the highest 10
percent earned more than $71,220. Median annual earnings in the
industries employing the largest numbers of interior designers in
May 2004 were as follows:
Architectural, engineering, and related
services
$44,740
Specialized design services
42,000
Furniture stores
37,750
Interior design salaries vary widely with the specialty, type of
employer, number of years of experience, and reputation of the
individuals. Among salaried interior designers, those in large
specialized design and architectural firms tend to earn higher and
more stable salaries. Interior designers working in retail stores
usually earn a commission, which can be irregular.
For residential design projects, self-employed interior designers
and those working in smaller firms usually earn a per-hour
consulting fee, plus a percentage of the total cost of furniture,
lighting, artwork, and other design elements. For commercial
projects, they might charge a per-hour consulting fee, charge by the
square footage, or charge a flat fee for the whole project. Also,
designers who use specialty contractors usually earn a percentage of
the contractor’s earnings on the project in return for hiring the
contractor. Self-employed designers must provide their own
benefits.
For information on degrees, continuing education, and licensure
programs in interior design and interior design research,
contact:
American Society of Interior Designers, 608 Massachusetts Ave.
N.E., Washington, DC 20002-6006. Internet: http://www.asid.org/
For a list of schools with accredited bachelor’s degree programs
in interior design, contact:
Foundation for Interior Design Education Research, 146 Monroe
Center N.W., Suite 1318, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2822. Internet: http://www.fider.org/
For general information about art and design and a list of
accredited college-level programs, contact:
National Association of Schools of Art and Design, 11250 Roger
Bacon Dr., Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190-5248. Internet: http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/
For information on State licensing requirements and exams, and
the Interior Design Experience Program, contact:
National Council for Interior Design Qualification, 1200 18th
St. NW., Suite 1001, Washington, DC 20036-2506. Internet: http://www.ncidq.org/
For information on careers, continuing education, and
certification programs in the interior design specialty of
residential kitchen and bath design, contact:
National Kitchen and Bath Association, 687 Willow Grove St.,
Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Internet: http://www.nkba.org/student
Suggested citation: Bureau of
Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2006-07 Edition,
Interior designers, on the
Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos293.htm
(visited November 24, 2006).
U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and
Employment Projections Suite 2135 2 Massachusetts Avenue,
NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
