-> What is Interior Design?
     
 

An Interior Designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

  
 

 
  What Does a Interior Designer work?
 
  • 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.
  
 

 
  What is the Entry Requirements?
 

There are no set qualifications to become an interior designer. For all courses, and jobs, you will need a portfolio of work. You could be accepted on the strength of your portfolio rather than your qualifications.

  
   
  Skills and Interests
 
  • creative and practical skills
  • excellent organisational skills, for working on several projects at once
  • drawing and computer-aided design (CAD) skills
  • an understanding of building and safety regulations
  • knowledge of products, properties of materials, and architectural history
  • effective communication skills, for dealing with suppliers, contractors and clients
  • the ability to work out costs and keep within budgets
  • business skills if working freelance
  
   
  Opportunities
 

As an Interior designer, you could be employed by retail outlets, interior design consultancies, or architectural practices.

However, as many interior designers are freelance (either completely self-sufficient or under contract to a design agency) and build up their business through word of mouth, there are limited formal vacancies and competition is strong. Some vacancies are not advertised, so it is essential that you make contacts, for example by attending trade fairs and joining professional organisations.