Artistic minds can consider a career in interior design. Apart from earning big, it is an opportunity to display your creative and technical skills. Generally, courses in design focus on sketching and computer applications like the computer-aided design (CAD) software. Interior design and architecture have similar paths, but you will need a bachelor’s degree to obtain employment in design firms. Here are some tips on the responsibilities, and how to land a great interior design job.
How much do Interior Designers Earn?
Have you been to an indoor music concert or festival? Interior designers have installed the lighting effects, colours, and design elements that are used to attract an audience. Usually, these professionals set up preliminary designs while planning their company projects. They understand how to plan layouts, arrange furniture, install backdrops, and lights. Interior designers also collaborate with architects, building contractors, craftsmen, suppliers, tiling companies, and artisans. So, the scope of their work responsibilities is vast. More so, the average annual pay for interior designers in Washington, D.C is $79,710; but $63,630 in upbeat cities in New York. Whereas in Australia, the average interior designer earns around $53,850 with potential to reach $74,000 depending on job role and responsibilities.
Overall, many factors need to be taken into consideration when discussing one’s salary regarding interior design. The great thing about interior designers is that the opportunities are endless. As an interior designer, you can build up your own business and make a vast fortune; however, you need to be passionate, creative, consistent and determined. If this is a goal of yours, don’t give up!
Areas of Specialisation
In the industry of interior design, young people can work with different employers who specialise in different styles. E.g., you could work for a coastal interior design company, bohemian design company, or a company that specialises in modern urban designs. The list goes on, and the choice is yours, start with whichever style interests you more and then go from there. However, don’t be too picky as a graduate; you should take whatever you can get and learn as much as you can!
Some successful designers start as freelance workers before becoming experts. With problem-solving skills, they can become production designers in the theatre, TV, and film sector. Interior styling services that are passionate about design work in big construction companies and architectural firms. A master’s degree in interior design and other training qualifies the holder for managerial and administrative skills.
When interior styling services work with building contractors, they need to understand regulations and codes for structural jobs. However, interior designers can also specialise in space, graphic or surface designs. After learning, the knowledge can help them work as exhibition designers, and visual merchandiser, it’s a great idea to build an extensive portfolio after obtaining certification. So, starting with freelance work can add credit to your resume when looking for a job. Being creative and design-savvy can help interior design graduates in any area of specialisation in the industry.
Creating a Portfolio
Assembling a compelling portfolio as an interior designer can happen in different ways. Before working as a professional designer, you should attend internship programs and build your portfolio. As an undergraduate, some of the task during the internship will require computer-aided 3D designs. This skill will help the potential designer to conceptualise and sketch patterns. It will be useful when your future projects require collaboration with architectural technologists.
During your study program in coursework in graphic design, document images and walk-through webinar videos and use them later. Additionally, it’s another opportunity to develop a portfolio of projects while freelancing before getting a 9 to 5 job.
Having a well-structured portfolio will increase your chances of getting hired as it gives employers a chance to see some of the work you have done and participated in. And, when attending design conferences or meetings, you should always bring your portfolio along. You never know, you might bump into a well-known design contact you may want to see your work and hire you down the track.
Interior Designers in Construction Sectors
Before you can run an independent interior design firm, it’s necessary to obtain licenses and permits. A potential designer might require some qualification examinations. Like architects, certified designers practice their trade by using stylish elements that attract people. It’s a trend to see new interior designers using environmentally sustainable materials for their projects.
In the interior design industry, architectural drawings are incorporated with eco-friendly decor items to enhance indoor space. Art and space design can also be a framework for constructing sustainable modern buildings. Additionally, these design firms execute remodelling projects and enforce building standards.
How to Succeed as an Expert Designer
While building professional connections, decorators and designers need imaginative skills to succeed. Being able to communicate effectively can help your clients to understand their design ideas. These artistic skills and proficiency AutoCAD, and Illustrator software can keep a serious designer active in this competitive industry.
