The quest for beauty in our surroundings, including our homes, has led to an increase in the need for competent, well-educated interior designers. One of the finest artists that every lived, Leonardo da Vinci, supplemented his income by working as an interior designer for Italian nobility.
Interior designers plan the interior spaces of most buildings – including department stores, medical facilities, airports, businesses, schools, hotels and private homes. They may also work as set designers in the movie and theater industry, as staging consultants in real estate to enhance the appearance of homes for sale, and in the construction industry for the planning and presentation of model homes.
Interior designers at the top of their field are creative artists. They are experts in color palettes, fabrics, furniture, space, lighting and objects of art that help transform a designated area into a place that meets the needs of the client. Whether the need is to motivate employees, create a sense of peace for medical patients, entice shoppers to purchase goods, inspire creativity, or to simply provide a place of warmth and invitation, the interior designer draws upon a myriad of skills to fit the desired purpose.
Specialized skills are especially necessary when tackling renovation projects. Interior designers often work with architects, general contractors and other building specialists in the planning process, reading blueprints and determining the layout of each space. Knowledge of local building codes and familiarity with the specifics of creating safe access for the disabled are among the many talents required for longevity and reputability in this profession.
A bachelor’s degree is recommended, followed by a 1-3 year apprenticeship. In 24 states, interior designers must pass a licensing exam by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) in order to legally practice in the field. A combination of six years of schooling and experience are required to take the exam, including at least two years of postsecondary education in design. Even in states where no license is required, the exam is often taken and licensure obtained to prove competency.
Training for a career in interior design may be obtained by a junior college, accredited online school, traditional college or university, or a school of art and design. Coursework may include classes in art, computer aided design, engineering, furniture design, architecture, ergonomics, business and psychology.
Those who work at top jobs in design and architectural firms can earn salaries above $70,000; and employment in this field is expected to increase up to the year 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a minimum of two years of training, budding interior designers can be well on their way to a satisfying professional career.
