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Interior Designer career

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Interior Designers create functional and attractive plans to enhance residences, commercial spaces, and public buildings. The job market for interior designers is very competitive. About one-third of interior designers are self-employed; others work for design and architecture firms, landscape services, home furnishings outlets, and building materials suppliers.

An interior designer works closely with clients to find appropriate design solutions. The phases of the design process are:

  • Meeting with the client to learn about the client's needs, preferences, and budget
  • Creating a design plan and cost estimate
  • Submitting the plan for the client's review and modifications
  • Documenting the materials (e.g., furniture, lighting, and paint)
  • Making a schedule for the project
  • Managing the purchase, construction, or installation of all design elements
  • Ensuring that the client is satisfied with the final outcome

If the project requires changes to a building's structure, the interior designer may oversee the work of architects, engineers, or contractors.

You can train to be an interior designer through two or four-year programs. A bachelor's degree is the strongest credential. Training may be followed by an apprenticeship with an experienced designer. Two important qualifications for interior design jobs are interpersonal skills and knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software. The median salary of interior designers is about $41,000.


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Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.