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What Do Interior Designers Do and How to Become One — Photos by Getty Images

An interior design career allows creative people who love developing spaces to earn a generous living. But how do interior designers get their start? And what skills are necessary to thrive in the role?

HGTV enthusiasts and Pinterest aficionados love watching interior designers spruce up their clients’ homes and create aesthetically pleasing spaces. It is no wonder that a job in interior design looks like an attractive career path. But an interior designer does more than decorate rooms with throw pillows and furniture.

A career in interior design combines business savvy, creativity and a love of shopping for other people. But what exactly does an interior designer do? And more importantly, how does someone get started in this career?

What do Interior Designers Do?

Interior designers wear a lot of hats – they’re project managers, artists, purchasing agents and more. Some interior design roles differ based on experience level and skill set. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, everyday interior designer responsibilities include:

Searching for and bidding on new projects
Determining client goals and requirements for projects
Considering the use of space and how people move through it
Sketching design plans and incorporating electrical and partitions
Specifying materials, furnishings and fixtures
Creating project timelines and cost estimates
Placing material orders and overseeing the installation of design elements
Overseeing construction and coordinating with contractors to make sure projects go according to plan
Visiting the site after project completion to ensure client satisfaction

Interior designers spend most of their time on job sites and working on projects. Self-employed ones dedicate time to marketing and keeping their credentials (including website and portfolio) up to date.

Even if they freelance, most interior designers do not work alone. They partner with architects, engineers, construction laborers and consultants to ensure plans and designs adhere to building codes and inspection regulations.

Translating Ideas for Clients with Sketches

Interior designers often sketch out plans to help showcase their designs for clients and contractors. Sometimes they hand-draw these sketches, but most modern interior designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Other software they use includes a building information modeling (BIM) program that creates 3D drawings to include construction elements like walls or roofs.

Interior Designer Career Overview

Interior designers can focus on various areas, from homes to businesses. Some interior designers work independently, while others work for architecture firms or furniture stores.

The Workplace of an Interior Designer

The interior designer’s primary workplace is the job site, but they often maintain studio space. Many interior designers who work for large firms do so in an office-based environment with ample lighting and space for meeting with clients. They may also meet with clients in their homes to discuss projects.

Types of Interior Design Jobs

Interior design roles are not limited to uplifting spaces inside the home. Any place with a physical footprint can employ an interior designer to help create an inviting space. Common types of interior design jobs include:

Corporate designers focus on creating designs for professional spaces. Their work can involve small offices or large buildings. These spaces are efficient and functional, with a focus on safety. Their design work often incorporates the company’s branding elements, too.
Healthcare designers plan spaces like doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals and residential care facilities. Evidence-based designers use data and research to achieve positive results for patients and facilities.
Kitchen and bath designers specialize in designing functional spaces. They often have expert knowledge of cabinets, fixtures, plumbing and electrical solutions.
Sustainable designers focus on improving the environmental sustainability of homes and spaces. They suggest strategies to enhance the quality of air and energy efficiency.
Universal designers are experts in renovation for accessibility. Most universal designers work in spaces for older adults and those with special needs, but their work benefits everyone. They may design a ramp with wheelchair users in mind but also impact the experience of someone with a baby stroller.

A dog looks at the camera in a stylish kitchen and dining room.

The Difference Between Interior Designers and Interior Decorators

Interior design and interior decorating are not interchangeable terms. As laid out by the noted interior design blog The Spruce, interior decorators work with finishes and décor, but they can also handle furniture orders and arrangements. Many designers hold licenses and certifications to make more extensive changes to the structure of a home. They also have a heavier hand in project management.

Typical Interior Design Salary

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual interior design salary is around $60,340. Interior designers who work with larger companies tend to earn the most money, although boutique designers who design spaces for luxury homes can command higher salaries.

Interior designers who work on more complex projects can command hourly rates as high as $500 per hour, according to Forbes.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts minimal change in the job outlook for the interior design field over the next decade, with few jobs added or lost.

How to Become an Interior Designer

Still thinking about an interior design career? Time to hit the books: Most interior designers need a bachelor’s degree in any field. Many interior designers first focus on fine arts programs, mainly because the most recommended courses include design, drawing and CAD skills.

Consider Attending Design School

Students who know that interior design is their career path might consider one of many programs dedicated to interior design at the associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s levels. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) chooses eligible programs from schools in several states.

For students focused on interior design, CIDA offers the most focused look at institutions that “serve them [students] not only during their time at school” but also foster professional growth.

Become Licensed (If Required)

States generally do not require licenses to work as an interior designer, but a few states require registration to work unsupervised in a commercial space. These states and locations require certification:

Florida
Louisiana
Nevada
Washington, D.C.
Puerto Rico

This certification stems from passing grades on the NCIDQ Examination, administered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification.

Build a Strong Portfolio

Every interior designer – even the famous ones on HGTV – started somewhere. And for most interior designers, that means building a portfolio through internships and smaller jobs. Sometimes that means working on projects for a more prominent firm, but it could also be as simple as taking on a consulting role for a relative or friend.

Practical interior design portfolios demonstrate the following:

Effective balance of aesthetics and function
Mood boards
Sketches
Completed projects

If possible, add projects that highlight a healthy understanding of lighting and color. These tend to stand out more and help bolster your credibility.

The Bottom Line to Interior Design

Interior design is a rewarding career pursuit for creative people who have an eye for arranging and rebuilding spaces. But the path to becoming a talented and accredited designer is more complicated than some might think. Like in other careers, showcasing work and networking effectively bolsters credibility and gives would-be interior design professionals a leg up on building their careers.

Key Takeaways

Interior designers work with contractors and architects to build and design accessible, aesthetically pleasing spaces in homes and businesses.
Interior designers wear a lot of hats to manage projects, handle budgets and sketch designs to deliver results and make clients happy.
Dedicated interior design classes and licenses help designers build the perfect career.
Interior designers need a strong portfolio and work experience to earn their license.

(Reporting by NPD)

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Welcome back

What do Interior Designers Do?

Translating Ideas for Clients with Sketches

Interior Designer Career Overview

The Workplace of an Interior Designer

Types of Interior Design Jobs

The Difference Between Interior Designers and Interior Decorators

Typical Interior Design Salary

How to Become an Interior Designer

Consider Attending Design School

Become Licensed (If Required)

Build a Strong Portfolio

The Bottom Line to Interior Design

Key Takeaways

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