Description
Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials. They read blueprints and must be aware of building codes and inspection regulations.
The Life of an Interior Designer
1. There Is a Difference Between Decorators and Designers
Literally anyone can become an interior decorator. Someone who loves playing with colors, fabrics and textiles can become a decorator by simply printing business cards and promoting themselves to clients. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but educational background is also important.
On the other hand, an interior designer must have an accredited education; an associate or bachelor’s degree is a requisite for working in the interior design field.
2. Interior Design Isn’t All Fabric and Fun
Interior designers need to be educated in the history of design, the structural integrity of buildings, building codes, ergonomics, spatial concepts, ethics, psychology, computer-aided drawing (CAD) and much more. This broad range of skills is required because designers work with not only homeowners, but also builders, architects, government agencies and business owners.
3. Competition Is Fierce in Interior Design
Interior design is a competitive business. The key to success is getting yourself noticed. Having an amazing designer portfolio will help you land jobs. Another important factor is acquiring an extensive education. The more you know, the better off you will be. Consider looking toward future trends such as population growth, designing for the elderly, modern architecture and green design; education within these specific fields of design will give you the upper hand in the job market.
4. Designers Must Know Local Laws and Codes
Interior designers need to learn about plumbing codes, electricity and load-bearing walls. Staying abreast of such things gives interior designers an advantage and marketability that decorators simply do not have.
5. It’s Not About Your Style, It’s About Theirs
While designers can offer their clients a wide range of design styles to choose from, it is important to remember that it is up to the clients to choose what style suits them best. Just because designers are educated and have good taste does not make their choices superior to their clients. The interior designer’s job is to offer a variety of styles and direct the client toward the right design choice while allowing the client to feel in charge.