So, You Want to Be an Interior Designer?

Interior design is a very popular career choice because many different types of people are drawn to the field. You will find people with backgrounds in art, architecture, sewing, and carpenters, to name a few. If you are interested in becoming an interior designer, here are some things you should know.

While an eye for color and space and a love for design are important to be an interior designer, the most important traits or skills they must have are good customer service, and excellent organizational skills. When working on a design project it is normal for several things to be going on at one time. The designer must be able to schedule and prioritize all of the aspects of the job, while staying flexible enough to work with schedules of the client and the contractors.

There are several levels of interior design:

Interior decorators focus on helping clients choose styles and colors by selecting furniture, paint and fabric choices, window coverings, artwork and lighting. Room layout is also something an interior decorator would help the client with. To be an interior decorator, in most states do not need specialized education, a talent for space and color is sufficient.

An interior designer's job involves enhancing function, safety, and esthetics of interior spaces. An interior designer must be able to read blueprints, and understand building and fire codes. They must work with architects, electricians, and building contractors as well. Interior designers should at minimum have a two or three year design certificate, and state licenses. Apprenticeship is also helpful to get a designers career started.

Interior design specialists focus primarily on one aspect of the interior design job. There are kitchen designers, flooring specialist, lighting specialist, drafts people, muralists, and store furniture store decorators. Often, after working as a decorator or designer for a few years, people find their niche in one of these, or other areas where they are truly passionate.

How much can an interior designer expect to make?