Career Facts - Interior Design Program
What is an interior designer?
Interior design is an emerging profession, recognized by licensing
in over 22 states and Canada. Professional interior designers
confer with clients to determine needs, preferences, budget,
types of construction, and equipment to be installed. They
create logical interior environmental plans to meet a specific
need, such as raising productivity or improving the lifestyle of
the residents. They also advise clients on such interior design
factors as space planning, layout of furnishing and equipment
and color coordination. They plan and design interior
environments of homes, offices, commercial and institutional
facilities.
What types of skills are required?
Creative problem solving is the most important skills required for
interior designers. In today's marketplace, interior designers
also use computers for problem solving. They are expected to use
word processing for contracts, specifications to computer-aided
kitchen, and bath design to computer aided space planning to aid
in the different phases of the design process. Interior
designers are also expected to demonstrate creativity, visualize
three-dimensional objects from plans, and sell ideas and
products to others. This program provides these skills as the
first step of eligibility for certification through the National
Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam or
students may choose to become certified Kitchen and Bath
Designers by taking the NKBA exams.
Where are they employed?
Beginning interior designers usually begin their career with an
internship or trainee position. Interior designers may work for
home center chains, commercial or residential furniture
showrooms. Other interior designers may work for interior design
studios or in the facility management departments of
institutions.
What is the average salary?
Beginning
interior
designers may be paid hourly, straight salary, salary plus
commissions or bonuses, or straight commission. According to a
national survey in May 2004, the median annual earnings for
interior designers were $40,670. Wages of interior designers
averaged between $30,890 and $53,790.
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