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Interior Designer

Interior designers design and supervise the construction or redevelopment of building interiors.

Interior design requires an understanding of building construction, lighting, colour and furniture.

Interior designers may work individually as consultants or with a design group.

They visit clients in their homes and offices, and can often work long hours, including evenings and weekends.

They usually work for clients on an agreed fee basis.

TASKS

Interior designers may perform the following tasks:

speak to clients and architects to determine clients' needs and intentions, and to ensure safety requirements are met
develop designs that are appropriate, functional and aesthetically pleasing
prepare working drawings and specifications for interior construction, materials, finishes, space planning, lighting, furnishings and equipment
estimate costs of materials, labour and time, and give estimates to clients for approval
organise supplies and prepare detailed instructions for tradespeople
inspect the work of suppliers and tradespeople, and maintain time, cost and quality controls
work with specialists in technical areas concerned with fire, hydraulics, and mechanical, electrical and structural design, ensuring industry regulations are met
prepare and administer tenders and contract documents
re-design the interiors of old buildings and design furnishings to be made by cabinetmakers, antique furniture restorers and other tradespeople
design exhibitions, commercial display stands or stage, film and television production sets

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

creative and artistic flair
good at problem-solving and lateral thinking
able to work independently or as part of a team
good communication skills
aptitude for technical drawing and illustration

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an interior designer you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in interior design or interior design and decoration. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in applied design, interior design, interior architecture or spatial design. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and submit a folio of recent design work. A number of institutions in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

After gaining some industry experience, graduates may qualify for full membership of the Design Institute of Australia. Student, Graduate and Associate membership may also be available prior to meeting the requirements for full membership.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Interior designers can work on a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, retail, hospitality and institutional developments such as schools and hospitals. A few work as designers on stage, film and television productions.

Major employers include large construction firms, architects, some government departments and large retail stores. Opportunities also exist for self-employment as consultants.

Competition for jobs is very strong. Initially, interior designers may look for work interstate or overseas where a wider range of experience is available.