Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. With a keen eye for detail and a creative flair, an interior designer is someone who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages such enhancement projects. Interior design is a multifaceted profession that includes conceptual development, space planning, site inspections, programming, research, communicating with the stakeholders of a project, construction management, and execution of the design.esigners craft spaces that anticipate our needs and appeal to our emotions while pulling from a broad set of skills and technical knowledge. Interior design has changed dramatically since the early 20th century when it was just beginning to emerge as a profession
Interior designers are expected to have working knowledge of:
- Textiles, materials, color, space planning, sustainability, and more
- Software applications for 2D & 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM)
- Structural requirements, health and safety issues, and building codes
Today, interior designers work with contractors, architects, engineers, craftsmen, furniture dealers, and business and home owners. To become a successful interior designer, you need a well-rounded education and the skills to work within many disciplines (architecture; graphic design; decorative arts; and textile, furniture, and lighting design).
You may be wondering: What do interior designers do, anyway? And what is an interior designer, exactly? Understanding how a space impacts its inhabitants is the heart of an interior designer’s work. How a space makes us think, feel, and act are all important aspects of our lives—and whether you realize it or not, the interior design profession has a profound impact on well-being. That’s especially true of the areas where we spend the majority of our time, like our offices and homes.
If you’re thinking about how to become an interior designer, there are many different ways to do it—and pursuing an interior design career doesn’t have to happen through a traditional inroad. Many interior designers begin their professions in completely different jobs before settling on the creative path. No matter what, though, there are certain foundational steps that make an expert’s work well informed.
First and foremost, interior design work is shaped by understanding communities and their needs. There are also various types of licensure and protections in place to make sure design work is safe, inclusive, and accessible. If you’re a creative and empathetic mind, it may be time to test out this career path
What does an interior designer actually do.
- An interior designer creates functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing spaces for residential, commercial, and other projects. They do this by:
Understanding client needs: Working with clients to understand their ideas and preferences
Selecting design elements: Choosing colors, lighting, materials, textiles, and furniture placement
Creating plans: Preparing 2D and 3D plans using design software
Estimating costs: Providing estimates for materials, work, and timescales
Finding suppliers: Sourcing fittings, furniture, fabrics, and wall and floor coverings
Liaising with contractors: Working with contractors, electricians, painters, and plumbers to ensure the project meets the client’s needs
Researching trends: Keeping up with popular home design trends and styles
Interior designers need to have a well-rounded education and skills in many disciplines, including:
Architecture
Graphic design
Decorative arts
Textile, furniture, and lighting design
They must also be able to:
Draw, read, and edit blueprints
Be aware of building codes, inspection regulations, and accessibility standards