Interior Design Jobs at the Entry Level
The world of interior design is about creating an atmosphere suitable for the needs and wants of people who will occupy a particular area. It deals with planning a structure for a given space and complementing that space with the right features. Interior designers work on a variety of buildings such as schools, hotels, hospitals, and restaurants; they focus primarily on the colors, textures, furniture, lighting, and space of an area based on what is important to their clients. While the client may only be focused on the attractiveness of a room or building, the designer must also consider the function and safety of an interior space. Therefore, anyone looking for an entry level job in interior design must demonstrate an ability to read blueprints, understand building and fire codes, and make space available to people with disabilities.
There has been a shift in the type of work that interior designers get into. Usually, the majority of designers enjoy decorating, which emphasize the color and style aspects of interior design. Some designers are now becoming more interested in architectural detailing, an area that specializes in the function and construction of a building. Before any work is done, designers may meet with architects, electricians, and building contractors to determine if their designs are safe to implement. Three areas of interior design getting more attention are:
Ergonomic design– design focused on comforting the body
Elder design– design focused on the mobility of elderly and disabled people
Environmental (green) design– design focused on protecting people’s health and conserving the environment
If you get an entry level job in interior design, you will probably follow a guide that most designers do, which consists of three steps:
1. Determine the client’s needs and wants
2. Formulate a design plan and estimate the cost
3. Develop a time line for the project, coordinate contractor work schedules, and make sure work is completed on time
As far as the work environment is concerned, interior designers can choose to work in large firms, small firms, freelance, or even become self-employed. Some may also work from their own office, or their clients’ homes or offices. No matter where the setting is, all designers have the challenge of meeting their objectives in order to be successful.
In order to obtain an entry level job in interior design, it is required that job candidates have a bachelor’s degree in the field. To help you along in the process, you should know that one organization, The National Council for Interior Design Accreditation, accredits interior design programs that create a path to help you earn a bachelor’s degree. However, there are educational programs where college students can earn an associate degree or certificate in interior design; the programs last about two to three years. One organization that can provide experience to new designers is The National Council of Interior Design, which has the Interior Design Experience Program. This program allows participants to gain experience in the field and build new relationships.
There are many other qualifications for job seekers including getting a license in interior design. Employers seem to to want designers who have experience with computer-aided design software, and have an understanding of architecture and engineering for their designs to satisfy the safety requirements of a building.
In the future, more entry level jobs in interior design are expected to become available. This is due to the increasing interest in interior design. Employment is expected to grow by 19% over the next eight years. There should be more demand for designers in the hospitality industry because of tourism, and the health care industry to meet the needs of the elderly population. Some designers could find employment in a specialized area of the field. If you’re looking for work experience, consider taking an internship in interior design to prepare you for your first job.
Salaries of interior designers typically vary depending on experience, the type of employer, area of expertise, and the reputation of the individuals who are hired to work for someone else. From what I found, the starting salary for an entry level job in interior design in the United States is around $29,802.
Interior design is a field that can allow you to get your creative juices going. If you have a desire to help people get organized, create a more productive work environment, or just simply provide an atmosphere of relaxation, then interior design may be for you. It’s all about planning a structure for a particular space and complementing that space with the right features, based on the needs and wants of your clients.
Sources
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos293.htm
http://www.allartschools.com/faqs/interior-design-experience.php
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_compresult_national_DD19000034.html
http://www.vault.com/articles/Contract-(Commercial)-Interior-Design-Jobs-24479028.html
