Bringing the spaces of a home or office building to life takes talent and skill, and interior designers are pros at creating comfortable, beautiful, functional, and safe environments in spaces of all sizes and kinds.
Interior designers work to determine space requirements and select which furnishings, lighting, layout, materials, and colors will work best to make the space all that it can be for their client’s needs and style. Interior designers may have clients who range from private individuals to companies moving into new office spaces.
Interior designers collaborate with architects, engineers, and others in their work, reviewing blueprints, building codes, and inspection regulations, as well as universal accessibility standards.
Sample job description
[Your company name] is looking for a passionate and talented interior designer. We need someone who can work with our clients and principal designers to bring creative ideas into reality. We are looking for someone who is interested in staying up on current trends and discovering new products. You will need to be able to input plans into architect software, create floor plans, and assist in product selection. One of the most important things we look for is that you enjoy working with people. If you are creative, detail-oriented, and enjoy design, this job could be for you.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Develop coordinated interior design solutions for specific needs and budgets
- Work collaboratively with architects, engineers, and designers
- Prepare concept boards
- Guide clients through the selection of materials and furnishings, and the budgeting process
- Serve as liaison for furniture and interior decorations vendors
Education and experience
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field, preferably with coursework in drawing and computer-aided design (CAD). Job candidates with an interior design license can help boost their career opportunities.
Required skills and qualifications
- Expertise in computers and technology
- Keen attention to detail
- Strong collaborative and problem-solving skills
- Can work independently with minimal oversight
Preferred qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with Mac Operating System, IOS devices, Microsoft Office and Google Applications
- Bachelor’s degree in design or another related field
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for an interior designer is $61,450 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $61,100 | $82,700 |
| Los Angeles, California | $68,950 | $93,300 |
| Denver, Colorado | $57,450 | $77,750 |
| Washington, DC | $70,000 | $94,700 |
| Miami, Florida | $57,200 | $77,400 |
| Orlando, Florida | $52,750 | $71,350 |
| Tampa, Florida | $53,300 | $72,100 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $55,900 | $75,600 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $64,250 | $86,900 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $69,450 | $94,000 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $55,350 | $74,900 |
| New York City, New York | $73,150 | $98,950 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $59,550 | $80,550 |
| Dallas, Texas | $58,000 | $78,450 |
| Houston, Texas | $57,450 | $77,750 |
| Seattle, Washington | $66,850 | $90,450 |
| National Average | $52,250 | $70,650 |
Typical work environment
Interior designers may work in a few different environments. They may work for a large company or for a small office. They may drive to a client’s home or design site to meet with them. Because of technological advances, interior designers can now use software for their work instead of drafting on paper. Typical work weeks are 40 hours.
Typical hours
The typical work hours for an interior designer are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, generally in an office setting or on-site.
Available certifications
Clients look at certifications as a way to recognize education, experience, and proficiency in interior designers. Certifications increase a client’s trust in your abilities. Take a look at the following:
- Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ). Completion of this program recognizes the competency of an interior designer. This includes a three-part exam: the Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and the Practical Exam (PRAC). Two years of education after high school is required as well as two years of experience.
- Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD). Applicants to this program must have a minimum of four years of experience, including two years of kitchen or bath design. Applicants will submit 8 design drawings. They will be scored and those who score 75% or higher will be allowed to take the CKBD exam. The Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer program focuses on design solutions, specifications, graphics and presentation, and mechanics and construction. Those who complete this course show they have the technical and communication skills necessary for this certification.
Career path
Becoming an interior designer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field, preferably with classes in drawing and computer-aided design (CAD). Job candidates with an interior design license can boost their career opportunities.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 27-1025
| 2020 Employment | 87,000 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 86,900 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 0.01% decrease |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 100 decrease |
Position trends
Designers can expect to respond to growing client expectations that the interiors of homes and offices meet certain conditions, such as being environmentally friendly and more easily accessible to all people.
Sample interview questions
- What drives your design decisions?
- What motivates you at work?
- Do you consider aestheticism or functionality to be more important in design?
- Where do you see your career heading in the next five years?
- What section of your portfolio are you most proud of?
- What do you like about interior design?
- What do you not like about interior design?
- Has a client ever been dissatisfied with your work?
- What interior design course was most difficult for you and why?
- We are looking for someone who is detail-oriented. Tell me about a time that you caught a mistake.
- Tell me about a time where your actions didn’t line up with your core values.
- What is your ideal workspace environment?
- How do you prioritize tasks for a renovation project?
- When designing a room, what is the most important factor to you?
- What wood do you prefer for designing?
- How do you keep up with industry changes?
- Describe a time you received criticism from your supervisor. How did you respond to it?
- What do you know about sustainable design?
