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How to become an Interior Designer

Interior Designer

Career progression and salary expectations for an Interior Designer

1

Junior Designer

| Up to £20,000
2

Interior Designer

| Up to £30,000
3

Senior Interior Designer

| Up to £45,000

The role of an Interior Designer

Thinking about changing careers? How about changing rooms?Interior Designers remodel and decorate rooms on behalf of their clients, usually for functional or aesthetic reasons.They could specialise is residential remodelling, in houses or flats, focus on designing functional workplaces, work in the commercial or leisure industry or even in healthcare. But whether it’s a plain pub that’s losing its punters, an outdated office that doesn’t flow or a flat that needs Feng Shui-ing, an Interior Designer will never be far behind.Typical duties for an Interior Designer could include:
  • Being briefed by clients to assess their needs
  • Determining budgets and monitoring costs
  • Researching possibilities and drawing up sketches and proposals
  • Managing contractors and overseeing work
  • Delivering the completed project back to the client
To become an Interior Designer, creative flair is absolutely essential. If your idea of giving a space a fresh feeling is adding a few plant pots and a sophisticated coffee-table book, this may not be the career for you.However, being an Interior Designer isn’t solely about creative vision. To succeed in the industry you will also need excellent business acumen, especially when trying to bring everything under budget, and that needs to be front of mind whenever drafting up ideas.Other key skills include:
  • A good sense of spatial awareness
  • Attention to detail
  • Imagination
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Objectivity
  • Excellent communication skills (listening, in particular, will be essential)
"I absolutely love my job. I've always been really into design and homeware, although initially it was just something I took pride in in my own home. However, after becoming disillusioned in my career, I started looking up how to get into the industry. I completed a few courses and applied for a load of work experience placements, and haven’t looked back since. Every day I get to be creative, and try and come up with the perfect solution to my clients problems. And seeing everything come together and creating a happy and harmonious space that perfectly meets the clients brief (and comes under budget) is a great feeling."

Get qualified as an Interior Designer

There are many routes into this career, whether you study for a degree, do an apprenticeship, or take a course. Skills building courses such as the Interior Designer Bundle and the Interior Design Diploma, alongside relevant work experience could be enough to secure entry-level roles - where you'll be able to work your way up.

Recommended Interior Designer courses

  • Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration in Details

    Cambridge Open Academy
    Spring Deal 14% Off | CPD Accredited | Updated 2024 | FREE PDF Certs | Lifetime Access | 100% Pass Rate | 1K+ enrolment
    • Online
    • 4 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 10 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Popular
    The interior design industry is booming, with a projected job growth of 13% by 2031! This Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration in Details equips you with the foundational knowledge to become a sought-after interior design professional. With modules covering Popular Interio …
    Save 14%
    £12 £14

  • Interior Designer Training

    Learning Facility
    Learn Everything About Interior Design and Get Certified Instantly
    • Online
    • 1.2 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • Tutor support
    ...enrol in this Interior Designer Training professional skills training course today. Key Features of Interior Designer Training Course Free PDF Certificate Included Instant Access to the Interior Designer Training course materials Lifetime Access Interior Designer Training The …
    £12
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