Not many people get to work in a role that they love. Nevertheless, those who work in interior design typically do so because they have a genuine love for design trends as well as the fact that they have creative vision in abundance.
According to the folk at Austin’s Triple Heart Design, a career in interior design would be ideal for those with good communication skills and excellent attention to detail. Interior designers also need to be visual thinkers, be able to understand colors, and know how to work with these colors to great effect. But away from the design side of the job, a good interior designer will also have the ability to work to a budget within a specified timeframe and be able to adapt and solve problems as they arise. If these all sound like attributes you are blessed with, then interior design could be perfect for you.
But is it a good career choice? Will you make money designing the interior of commercial and residential buildings? And is there a demand for people with interior design skills?
Is Interior Design in Demand?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that there were 93,300 people working as interior designers in 2021, and they expect the number to remain stable until at least 2031. So while there is no expectation for major growth in the sector, there does not appear to be any decline either. This means that job openings will typically appear as people leave the sector due to retirement, etc. Demand for interior designers tends to be higher in large cities.
How Much Money Do Interior Designers Make?
The median salary for an interior designer in 2021 was $60,340 per annum. Those who have been working in the industry for longer will typically command higher salaries, particularly once they have built up a good reputation.
Where do Interior Designers Work?
Many people assume that interior designers work for rich clients, designing their expensive properties, but there are many other opportunities for interior designers in the commercial world too. For example, interior designers also work in the following sectors:
- Government buildings
- Corporate buildings
- Healthcare facilities
- Commercial properties
- Hotels and restaurants.
As you can see, there is plenty of scope to let your creative juices flow should you decide to become an interior designer.
How to Become an Interior Designer
The most common route into interior design is with a bachelor’s degree, although some people will complete an associate degree in the first instance to get a feel for what is involved. Those with a bachelor’s degree tend to have more job opportunities and can command a higher entry-level salary.
In some states, you will need a license to work in the industry and will require you to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. It is usually necessary to have a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience before you can take the NCIDQ exam.
What are the Benefits of Working in Interior Design?
There are many benefits to working in the field of interior design, with job flexibility being one of the biggest advantages. Depending on who you work for, you are likely to find that you are not constrained by the traditional 9-5 working pattern. Most interior designers can therefore have a better work/life balance, with the chance to do much of their work from home.
Most interior designers love what they do. They are creative people who get to see their designs come to life. It doesn’t hurt that they can earn a lucrative salary at the same time.