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Last Updated on February 13, 2025
Interior design is one of the most high-paying and in-demand jobs right now. If you want to break into the interior design industry, you must learn a trick or two. You must know interior design is more than just thinking and planning about a home’s interior space. Here are the top career paths interior designers can take to ensure they can rise above the competition.
Dreaming of a career in interior design? From residential styling to commercial spaces, explore the most exciting paths, required skills, and how to get started in this creative industry. Find your perfect fit today! #InteriorDesignClick To TweetWhat This Article Covers
- Breaking into Interior Design: Discover the essential steps to start a successful career in interior design.
- Education and Certification: Learn about the degrees and certifications that boost credibility and career opportunities.
- Building a Portfolio: Find out how to create an impressive portfolio that showcases your design skills and versatility.
- Essential Software Skills: Understand the importance of mastering industry-standard design software for success.
- Top Career Paths: Explore diverse career options, from interior and kitchen design to furniture and lighting design.
- Industry Networking: Learn how connecting with professionals and organizations can open doors to job opportunities.
- Staying on Trend: Get insights into how keeping up with the latest design trends can set you apart in the industry.
- Advice for Success: Gain expert tips on working with clients, training under experienced designers, and excelling in the field.
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How to Get into the Interior Design Industry
- Earn a Relevant Degree: Obtain a degree in interior design or a related field. Accredited programs provide foundational knowledge in design principles, space planning, and industry-standard software.
- Gain Practical Experience: Participate in internships or work in design-related roles. Experience in drafting, color theory, and client interactions is crucial for building a competitive portfolio.
- Develop a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your design skills and style through a well-curated portfolio. Include varied projects to demonstrate versatility and creativity in interior design solutions.
- Learn Industry Software: Master design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite. Proficiency in these tools is essential for creating realistic renderings and floor plans.
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- Understand Building Codes: Familiarize yourself with building codes and regulations. Knowledge of safety standards is critical for designing functional and compliant spaces.
- Network and Connect: Attend industry events, join design organizations, and connect with professionals on social media. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities and job openings.
- Stay Informed on Trends: Keep up with the latest interior design trends, materials, and technologies. This knowledge helps in creating modern and innovative designs.
- Work on Personal Projects: Undertake personal design projects or volunteer work to enhance your skills and expand your portfolio. This also demonstrates initiative and passion for design.
- Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor in the industry who can provide guidance, feedback, and support as you navigate your
career path in interior design. - Consider Certification: Explore certification options, such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, to further establish credibility and expertise in the field.
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Career Options in the Interior Design Industry
If you want to jump-start your career in interior design, you must first obtain a degree in interior design from schools such as the American International
Interior Designer
As an individual with a degree in interior design, the top career option for you is to become an interior designer. Your primary role is to create beautiful interiors for houses, condominiums, offices, and commercial spaces such as restaurants, hotels, and even schools. To be successful, you have to bring in a streak of creativity. You must clearly understand color theory and remain up-to-date on the latest trends in interior design.
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Kitchen Designer
If you want a specific field of expertise, being a kitchen designer is an option. You will be primarily responsible for creating the design aesthetics of kitchens while keeping the functionality a top priority. In most cases, you will work with architects and contractors to identify the kitchen floor plan to ensure the design can work seamlessly with other building factors. To become a kitchen designer, you must understand how the kitchen’s temperatures can affect your decor. You must also factor in future maintenance needs since kitchens can often become busy, and frequent upkeep may not be a welcome idea.
Furniture Designer
It is pretty common nowadays to see interior designers working as furniture designers. When you become a furniture designer, you will work with clients or suppliers. If you want to work with clients directly, you may receive offers to design and arrange furniture in their homes, offices, showrooms, and other areas to allow them to maximize the use of their space. If you prefer to work with suppliers, your main task would be to develop designs that will be sold to clients by the suppliers.
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Lighting Designer
Do you know why they say a lighting design can change a space’s ambiance and overall feel? If yes, then you may have a career as a lighting designer. But before you trek this path, you must know wiring fundamentals. You can also work with a qualified electrician to ensure your lighting design accommodates the needed lighting load. Your work may also involve decorating light fittings and other fixtures. If you want to be successful, you must stay on top of the latest lighting technology.
Exhibition Designer
If you feel that your design aesthetics go beyond confined spaces, you may want to try being an exhibition designer, where you will work on layouts and design schemes of exhibition halls. Since exhibition designers must develop a unique yet compelling design for each project, you must also know about custom-built designs and floor management. It will help if you know CAD and Adobe Suite programs.
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Words of Advice
To succeed in interior design, you must value your client’s needs and wants while ensuring that you are not compromising your creativity. It would also be best to train under an experienced interior designer before you start your independent journey towards interior design.
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