INTERIOR DESIGNERS Number 189 Interest Area 1 1998
THE JOB
INTERIOR DESIGNERS plan and design or redesign attractive and useful interiors for homes, hotels, ships, hospitals, office buildings, and other commercial structures. They can be classified by the following general categories:
(1) Designers who own and operate design studios
(2) Designers who work as assistants or associates in design firms
(3) Designers employed by retail or office furnishings stores
(4) Designers employed by architectural firms
(5) Designers employed in the design departments of large firms and
institutions
Interior Designers usually work directly with clients and must consider their requirements, tastes, preferences, and budget. They must keep form, color, scale, and arrangement in balance, and at the same time be concerned with utility, construction, economy, and client satisfaction. Designers should be familiar with the nature of woods, textiles, and decorating products such as paint and wallpaper. They should be knowledgeable about the historical periods that have influenced the development of furniture style and room design.
Designers often work from blueprints, make detailed floor plans, and draw furniture to scale. They shop in wholesale markets to locate furnishings and accessories, and, when necessary, design original pieces to be made to order. They often work closely with both building and landscape architects in planning the interiors of new buildings or remodeling old ones. Presentations for client approval usually include a sketch or scaled floor plan showing furniture arrangement, color charts, and samples of upholstery, draperies, and wall coverings. The complete proposal includes an estimate of the cost for the installation. After the proposal is accepted, Interior Designers assemble furnishings and act as agents for their clients by contracting and supervising the services of craft workers.
Some Interior Designers may specialize in color coordination, lighting, furniture or fabric design. Others may teach at universities, art schools, or adult education facilities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment is usually quite pleasant; however, much time is spent away from headquarters, meeting with clients, contractors, or shopping. Designers must drive in all types of weather and sometimes work in buildings under construction. They often carry heavy, bulky sample books and sometimes have to climb ladders. Designers should have a valid California driver's license, and some employers require workers to have the use of a car.
Designers have to cope with administrative details and masses of paperwork such as specifications, estimates, and purchase orders. They must be able to deal tactfully with clients and supervise craft workers. Work is often performed under the pressure of deadlines and budget limitations.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 3,220 Estimated number of workers in 2005 3,790 Projected Growth 1993-2005 18% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 640
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Continuous use of design services in residences and commercial establishments has increased the demand for qualified interior designers. Many consider the employment of an Interior Designer a luxury expense, so job opportunities are more frequent in prosperous times. When the economy turns down, chances of employment decrease markedly. Competition is very keen in this occupation, as there are more applicants than available job openings. Consequently, employers are becoming more selective and prefer to hire experienced job seekers instead of the trained but inexperienced. Additional job opportunities will result from the need to replace workers who leave the labor market.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Designers may be paid a salary, commission, or salary plus commission. The median wage for designers in California is $15.06. New designers usually start at a lower wage. Commissions may be included. Experienced designers may earn $60,000 a year or more. Independent and self-employed designers often earn more; their incomes vary with the type, size, and complexity of projects, and upon their reputations and acceptance in the community. A small number of nationally known designers earn as much as $100,000 to $250,000 or more a year. Work hours are irregular to accommodate clients and may often involve nights and weekends.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A successful Interior Designer must expect a long hard struggle. To succeed one must possess a combination of talent, personality, and a healthy competitive sense. Years of experience and training are necessary in order to advance. A beginning Interior Designer must accept jobs that offer basic practical experience and put up with long hours and difficult clients. Good computer skills, particularly with regard to drawing software programs, are becoming more and more desirable.
Satisfaction in this work is found through artistic expression and interpretation of client's tastes. Interior Designers derive a great deal of pleasure from working with beautiful things and from seeing the results of careful planning and creative ideas. Interior Designers must work hard and be patient in order to succeed.
Entry into the profession of interior design usually requires graduation from an accredited college, university or professional school of interior design. The course of study should include principles of design, history, art, free hand and mechanical drawing, and basic architecture. Correspondence or home study courses are not considered a substitute for formal education. New designers should expect to continue their education on the job. It generally takes three to five years of practical experience to become fully qualified. Assignments in selling or shopping provide excellent on-the-job training. Part-time or summer employment in the furniture department of retail stores or large architectural firms provide good basic training for students and may lead to a permanent job.
Interior Designers are eligible for membership in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) or the Institute of Business Designers (IBD) if they meet the membership requirements which include professional training and experience and the passing of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotion for Interior Designers usually consists of assignment to more complex jobs with larger budgets and salary increases. Very talented Interior Designers may advance to the head of a decorating or design department. They may become interior furnishings coordinators or be given other supervisory positions in department stores or larger decorating or design firms. Designers with additional experience and consulting expertise may go into business for themselves
FINDING THE JOB
Interior Designers find jobs through their school and by direct application to employers, private employment agencies, or the California Employment Development Department Job Service. It is advisable to prepare a portfolio of work for presentation.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Institution of Business Designers 341 Merchandise Mart Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 467-1950
American Society of Interior Designers:
Headquarters 608 Massachusetts Ave. N.E. Washington, DC 20002 (202) 546-3480
Los Angeles Chapter Pacific Design Center Bldg., M52 8687 Melrose Avenue West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 659-4716
California North Chapter Two Henry Adams Street, Suite 301 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 626-ASID www.designfinder.com/index.html
Foundation for Interior Design Education Research 60 Monroe Center, N.W., Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 458-0400
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Commercial Artists No. 4 Fashion Designers No. 185 Architects No. 210
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed.,1991) Interior Designer 142.051-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Interior Designers 340410
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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