What do they do?

From concept to completion, an interior designer has to be involved in all stages of the project. There is an unprecedented opportunity for growth in this industry. One only has to look at the new constructions — mixed-use residential developments, boutique homes, malls, hotels etc — coming up across the country. Nowadays, real estate developers hire specialised interior consultants to add value to their property through well designed and theme-based interiors, which are engineered towards their client’s lifestyle.

As an Interior Designer you will be designing living and commercial areas and will have to manage various things at a go. You will be working according to a client’s demands, interest and taste. As a part of the project you will have to survey various buildings, have to go from places to places in search of right material for decorating a place. You will be estimating material requirements and negotiate with clients for fees. You can also become an advisor wherein you can advise a client on areas such as space planning, layout utilisation of furnishings and equipments.  

Skills Needed

• Certain degree of creativity inherently
• Knowledge of certain computer design softwares like AutoCAD, 3DMax or Sketch up is a prerequisite
• Ability to handle both aesthetic and technical aspects of designing spaces
• Strong knowledge of materials
• Organized, attentive to detail and commercial minded
• Well versed in people coordination and communication skillS
• Knowledge of design codes, rules & regulations as stated by the government (so that you don't run into trouble with the authorities!)
• Multi-tasker - you may need to simultaneously juggle various projects
• Quick thinker & solution provider
• Should be precise with numerics to be able to survey and make suggestions of available space & adjustments

How do I get there?

Over the years this field has become more specialised and employers give more importance to academic and professional background. Studying engineering or architecture before specialising in interior design can be helpful. Many design schools offer interior designing courses and some offer masters in fine arts with a specialisation in interior design.

However, there are stand alone course for interior design as well. Students can team up with an organisation, where there will be different people/ teams to take care of the logistical part and the interior designer can just take care of the creatives. However, if at some point, you want to run your own company/ label, make sure that you have all the skills and experiences required to be truely successful. 

Related Colleges

Istituto Marangoni (London)

Istituto Marangoni (Paris)

Istituto Marangoni (Milano)

Typical day in the life of a Interior Designer

Pros & Cons about this career