Career Specializations

• Kitchen and Bath Design: These designers use the most current technology to work with residential homes, spas, and outdoor living spaces to improve their kitchen and bath areas.
• Ergonomics and Green Design: With clients being increasingly more interested in protecting the environment, people who can design in an environmentally friendly manner are highly coveted. This is especially welcome by people who have specific allergies and the elderly.

Back to Top

Degree Levels

• Associate Degree in Interior Design: 2 years
• Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design: 4 years
• Master's Degree in Interior Design: 2-3 years

Back to Top

Education & Certification Requirements

In order to pursue a degree in this field, students must complete some type of postsecondary education in interior design. They may complete as little as an associate degree, which will take about two years to complete or go on to receive their master's degree in interior design, which will take about six to seven years (with a bachelor's degree). It is also important that students obtain some type of experience in interior design, whether it is through a job at a firm or an internship.

While in school, students will take courses in topics such as CAD, spatial planning, color and fabrics, color theory, and furniture design. It is very important that students master these skills as they excel in their education.

Obtaining certification in interior design is not necessary in order to pursue a career in this field. Some states do require some type of certification or license in order to practice, which includes six years of education and experience combined. Further information regarding this in each state can be found through The National Council for Interior Design Qualification.

Some schools or organizations offer certification in specialized areas within this industry, which will inform employers or future employers that you have mastered a particular area and are well qualified. For example, certification can be achieved through the National Kitchen and Bath Association for people who wish to seek specialization in residential kitchen and bath design.

Back to Top

Salary Information

Although salaries for interior designers vary quite a bit depending on where a professional is employed, what sort of specialty he or she has, and the level of experience he or she has, the average yearly salary range for interior designers was approximately $45K in 2008. The top 10 percent earned more than $82K, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $27K. (BLS)

Back to Top

Job Outlook

According to the United States Department of Labor, the field of interior design is currently moving at a fast pace -- faster than many current industries. In fact, this industry is projected to grow an additional 19 percent between 2008 and 2018. This provides a great job outlook for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in interior design or just graduating from a degree program. This is a highly competitive field, however, and prospective applicants will need to work hard to get a coveted position.

The reason for the huge growth in this job market is because people are using interior designers more and more. Business are looking to them to improve their work environment to achieve happier customers, and some customers are turning to them to help with home additions or to help increase the overall value of their homes and retirement homes. (BLS)

Back to Top

Related Careers

Graphic designers communicate ideas visually through different types of digital media. Their artwork is often used in the form of advertisements in order to promote a company in magazines, billboards, and newspapers.

Fashion designers express their creativity through clothing and accessory design each season. Some fashion designers work freelance, while others are employed by major companies. These individuals must have a strong background in color theory, sewing, pattern making, and trend forecasting.

Floral designers assemble beautiful plant and floral arrangements for customers. These can be done through many different mediums such as table arrangements, corsages, and bouquets. They are also created for many different occasions such as holidays, funerals, and weddings.

Artists use a variety of mediums such as oil paints, canvas, electronic media, and sculptural elements to communicate ideas. Many of these individuals are self-employed, but some are also employed by companies, as well. When artists reach a peak in their career, they may have the opportunity to display their work in a museum, gallery, or in private homes.

Commercial and industrial designers use a combination of art, business, and engineering to solve complex problems. They combine these elements in order to design different products that people use in everyday life. It is important that what they design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Back to Top