Career Spotlight - Interior Design

What is an Interior Designer?
An Interior Designer is the individual who plans and organises the decorating and design of the inside of new and existing buildings. These buildings would include private homes as well as businesses such as hotels, offices and restaurants.

As an Interior Designer, you would be required to meet with clients in order to discuss what their requirements are as well as any specifications or ideas that they have. You will need to come up with a design that caters to your client’s needs as well as the budget that they have specified. Another facet of the Interior Designer’s job would be to provide initial sketches to your client in order for them to get an idea of your design proposal. You will need to advise the client on colour, fabrics and furnishings during the design process as well as calculating costs and preparing estimates of the completed job.

What Skills Do I Need?
An Interior Designer needs to possess a good measure of creativity as well as a thorough knowledge of products, materials and architectural history. You will need to have excellent communication skills as you will be dealing with clients, suppliers as well as contractors. The ability to work out costs and stick to a budget is necessary as well as the ability to draw. You should also possess CAD (computer-aided design) skills. You should have excellent organisational skills as you may very well work on several projects at once. A fair knowledge of building and safety regulations would also benefit an Interior Designer. Lastly, a good knowledge of the latest fashion and industry trends is a must!

What Qualifications Do I Need?
In order to become an Interior Designer, a 3-year Degree in Interior Design would be preferable. There are, of course, shorter, less intense courses available to you. Selecting a course approved by the South African Institute for the Interior Design Profession will definitely work to your advantage. Once you have qualified, you should put together a portfolio of your work, as prospective employers will want to see this.

What are the Working Hours and Conditions Like?
Interior Designers can work in a number of different environments – interior decorating firms, architectural firms, design studios as well as home furnishing stores. The option of self-employment is also available, though both capital and experience are needed for this. Your working hours will sometimes be dictated to by your client’s needs – you might have to meet with them at their homes or offices after-hours or on weekends. Visiting furniture and fabric showrooms to keep abreast of the latest product ranges will also keep you out of your office a fair amount of the time.