Module 01: What is Interior
Design?
Summary/What you will learn:
What is meant by the terms “interior design” and
“interior designer”
The tasks carried out by interior designers on a day to
day basis
The main steps involved in overseeing an interior design
project
Why interior design is a valuable discipline
The qualities essential for a successful career as an
interior designer
Training and qualification options for those looking to
become an interior designer
Career prospects and average salary bands for interior
designers
1.1 Welcome!
Welcome to this course on becoming an
interior designer!
The course will provide you with an overview of interior
design as a discipline, establish the qualities and
qualifications an interior designer needs in order to launch a
career in the field and outline the practical issues you need
to bear in mind when starting your own business or working on
a freelance basis.
In addition, most of the modules within this course contain
practical instructions that will give you a grounding in
design principles and the factors a designer takes into
account when working within a particular space. While the
emphasis is on residential spaces, this course will also be of
interest to those looking to design commercial interiors.
1.2 What is interior design?
At its most simple, interior design is about
optimizing indoor spaces so that they serve
a specific purpose.
The way in which space is designed can make all the difference
when it comes to the safety, comfort, and general convenience
of those making use of it. Interior design can be employed on
a grand scale.
For example
In designing the interior of a lavish new hotel – or on a more
modest level, such as the partial renovation of a small
terraced house.
Interior design is sometimes associated with wealth. The
latter is a perception based partly on truth – those with lots
of money can spend money hiring those who can help make their
dreams a reality. However, working-class individuals and
public organizations also hire interior designers, when
looking to revamp their homes and offices.
What exactly do interior designers do on a day to day
basis?
An interior designer typically works on a project-by-project
basis, aiming to fulfill the brief they receive from their
client. Some designers work for a design company, where they
often hold a job that requires them to work regular office
hours. Along with desk work, a significant proportion of a
designer’s time is spent on site. Site visits are an essential
element of this work, as it allows a designer the chance to
become intimately acquainted with the project space.
Many designers, especially those who have accumulated
experience in the field and have built up a portfolio of work,
operate from home. They will meet with clients on-site or in
their home office, when discussing the scope and intended
project outcomes. Wherever they work, designers often
specialize in one or more types of project.
For example
They may work for a company that creates commercial spaces or
specializes in decorating small urban homes.
A designer may charge on an hour-by-hour or project-by-project
basis. They may request that their client pays them once they
reach particular milestones, such as drawing a floor plan or
presenting a color scheme.
A client may have a brief outline of the functionality and
look of the new potential space, or they may be more flexible
and willing to seek a designer’s advice. Designers should
identify why the client is looking to create a particular
space, what purpose it intends to serve, what the overall
budget is, and the estimated completion date. The next step is
for the designer to put together their proposed design and
vision. They will often use a range of tools and techniques to
do this, from mood boards and drawings to high-end interior
design software. Some clients may find one format preferable
to another, and the designer needs to present their concepts
in a manner that the client understands. At this stage, the
client may make further suggestions as to how the design would
better suit their preferences. It is the designer’s task to
produce an interior that leaves the client happy, but at the
same time is in keeping with professional design standards.
It may take a couple of revisions and meetings before a client
is satisfied with the proposed interior. Once both designer
and client have approved them, the practical work can begin. A
client may use a designer’s vision when working with
decorators and builders, or in the case of a relatively simple
renovation, replicate the design themselves.
For example
If a designer has recommended particular shades of paint, a
specific floor layout and an idea for a unifying theme, the
client may decide that they are capable of putting it into
action.
Commercial projects and those that require a designer or a
team of designers to work with a large organization will need
extensive logistical planning.
1.3 The history of interior design
People have always been interested in
decorating the spaces in which they live and
work.
As far back as the Stone Age, people decorated their living
spaces using drawings and patterns daubed in natural pigments
from plants. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all paid great
attention to the appearance of their most famous buildings,
with the Romans making a point of showing off their wealth
with lavish interiors.
In most countries and cultures, architects have been
responsible for choosing the interior decor of interiors. The
role of “interior designer” is a relatively recent
development.
Until the 1700s, elaborate interior design was a luxury
reserved for the elite. However, as the 18th century wore on,
the middle classes had the chance to make use of mass-
produced, affordable ornaments, and textiles. By the 1800s,
the middle classes started to use materials and styles that
would previously have been considered too luxurious for those
not in the upper echelons of society, such as wallpaper.
There have been numerous interior styles over time, including
eclectic, classical, and rustic – and some are still big
inspirations today.
Interior design, as a distinct profession has been in
existence for approximately 100 years. The first officially
recognized interior designer in western society is thought to
be Dorothy Draper, an American interior decorator. The first
publication to use the expression “Interior Designer” was
Interior Design and Decoration magazine, which was first
published in the 1930s.
Why is interior design an important field?
Interior design is one of the most practical applications of
creativity. Whether most people consciously admit it, we are
all affected by our surroundings on a profound level.
In the United States, most spend work and leisure time
indoors. Therefore, our surroundings influence our mood and
thoughts from the moment we wake up in the morning and see our
bedroom decor. Although people have different tastes, everyone
feels better when they live and work in an environment that
supports their wellbeing. Interior designers make use of
color, patterns, lightings and other elements, to create the
right atmosphere in any given space.
For example
Hospitals and clinics often feature plenty of white and cream,
to create an impression of cleanliness, purity, and hygiene.
There is nothing about white paint that is intrinsically
cleaner, but it has a powerful psychological effect.
Interior design can even improve interpersonal relationships.
Consider how much more pleasant it is to spend time with
others in a welcoming space. Even the happiest family or
closest group of friends will have a better time in a clean,
well-designed home, as opposed to a messy environment. If you
have children, providing them with a comfortable, safe home in
which to grow is one of the most valuable steps you can take
in nurturing their emotional and psychological development.
Finally, interior design is of cultural significance. Even if
you have no desire to work as a designer, studying the
aesthetics of various eras is a great way in which to bring
history to life. If you enjoy visiting stately homes and other
buildings from centuries that boast interiors from a bygone
age, you will appreciate how exciting it can be to imagine how
other people lived. Interior design offers us a tangible means
of connecting with previous generations, along with a means of
inspiring the next wave of designers.
Activity 1: The Importance of Interior
Design
Estimated time: 10+ minutes
Think about the last time you had to attend an appointment,
meeting, or event in a public building such as a library, a
healthcare center, or a town hall.
What was your general impression of the place?
What kind of mood or feeling did it inspire within you?
Why do you think the interior made you feel this way?
Narrow it down to at least three specific details.
1.4 What qualities are helpful for
a career in interior design?
Most people would probably assume that
artistic ability and creative flair are the
essential qualities an interior designer
needs to possess.
However, there are several other skills you will need to
develop if you want to build a successful career in this
field. The following skills will give you a great foundation
from which to start your career:
Confidence
If you intend to work for yourself, you will need to be
comfortable in promoting your own work. When you are starting
out, whether as an employee of a design firm or working on a
freelance basis, you must have faith in your ability to create
and implement designs that meet the client brief. You will
need to feel secure in your unique sense of style and
preferred way of working.
Creativity
Interior design involves a significant degree of creative
thinking. You will need to use the clients’ briefs as a
starting point for the realization of a grander vision. There
are many elements to consider when planning a space and you
will need to bring them in harmony with one another. You need
to strike a balance between working within parameters
specified by the client and weaving your own creativity into
each project.
Visualization skills
Modern interior design entails the use of software, but a
designer will still need to draw on their ability to visualize
how a space will look upon completion. In time, you will be
able to stand in a room and imagine in your mind’s eye how it
would look following decoration or innovation. Visualization
skills are also useful if an interior does not turn out quite
like you or the client wish, because they will allow you to
quickly determine the adjustments that need to be made.
Willingness to use and adapt to various computer
software
It is standard industry practice to use software that allows
you to model spaces before undertaking any work.
Mastery of such programs requires time, practice and patience.
New versions of popular packages are released on a frequent
basis and it is a good idea to keep up to date with new
software features. If you do not find the software easy to
use, you may need to arrange training, either online or in a
classroom setting. You may also need to set aside time to
practice using a program before beginning a project, as
“learning on the job” may be very stressful in this scenario!
Initiative
Not all projects will go to plan and you will need to draw on
your own initiative when you inevitably come across a
stumbling block.
For example
You may run a project that unexpectedly goes over budget and
you need to come up with a means of producing the desired look
at a lower cost. Sometimes, you will be faced with a setback
in the form of illness and may then have to make up for the
lost time.
You will need to remain calm and work with your client to
reconfigure the schedule.
A sense of your own style
Most people can learn the basics of design, but the most
successful designers add their personal flair to their
projects. You may have always favored a particular “look” or
still feel unsure as to your preferences. The more experience
you gain in bringing client visions to life, the more
confident you will feel in adding your own distinctive “stamp”
to every project.
Versatility is a great asset and you should never override
your client’s preferences, but showing a signature style
across your portfolio will allow you to build a distinct
“brand.” Even if you do not sell your own products, it is
still helpful to think of yourself as offering a unique
service.
Therefore, you should aim to develop a USP – Unique Selling
Point.
The ability to apply basic design principles
There are a huge number of potential styles you can use to
improve or create an interior space, but there are certain
“rules” or guidelines that most creative professionals
incorporate into their practice.
Objects arranged in threes are usually more aesthetically
appealing than those arranged in odd numbers and mirrors can
make a space appear larger than it actually is.
Project management skills
Each client represents at least one distinct project. Even
when working in a team with others, a designer will still need
to take responsibility for organizing their portion of the
design work, ensuring that it is ready on time.
Freelance designers must possess especially strong project
management skills, as they must coordinate all stages and
aspects of the project. As you gain experience in seeing
projects through to completion, you will soon be able to
provide accurate estimations as to how much time a room, home,
or commercial space will take.
Good communication skills
While some clients will be cooperative and communicate their
needs clearly, others will have unrealistic expectations, be
prone to changing their minds, or have no idea as to what they
want or need.
A designer should anticipate that some clients will need
extensive guidance in choosing elements of interior space,
whereas others may have devised an unrealistic brief that far
exceeds financial and practical limitations. In these
instances, a designer will need to exercise tact and
diplomacy, drawing on their past experiences when explaining
to a client what is and what is not feasible.
Financial planning
A freelance designer needs to have an appreciation of cost –
what fixtures and fittings cost, how much it costs to cover a
floor in a mid-range carpet, how much builders and decorators
typically charge for various jobs and all other common costs
associated with interior decoration.
This is essential, in order to properly advise a client on how
much they should expect to spend on the project and the
anticipated breakdown of costs.
A desire to keep on learning
Some styles and design principles have stood the test of time,
but each year brings with it new approaches, colors, and
decorating techniques. In order to offer their clients an up
to date space, a designer needs to take responsibility for
keeping up with trends. However, a good designer knows that it
is not a good idea to try out new fashions just for the sake
of it – every space is an individual project and requirements
will differ in each case.
The ability to work with other professionals involved
in a project
Interior designers often work with people other than
individual clients. For example, they may need to collaborate
with builders, painters, and architects in order to realize a
specific vision.
A willingness to work in different environments
Even if you choose to specialize in designing a particular
kind of space, each environment is different. You may work in
an urban flat one week and then move on to designing a country
house interior the next. It is fine to favor one type of
project over another, but do not become too trapped in your
comfort zone. Pushing yourself outside your usual parameters
will force you to tap into your creativity and keep yourself
engaged with your profession.
General professionalism
Interior designers often work with individuals and
organizations who are spending a lot of money in pursuit of a
particular result. They expect their project to be well run,
completed on time and to be carried out in a professional
manner. From the way you dress to the way in which you talk to
clients, aim to always uphold the highest possible standards.
Activity 2: What Makes For A Good
Interior Designer?
Estimated time: 5+ minutes
Now that you have an understanding of what an interior
designer does on a day to day basis, you will be able to
appreciate just how diverse a successful designer’s skill set
needs to be.
List at least five personal qualities or skills, besides
creativity, that you think are necessary in order to do this
kind of job.
1.5 How are interior designers
trained?
There are several routes into the industry.
The most conventional path is via an arts degree that prepares
students with the skills required to work either for an
existing company or to set up their own.
For example
The New York School of Interior Design offers two and four-
year degrees in both theoretical and field studies.
Some colleges of higher education also offer courses other
than degrees.
Some interior designers study architecture and spend their
careers designing the construction of buildings and interiors,
along with devising plans for their interior décor.
Architecture is a competitive and demanding profession and
entry standards for degree courses are high.
For example
The College of Architecture at Texas A&M-College Station
offers two tracks in the Bachelor of Environmental Design
program. One, which is a pre-professional design study track
or the research study track.
A degree in architecture not only equips you with the skills
needed to design buildings, but it also gives you transferable
skills that are useful in film-making, fine art, and many
other design-based disciplines.
Colleges often have links with companies and individuals
already working in the design industry. This allows for
professional interior designers to help students find
internships and gain valuable work experience, which is
usually a requirement for securing employment following
graduation. College also allows for externships which really
help student designers to get their foot “in-the-door.”
When taking on new employees, the majority of agencies request
a degree-level qualification in design or architecture.
Universities and colleges also have special facilities that
enable students to become acquainted with the tools they will
use when working in a design agency or as freelance designers.
Subscriptions to industry-standard software can be expensive
and students are usually entitled to receive a discount for
the duration of their course.
However, the conventional route of attending art college or
university is not an option for everyone looking to become an
interior designer. One alternative is to undertake online
learning courses from a credible institution.
For example
The Academy of Art University offers an Online Interior
Architecture and Design degree designed to prepare students
for a career as an industry professional.
While there are not as many online degrees in the United
States offered in the field of Interior Design, this route
allows for a more flexible schedule. It is important to note
that not all students are good with online education. Some
students find it hard to motivate themselves to complete the
work because they are not required to be in a physical class.
But the latter can have serious implication on grades and
enrollment.
There is no law prohibiting anyone from setting up their own
interior design business. If you have a talent for design and
are willing to teach yourself all the practical skills
required, you could find success as a self-taught designer, if
you work on small-scale projects in residential settings.
However, you will have better prospects and a much more
substantial skill set if you seek out formal training.
It may also be possible to secure a job at an agency if you
have a proven track record of completing projects to a high
standard along with an outstanding portfolio, but this is not
a common route for interior designers to take.
Fact
Interior designer education requirements usually consist of a
bachelor’s degree but are also available at the associate’s,
bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels.
Source: [Link]
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1.6 What are the prospects like for
interior designers?
The good news is that there will always be a
demand for people who can design efficient,
cost-effective spaces in both residential
and commercial contexts.
Successful designers may be booked up months or years in
advance and a few have become household names. At the same
time, interior design is a competitive industry. It attracts a
lot of people who like the idea of working with high-end
furnishings and fittings or designing spaces that will allow
them to realize their own personal vision rather than that of
a client.
It is important to be realistic and acknowledge that it can
take a considerable amount of time and effort to build a solid
reputation as an interior designer. At the same time, there is
no need to be discouraged, providing you are willing to work
hard and continually develop your style and skill set.
A designer working in their first job can expect to earn
approximately $39, 200 per year.
Their salary will increase as they gain experience and take on
additional responsibilities, such as overseeing large-scale
projects. Some agencies will offer bonuses and commission pay.
Depending on the rate at which a designer progresses and the
opportunities available within a company, salaries should
increase to commiserate with experience. A senior designer can
command a salary of over $60, 000 and those with significant
creative responsibility (sometimes known as “creative
directors”) can command salaries that run into six figures.
Self-employed designers’ salaries depend on their ability to
secure contracts. In theory, they are not constrained by a
salary restriction, but rather need to strike a balance
between ambition and realistic expectations.
Fact
In the United States, there are no
federal guidelines for getting an interior design license, but
most states offer certification or registration. The
International Interior Design Association and the American
Society of Interior Designers both advocate for registered
interior designers.
Source: [Link]
Assignment
What is Interior Design?
Time: 30+ minutes
Hopefully, you took in as much of the information in this
module as possible. To find out how well you have done,
complete the following worksheet.
Download the worksheet below and complete.
Download Worksheet (PDF)
Module Summary
Interior designers work to visualize and produce interiors in
a range of contexts, including homes and commercial spaces.
Their aim is to deliver interiors that match a client’s brief,
providing them with a space in which to live or work that is
both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. They need to
understand how to plan a space, how to make use of color, how
to choose the appropriate furniture, how to make use of
lighting and how to work to a budget. It is common for
designers to work with other professionals, such as architects
and builders, so good communication skills are a necessity.
Interior designers can be entirely self-taught, but most hold
degree-level qualifications in design, architecture, or
another related discipline. Along with a degree of creative
flair, a designer must possess the skills needed to develop
and oversee projects to completion. This means understanding
how to put together a realistic timeline, communicating with
clients and being willing to overcome problems in a flexible,
creative manner. The design industry is immensely competitive,
so those looking to work in this field need to be comfortable
with self-promotion.
It is common for interior designers to be self-employed, but
most spend time working in design firms while they build up a
portfolio and list of contacts. Ambitious designers can set up
their own medium or large-scale business and employ other
people, or they may prefer to operate as an individual.
Whichever option they choose, they will need to be familiar
with the rules and legislation that come with self-employment
and running a commercial operation.
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