September 6, 2010
A Career As An Interior Designer Can Be A Rewarding One
Becoming an interior designer is an interesting mix of the artistic and the pragmatic. This probably explains why it’s now one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent edition of its Occupational Handbook estimates there will be a need for 19% more in the profession by 2020. The national average for any job is only a growth rate of 10% to 11% over the same years.
An interior designer plans, designs and furnish the interiors of residential, commercial and/or industrial buildings. In other words, it’s about enhancing the function, safety and aesthetics of a living, public or work space. When done well, employers get more work out of their employees, a public space ends up more popular, and a home is a much more attractive place to go to after a busy day. There is a wealth of data about online course on the web.
So being an interior designer means a lot more than running around with swatches of carpet and paint samples. Interior designers have to keep in mind an overall budget and schedules, the safety of whatever subcontractors they hire and the people who live or work in the space, and still manage to create attractive offices, homes, and buildings.
Also, interior designers are no longer limited to the penthouse suites of luxury apartments. Hospitals have found some proper interior design helps speed the recovery of patients. The ergonomic output of a factory can be increased dramatically with some planning regarding their work environment. The more efficient airport and other transportation terminals are also due to design. Keeping abreast of all you can about fashion degree courses may mean quicker success.
Post-secondary school education in interior design is no joke either. Most recruiters will accept a candidate with a two year degree or vocational certificate and a good portfolio and experience. Others prefer a full bachelor’s degree. Areas of study should include drawing, CAD, basic architecture, furniture, color and spatial planning. After graduating, there is usually also an apprenticeship or internship program. From there, many interior designers go on to freelance and build their own fortunes.
It should be realized that most designers are freelancers. Income in many ways is dependent on the level of clients, years of experience and overall knowledge of the field. According to the Bureau, salaries range from $34,000 to $62,000. At the same designers with an incredible reputation can command over $100,000 a year.
As one can imagine, because of the freelance nature of the occupation, benefits such as insurance and retirement are the designer’s responsibility. Yes, if one ends up working for a large organization, the benefits will more than likely be covered. At the same time, there are long lists of people looking for jobs in those places. Analyzing the value of distance learning college degree will work in your favor.
Still, what’s working in a designer’s favor is there is plenty of work out there and online fashion degrees are the way to start. The general public wants more comfortable homes, the business man wants a more productive work environment, and politicians want to attract more homeowners and business to their districts. A lot of this can be done with interior designers and those with a degree certainly have an edge.
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