Interior Design

Interior design is the study of design principles and how they are applied to enhance the quality and functionality of interior physical spaces. In interior design programs, students learn about how the aesthetics of a room can be enhanced through creative design solutions such as light, color, and space. They also learn about technical design solutions and ways that architecture, perspective, and space planning increase the functionality of a room. Students then draw upon their knowledge to design interior spaces using computers or draft floor plans by hand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within the field of interior design is projected in increase 19 percent by 2018, particularly in the areas of home remodeling, healthcare facility design, and green design.

Common Career Paths:

Residential Interior Designer

Residential interior designers create layouts and floor plans for residential buildings such as homes or apartment complexes. They are concerned with designing livable, comfortable spaces that can be utilized for bedroom, dining, entertainment, recreation, and storage purposes. To make sure that interior spaces are designed for both functionality and aesthetics, they consider features like lighting, furniture, colors, and materials, textures, and finishes. Some designers may also have a hand in decorating as far as selecting furniture, artwork, lighting fixtures, floors, and window coverings. These types of interior designers work closely with clients as well as with architects, construction managers, building material suppliers, and furnishing manufacturers. They typically work in office or studio environments and often travel to client's homes, showrooms, or design centers.

Residential interior designers are usually required to have a bachelor's degree in interior design with a concentration in residential design. These types of programs consist of relevant courses like elements of design, materials and furnishings, lighting design, perspective and rendering, design studio, furniture design, textiles, and color theory and application. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of interior designers is projected to increase by 19 percent by 2018. More homeowners are using interior design services to remodel kitchens and bathrooms, update home décor, or add new additions onto their homes.PayScale reports that the average annual salary of interior designers ranges from $32,319 to $49,710.

Commercial Interior Designer

Commercial interior designers create layouts and floor plans for commercial buildings and business spaces such as offices, lobbies, stores, and restaurants, and stores. They are concerned with applying creative design solutions along with technical design solutions to create productive spaces that enhance worker efficiency, increase profits, and attract clientele. To make sure that business spaces are designed for both functionality and aesthetics, they take into consideration factors like flow of traffic, customer comfort, business equipment, and ergonomics. These types of interior designers work closely with building owners, architects, building contractors, construction managers, building material suppliers, electricians, and building inspectors. They typically work in office or studio environments and often travel to manufacturing facilities, design centers, and clients' exhibit sites.

Commercial l interior designers are usually required to have a bachelor's degree in interior design with a concentration in commercial design. These types of programs consist of relevant courses like elements of design, materials and furnishings, building systems, lighting design, building codes and standards, perspective and rendering, textiles, and construction documents and processes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of these types of designers is projected to increase by 19 percent by 2018. More business are using interior design services to redesign offices, restaurants, and stores in order to improve employee and customer satisfaction. The Bureau reported that in May 2008 the median annual salary for interior designers was $44,950 with those in architectural, engineering, and related services and specialized design services earning the highest amounts.

Environmental Designer

Environmental designers create interior design plans that utilize environmentally-friendly materials and resources for both commercial and residential spaces. They are concerned with applying practical design solutions with technical design solutions to create productive spaces that minimize waste, increase productivity, and are energy efficient. To ensure that interior spaces are as "green" as they can be, these designers take into consideration factors like air filtration, plumbing options, eco-smart lighting, chemical-free furniture and carpets, and energy-efficient construction materials. These types of interior designers work closely with clients, architects, building contractors, building material suppliers, electricians, and building inspectors. They typically work in office or studio environments and often travel to manufacturing facilities, design centers, showrooms, and clients' homes and exhibit sites.

Environmental interior designers are usually required to have a bachelor's degree in interior design with a concentration in environmental or green design. These types of programs consist of relevant courses like elements of design, environmental studies, environmental materials and application, building systems, lighting design, building codes and standards, construction documents and processes, and environmental textiles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of these types of designers is projected to increase by 19 percent by 2018. A higher demand for interior designers specializing in environmental design is expected as more homes and business are beginning to be redesigned for energy efficiency. The Bureau reported that in May 2008 the median annual salary for interior designers was $44,950 with those in architectural, engineering, and related services and specialized design services earning the highest amounts.