How to become an interior designer
There are severalroutes tobecoming an interior designer. You could complete universityor collegecourse, an apprenticeship, oron-the-job training.
You should explore these routesto becoming an interior designerto findoutwhichone isright for you.Although some of theseoptions havecertainqualification requirements,someemployers aremoreinterested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may needa Construction Skills Certification Scheme(CSCS)card to work on a construction site, which will requireyou tohave avalidCITBHealth, safety and environment test.
University
To become an interior designer you could complete a relevant foundation degree, higher national diploma (HND) or undergraduate degree.
You could also move into interior design after studying architecture, fine art, graphic design, or textile or furniture design.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
College/training provider
There are various college courses you couldtaketo helpyou onyour journey to becoming an interior designer, such as:
- Level 3 Diploma in Interior Design
- Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design
- A Level in Art and Design
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Apprenticeship
There aren’t many specific apprenticeships for interior designers. You could complete an advanced apprenticeship as a furniture design technician to help you get into the role, or train as an apprentice painter and decorator.
Youmayneed GCSEs (including English and maths) or equivalent to do an entry level apprenticeship, but not all employers ask for formal qualifications.
You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
- Find an apprenticeship near you
- Guide to apprenticeships
Work
If you can find work as a design assistant, your employer may support you to gain professional qualifications on the job, to help you become an interior designer.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as an interior designer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
- Find out more about work experience
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyoneconsidering a job asinterior designer include:
- Creative design skills
- Understanding of building and construction
- Excellent attention to detail
- Verbal communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Logical thinking skills
- Ability to use your initiative.
Qualifications
To become an interior designer you could complete a:
- Level 3 NVQ in Interior Design or Art and Design
- Foundation degree, higher national diploma (HND) or undergraduate degree such as:
- Interior Design
- Interior Architecture
- Spatial Design
- 3D design
- Art and design
To become an interior designer you could complete a:
- BA Hons in Interior Design
To become an interior designer you could complete a:
- BA Hons Interior Design
What does an interior designer do?
As an interior designer, you will help to curate or renovatetheinside spacesof buildings,so they are functional and aesthetically pleasingto your client. You mayberecommendingwall colours, lighting,fittings, furniture and fabric to enhance a space. Alternatively, you couldoverseestructural design elements within a room, such asin-builtshelving, stairs, ceiling designs and more.
The job role of an interior designer involves the following duties:
- Meeting clients to understand their requirements and budget
- Surveying, measuring and analysing how the project space will be used
- Considering colour schemes, materials and fabrics, fittings, decorations,furniture,and environment
- Developing sketches and mood boards foryourclientto approve
- Preparing detailed drawings and designs to suit clients’ needs,usuallyon a computer
- Sourcing suppliers of fittings, furniture and interior decorations and materials
- Working with fitters, electricians, painters and decorators, architects and other construction professionals to complete a project.
How much could you earn as an interior designer?
The expected salary for an interior designer variesas you become more experienced.
- Newly trained interior designers can earn in the region of £18,000
- Experienced interior designers with some experience can earn up to £45,000*
- Self-employed interior designers set their own pay rates.
Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime youmaydo.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
Check out the latest interior designer vacancies:
As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as theycomeavailable.
Career path and progression
As an interior designer, you could progress to work on larger, morehighprofileprojects.
You couldchoose to be employed andwork as part of an establishedpractice, orset yourself up as self-employed.
