Interior 3D designer

nterior designers plan and organise the design and decoration of the inside of both new and existing buildings.

This can include private houses and buildings such as offices, hotels, restaurants and shops.

Interior Designers can be involved with either designing the structure of a space such as public buildings, shops, hotels etc, called Interior Architecture, or principally concerned with the design of fittings and furnishings. Interior architecture is more involved with the environment and how a space might function.

The work of an interior designer would typically involve: meeting with clients to discuss their requirements and ideas (the 'brief'); developing a design that suits the needs of the client, the available budget and the type of building; preparing initial sketches for the approval of the client.

They are also involved in: advising on colour schemes, fabrics, fittings and furniture; working out costs and preparing estimates; developing initial sketches into detailed drawings, usually on a computer; sourcing fittings, furniture, fabrics and wall and floor coverings.  

Junior designers can earn around £15,000 to £20,000 a year. Experienced interior designers can earn up to and over £25,000.

Designers with a lot of experience can earn over £45,000. Freelance designers set their own hourly rates.

You will need a high level of design skill. In practice, this usually means completing an art- or design-based BTEC HND or degree and several universities offer interior design courses. Other useful subjects include fine art, 3-D design and architecture. Entry requirements for courses vary, so you should check with colleges and universities.

You will need a portfolio of examples of your design work to show to potential employers and clients.

As a starting point, you could develop practical skills by doing qualifications such as the following: City & Guilds Level 1, 2 and 3 Certificate in Design and Craft (7722, 7822 and 7922); City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Design and Craft (7923); City & Guilds Level 1, 2 and 3 Award/Certificate/ Diploma in Creative Techniques: Interiors units (7111, 7112 and 7113); BTEC National Certificate and Diploma courses in Art and Design; ABC Diploma in Interior Design.

You can also attend short courses in various aspects of interior design (such as upholstery and decorating techniques), at many colleges. The ABC Level 3 Award in CAD Skills for Interior Design is available at some colleges.

Competition is strong, and the key to finding work is to get as much experience, and make as many contacts, as possible. Unpaid work experience will give you the chance to develop your portfolio, make contacts and impress potential employers. However, competition for work experience is also strong, so you will need to be determined and proactive.

Attending trade fairs and joining professional organisations are also useful ways of making contacts and keeping up to date with industry developments.