The Ultimate Guide to Make a Career in Interior Designing

If you have a passion for design and an eye for aesthetics, then a career in interior design could be a perfect fit for you. Interior design is a highly creative and dynamic field that involves designing spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. From residential homes to commercial spaces, the demand for skilled interior designers continues to grow in India.

Land prices keep soaring day by day. And they are not just increasing because of an increase in the value of the land itself, but because people want better and better amenities and more beautiful neighborhoods. Moreover, this isn’t restricted to just the outside of the house. People want their homes to have maximum functionality and aesthetic value. They want their houses to be beautiful, and yet have everything they can accommodate in today’s modest-sized dwellings. From designing luxury homes to creating commercial spaces that reflect a brand’s identity, the opportunities in interior design are endless.

If you have a passion for design and a desire to create beautiful, functional spaces, then a career in interior designing could be your calling. With the right skills, education, and experience, you can build a successful and rewarding career in this exciting field.

Let’s get started and know everything we should know…

Why become an interior designer?

In simplistic terms, an interior designer is a person who designs the interior of people’s houses. But the job doesn’t end there. An interior designer does not simply design something very artistic to be done with a house, but he/she strikes the right balance between convenience and beauty for their customers. They take into account all furnishings that necessarily have to be present in the house, and how best to lay them out in an empty flat to make it a lively home that is pleasing to the eyes!

Becoming an interior designer can be an exciting and fulfilling career choice for those with a passion for design and creativity. Interior designers have the opportunity to use their imagination and skills to transform spaces into beautiful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments. The field of interior design is constantly evolving, and designers are always challenged to come up with innovative and unique solutions to meet the needs of their clients.

Interior design is also a field that offers a high degree of job satisfaction, as designers can see the tangible results of their work and the positive impact it has on the lives of their clients. Additionally, interior design can offer a great deal of flexibility and freedom, as designers can work in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and hospitality design.

What does an Interior designer do?

Depending upon the purpose for which he/she is hired, an interior designer may be involved right from the time of designing the blueprint for the building, or only after the building has been completed. Interior Designers are expected to have a little knowledge of architecture for the former purpose.

• The designer considers the purpose of the space or room and what furnishings will be required and what is unnecessary;
• If they’re involved from the start, they plan the placement of windows, doors, and built-in furniture such as bookshelves;
• They consider aspects such as natural light and fresh air available in the room;
• They decide on color schemes as well as the type and amount of furniture;
• Some designers specialize in particular rooms (such as bathrooms/kitchens, etc) or in particular styles (such as feng shui, eco-friendly designs, etc)
• In all of the above, the designer has to adhere to the customer’s liking and budget. The designer can only advise and optimize.

An interior designer knows architecture, color schemes, materials, and trending styles. They prioritize the customer’s taste and must communicate effectively to understand their needs. They convince the customer to select the most appropriate design while showing originality and creativity by blending different styles. The goal is to build a perfect and unique home for the customer.

Popular specialization in an interior designing career

Interior designing is a diverse field with various specializations that an interior designer can pursue. Here are some of the most popular specializations in interior designing careers:

1. Residential Interior Design: This specialization involves designing homes and apartments to make them comfortable, functional, and visually appealing.
2. Commercial Interior Design: Commercial interior designers create spaces for offices, retail stores, restaurants, and other commercial establishments.
3. Hospitality Interior Design: Hospitality interior designers create comfortable and visually appealing environments for hotels, resorts, spas, and other hospitality businesses.
4. Healthcare Interior Design: Healthcare interior designers create functional and safe spaces for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
5. Sustainable Interior Design: Sustainable interior designers focus on creating eco-friendly and energy-efficient spaces that are environmentally responsible.
6. Universal Design: Universal designers create spaces that are accessible to all, regardless of their age, size, or ability.
7. Set Design: Set designers create interiors for film, television, theater, and other media.

How to become an interior designer?

To become an interior designer in India, one typically needs to follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: Many interior design firms in India require candidates to have a degree in interior design or a related field. Several universities and colleges in India offer undergraduate courses in interior design. Some popular institutions offering interior design courses include the National Institute of Design (NID), the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Sir JJ School of Art, and Pearl Academy.
2. Gain Work Experience: After completing a degree, gaining work experience is essential to learn practical skills, developing a portfolio, and building industry connections. Many interior design firms offer internships or entry-level positions to fresh graduates.
3. Develop a Portfolio: A portfolio is a collection of the designer’s best work and showcases their skills, creativity, and style. Interior designers need to build a strong portfolio that reflects their abilities and style.
4. Consider Certification: While certification is not a requirement to practice as an interior designer in India, it can enhance the designer’s credibility and demonstrate their expertise. The Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID) and the Council of Architecture (COA) offer certification programs for interior designers.
5. Stay Updated: Interior design is a dynamic field, and it is essential to stay updated with the latest trends, technology, and materials. Interior designers must attend workshops, seminars, and trade shows to stay current and enhance their knowledge.

Skills Required for interior designing Career

Interior design is a creative and dynamic field that requires a combination of technical, artistic, and interpersonal skills. Here are some of the essential skills required for a successful career in interior design:

• Creativity: Interior designers must be able to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions that meet the client’s needs and budget.
• Attention to Detail: Interior designers must have a keen eye for detail and be able to create precise and accurate plans and designs.
• Communication: Interior designers need to communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and suppliers to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
• Technical Skills: Interior designers must be proficient in using design software, drafting tools, and other technical equipment.
• Color Sense: Interior designers must have a good sense of color and be able to create visually appealing color schemes.
• Spatial Awareness: Interior designers must have a good understanding of spatial relationships and be able to create functional and efficient spaces.
• Problem-Solving: Interior designers must be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently, often on tight deadlines.
• Business Acumen: Interior designers must have basic business skills, such as budgeting, marketing, and project management.
• Time Management: Interior designers must be able to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines.

Job Opportunities

Interior design is a growing field in India, and there are many job opportunities available for trained and skilled interior designers. Here are some of the job opportunities available for interior designers in India:

1. Interior Design Firms: Many interior design firms in India offer employment opportunities to trained and skilled interior designers. These firms work on a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
2. Architecture Firms: Interior designers can also work with architecture firms, collaborating with architects to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
3. Real Estate Companies: Real estate companies in India often employ interior designers to design model apartments and showcase homes to attract buyers.
4. Furniture and Home Decor Companies: Furniture and home decor companies in India employ interior designers to create attractive and functional product displays, design showrooms, and develop product lines.
5. Self-Employment: Many interior designers in India work as independent consultants, providing interior design services to individual clients and businesses.
6. Hospitality Industry: The hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, and restaurants, often hires interior designers to create inviting and functional spaces for their guests.
7. Event Management Companies: Event management companies in India hire interior designers to design and decorate event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and other social gatherings.

Top companies for interior designing in India

Here is a list of some of the top recruiters for interior designing in India:

1. Livspace
2. HomeLane
3. Urban Ladder
4. Pepperfry
5. Godrej Interio
6. Asian Paints
7. Fevicol Design Ideas
8. Furlenco
9. Evok
10. Hettich
11. IKEA India
12. The Karighars
13. Design Cafe
14. Sunita Kohli Interior Designs
15. Morphogenesis
16. Gensler
17. AECOM India
18. Arcop Associates
19. M Moser Associates
20. Space Matrix

Salary of interior designer in India

The salary of an interior designer in India can vary depending on several factors such as the designer’s experience, skill level, location, and the type of employer. Here is a rough estimate of the average salary range for interior designers in India:

Entry-level interior designers with 0-3 years of experience can expect to earn between Rs. 2.5-4 lakhs per annum.

Mid-level interior designers with 4-7 years of experience can earn between Rs. 5-8 lakhs per annum.

Senior-level interior designers with 8-10 years of experience can earn between Rs. 10-15 lakhs per annum.

Experienced interior designers with over 10 years of experience can earn more than Rs. 20 lakhs per annum.

Career progression in Interior Designing

If still wondering that is interior design a good career, here in this section you might get an answer! Interior designing is a dynamic and evolving field in India, and there are many opportunities for career progression for interior designers who are passionate about their work and committed to learning and growing. Here are some of how interior designers can progress in their careers in India:

1. Specialization: Interior designers can specialize in a particular area of interior design such as residential design, commercial design, hospitality design, or sustainable design. By developing expertise in a particular area, designers can command higher salaries and take on more challenging projects.
2. Management: Experienced interior designers can progress into management roles such as design manager, project manager, or creative director, overseeing teams of designers and leading projects from start to finish.
3. Entrepreneurship: Many interior designers in India choose to start their design firms, providing design services to clients and building their brands. This can be a challenging but rewarding path for designers who have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
4. Teaching and Training: Interior designers with extensive experience and knowledge can also consider pursuing teaching or training roles in interior design schools, colleges, or training institutes.
5. Research and Development: Interior designers can also contribute to the field by conducting research and development, and exploring new materials, techniques, and technologies that can enhance the design process and improve the quality of design solutions.

Epilogue!

To pursue interior design as a career, first and foremost, you must have a creative imagination Interior Design is a very creative profession that asks for original art but also practical work. It also asks for establishing your goodwill among customers by giving them what they like. Thus, it is a good career for creative and accommodating people. One can teach, practice in a firm or be self-employed in this profession. The job requires a good mix of both technical knowledge and originality.

Hope we have served you enough! Still, got questions? Why don’t you connect with our industry experts? Yes, you read it right! You can get your queries resolved in just 60 seconds from our Career counselors. So, what are you waiting for? Download the iDreamCareer app now! 

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Career in Interior Designing: FAQs

Anushree Rastogi

Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Senior Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.