Interior designer
Also known as: space planner, interiors designer, facility interior designer, interior space planner, space planner & interior decorator, interior & spacial designer
About this occupation
Interior designers design or renovate of internal spaces, including structural alterations, fixtures and fittings, lighting and colour schemes, furnishings. They combine the efficient and functional use of space with an understanding of aesthetics.
Essential skills and knowledge
- maintain an artistic portfolio
- monitor art scene developments
- manage a team
- use specialised design software
- perform project management
- translate requirement concepts into visual design
- present detailed design proposals
- create mood boards
- collaborate with designers
- manage operational budgets
- receive key information about projects
- manage budgets
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Interior Designers (O*NET 27-1025.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Design plans to be safe and to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents.
- Research health and safety code requirements to inform design.
- Confer with client to determine factors affecting planning of interior environments, such as budget, architectural preferences, purpose, and function.
- Advise client on interior design factors, such as space planning, layout and use of furnishings or equipment, and color coordination.
- Coordinate with other professionals, such as contractors, architects, engineers, and plumbers, to ensure job success.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination
US median pay: US$67,190 a year (2025), 71,500 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignExtremely important (4.9)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (4.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsImportant (3.3)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Craft Artists
- Landscape Architects
- Fashion Designers
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
- Set and Exhibit Designers
- Architectural and Civil Drafters
- Graphic Designers
- Art Directors
- Mechanical Drafters
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.