Job Definition

Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

Interests

Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Tasks

Plan and design interior environments for boats, planes, buses, trains, and other enclosed spaces.

Render design ideas in form of paste-ups or drawings.

Subcontract fabrication, installation, and arrangement of carpeting, fixtures, accessories, draperies, paint and wall coverings, art work, furniture, and related items.

Formulate environmental plan to be practical, esthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity or selling merchandise.

Select or design, and purchase furnishings, art works, and accessories.

Advise client on interior design factors such as space planning, layout and utilization of furnishings or equipment, and color coordination.

Confer with client to determine factors affecting planning interior environments, such as budget, architectural preferences, and purpose and function.

Estimate material requirements and costs, and present design to client for approval.

Skills

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

School Classes

Housing and Human Environments, General. - A general program that focuses on the behavioral, social, economic, functional, and aesthetic aspects of housing, interiors, and other built environments. Includes instruction in analyzing, planning, designing, furnishing, and equipping residential, work, and leisure spaces to meet user needs and the study of related public policies.

Interior Architecture. - A program that prepares individuals to apply architectural principles in the design of structural interiors for living, recreational, and business purposes and to function as professional interior architects. Includes instruction in architecture, structural systems design, heating and cooling systems, occupational and safety standards, interior design, specific end-use applications, and professional responsibilities and standards.

Interior Design. - A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional planning, designing, equipping, and furnishing residential and commercial interior spaces. Includes instruction in computer applications drafting and graphic techniques; principles of interior lighting, acoustics, systems integration, and color coordination; furniture and furnishings; textiles and their finishing; the history of interior design and period styles; basic structural design; building codes and inspection regulations; and applications to office, hotel, factory, restaurant and housing design.

Home Furnishings and Equipment Installers. - A program that prepares individuals to assist in home furnishings and decorations. Includes instruction in selecting, purchasing designing, and decorating; Home furnishings and equipment; floral design; accessory construction;textiles; and upholstery.

Wages

In 2007, the California average annual wage was:

$34,297 for entry level workers, and $68,552 for experienced workers.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 6,900 people employed in this field in CA.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 8,200 employed in CA. This represents an increase of 130 new positions each year (1.70%). Additionally, 180 jobs per year will become available due to employee turnover.

Similar Occupations

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers - Design, make, alter, repair, or fit garments.

Costume Attendants - Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers.

Set and Exhibit Designers - Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Commercial and Industrial Designers - Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

Art Directors - Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, newspapers, and packaging.

Civil Drafters - Prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.

Landscape Architects - Plan and design land areas for such projects as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.

Job Openings

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