Interior Designers - What They Do

Interior designers and interior decorators conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and industrial buildings. They are employed by architectural and interior design firms, retail establishments, construction companies, hospitals, airlines, hotel and restaurant chains, and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space
Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures using computer-assisted design (CAD) software and graphics software
Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, window treatments, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards
Estimate costs and materials required and may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing
Prepare plans and specifications for the final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes
Work in a multidisciplinary environment
May direct site work crews and subcontractors.
Interior designers are experts in the area of interior architecture, construction materials and building codes. They may specialize in designing interiors for residential, commercial, institutional, cultural and industrial buildings and for aircraft, ships or trains, trade shows and exhibitions. Interior decorators may specialize in decorating residential or commercial interior spaces, home staging, colour consulting and home organizing.

Job titles

interior decorator
interior design technician
interior designer
kitchen designer
office space planner
project manager, interior design
retail space planner
aircraft interior designer

Employment Requirements

This is what you typically need for the job:

Interior designers

A university degree or college diploma in interior design is usually required.
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination may be required after six years of combined study and experience.
Certification by a provincial institute or association is required to use the designation Interior Design Consultant (IDC) in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Interior decorators

A college certificate or diploma in interior decoration is usually required.
Membership in the Canadian Decorators' Association is available to qualified decorators.

Essential Skills

Management