Interior Designers

What they do?

Interior designers perform some or all of the following duties:

A. Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space

B. 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

C. Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards

D. Estimate costs and materials required and may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing

E. Prepare plans and specifications for the final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes

F. Work in a multidisciplinary environment

G. May direct site work crews and subcontractors.

H. Interior designers may specialize in designing interiors for residential, commercial, institutional, cultural and industrial buildings and for aircraft, ships or trains, trade shows and exhibitions.

Where they find work?

1. Specialized design services - 54.0%
2. Retail trade - 16.0%

What education do I need?

1. You usually need a university degree or college diploma in interior design or architectural design. You must demonstrate your creative abilities through a portfolio of your work.

2. You also may be required to register with the Interior Design Association in the province/territory you'll be working.

3. Specialization is possible through specific university or college training or through experience.

4. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma.

High School Subject that will help:

Math
English
Visual Arts

What can you expect to make:

The average hourly wages for Interior Designers is $18.71/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the art, culture, recreation and sport sector and are close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at a below-average rate from 2002 to 2004.

Average Wage

Expected Wage by Age

Unemployment:

1% of Interior Designers are unemployed. This rate is below the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.

Unemployment

Trends in Unemployment

Current Job Outlook:

The job outlook for Interior Designers is considered Average because:

1. Employment grew at an above-average rate.

2. Hourly wages ($18.71) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is below average.

3. The unemployment rate (1%) is below the 2004 average (7%).

Future Job Prospects:

Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:

1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.

2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.

3. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.

Highest Concetration:

The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Interior Designers are found in Ontario and British Columbia while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Unionization Rate:

The unionization rate (39%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.

Useful Experience:

1. Colour

2. Design

3. Innovation

Part Time Workers

Part time workers:

27% of Interior Designers are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 14,800 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 35% since 1997.