What Does an Interior Designer Do?

what does an interior designer do?The short answer is that they beautify a space using style, color, furniture and accents. However, there’s so much more to being an interior designer.

What subjects are best for interior design?

For starters, a strong understanding of space and proportion is essential. It’s not just about arranging decorative elements to make a room more appealing; it’s about ensuring the overall design plan works well and meets all building codes and regulations. This is why many professional designers have formal training, which typically includes a two- or four-year program in areas like design, furniture design and architecture.

An excellent portfolio is also important. A good one shows that the designer has a variety of styles and skills, with projects that span a range of sizes and scopes. The portfolio should also demonstrate that the designer is familiar with a variety of materials and finishes, as well as building codes, inspections, and other relevant details.

Many interior designers have a dedicated workspace in their homes or at their studio or office. This might be equipped with drafting tables and design software. They will usually spend a lot of time visiting clients’ properties or business locations, either to gather information or to oversee the construction or renovation process.

Strong math skills are also key, as interior designers often need to do a lot of measuring. They need to be able to determine the exact dimensions of rooms, and they’ll be working with other tradespeople who depend on accurate measurements to do their jobs. For example, a light fixture hung too low will be a head-bumping hazard, while an oven that’s too big won’t fit in the kitchen.