An interior design job focuses on planning and creating spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. Interior designers think about how a space will be used and make decisions about furniture, colours, lighting, and materials to match its purpose.
This job isn’t just about decorating. Interior designers solve practical problems, like making small spaces feel more open, improving how a room is organised, or finding the right balance between style and functionality.
They often work closely with clients to understand their needs and turn their ideas into reality, whether designing a cosy home, a modern office, or a welcoming public space.
If you’re wondering what skills are needed and what it’s like to work as an interior designer, keep reading to explore the details!
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
An interior designer focuses on creating spaces that are both functional and visually appealing.
Their job involves understanding the purpose of a space and finding the best way to arrange furniture, choose colours, and use materials to meet that purpose. They think about how people will use the space and work to make it comfortable, safe, and attractive.
Interior designers handle a variety of tasks, starting with meeting clients to understand their needs and preferences.
They create plans, sketches, or computer-based designs to show how the space will look. This might include furniture placement, lighting arrangements, and wall finishes. They also select specific items like chairs, tables, or decorative pieces to match the design vision.
Another part of their job is solving practical challenges.
For example, they might figure out how to make a small room feel bigger, design a layout that improves how people move through a space, or choose materials that are durable and easy to maintain.
Interior designers must also follow safety rules and building codes to ensure the space is safe and ready for use.
In many projects, interior designers work closely with architects, contractors, and suppliers to bring their ideas to life.
They often oversee the installation process, making sure every detail matches the design plan. From cosy homes to professional offices and public spaces like cafés, interior designers use their creativity and problem-solving skills to shape spaces that look amazing and fit the needs of their clients.
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What Skills Are Needed to Be an Interior Designer?
Interior design requires a mix of creative thinking and practical skills to plan spaces that work well and look great. To help you understand what’s required in this field, here are five key skills you might need to be an interior designer.
1. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software
Interior designers often use CAD software to create detailed floor plans and 3D models of their ideas.
This software lets you show clients how a room will look before the work starts. CAD programs also help you make precise measurements and layouts that contractors can follow easily. Knowing how to use CAD software is a must because it saves time and avoids mistakes during the design process.
Learning CAD includes understanding how to use layers, adjust scales, and work with design templates. These capabilities let you quickly make changes when clients have new requests or when adjustments are needed during construction.
2. Space Planning and Layout
Planning the layout of a space is about making the best use of every inch.
Interior designers need to think about how people will move through a room and how furniture will fit without making the space feel crowded. For example, in a small living room, choosing the right-sized furniture and arranging it carefully can make the space feel more open and welcoming.
Space planning also includes making sure the layout matches the purpose of the room. An office might need desks with enough room for chairs to move freely, while a living room might focus on comfort and a good view of the television or fireplace. This skill helps ensure the space is both functional and enjoyable.
3. Knowledge of Materials and Finishes
Interior designers need to know a lot about materials and finishes.
This includes flooring options like wood, tile, or carpet, as well as wall finishes like paint, wallpaper, or panelling. Each material has its own look, cost, and maintenance needs. For example, hardwood floors are durable and look great, but they might not be the best choice for areas with heavy moisture, like bathrooms.
Understanding materials also means knowing about eco-friendly and sustainable options.
Many clients look for materials that are better for the environment, like recycled wood or low-VOC paints. Having knowledge about these options can make your designs more appealing and modern.
4. Lighting Design
Lighting plays a big role in how a space looks and feels.
Interior designers need to know the three main types of lighting: ambient (general lighting for the whole room), task (focused lighting for specific activities like reading), and accent (decorative lighting that highlights certain areas or objects).
Good lighting design is about choosing the right fixtures and placing them where they’ll work best.
For example, a dining room might need a chandelier for overall light and wall sconces for softer, decorative lighting. Knowing how to adjust light levels and use dimmers also helps create the right mood in a room.
5. Building Codes and Construction Basics
Knowing about building codes and construction basics is required for making designs that are safe and practical.
Building codes cover important rules like the placement of electrical outlets, the height of handrails, and the width of doorways. Following these rules ensures your designs are approved and safe for people to use.
Being aware of construction basics helps you work with architects and contractors.
For example, you need to know if a wall is load-bearing before suggesting it be removed or altered. This knowledge also helps you estimate how long certain parts of a project might take, like plumbing or electrical work, so you can plan better with your clients.
These skills are key to creating designs that work in real life. With time and experience, you can build on these abilities to create spaces that make a lasting impression on clients.
What Are the Steps Involved in Interior Designing?
Interior designing includes several stages, starting from meeting the client and creating a design concept to overseeing the project and completing the space. These steps help shape ideas into a final design that matches the purpose and style of the space.
While each project is unique, here are the general steps involved in the process:
Step 1: Discussing Goals and Preferences
Interior designing often begins with discussions between the designer and the client.
This stage focuses on gathering information about the purpose of the space, how it will be used, and what style or mood the client has in mind. The designer may also ask about the client’s budget and preferred timeline to align the project with their expectations.
This step helps both sides get a clear idea of the goals for the design. For example, a client might want a modern living room for entertaining or a home office that feels calm and productive.
Step 2: Developing a Design Concept
The next stage involves coming up with a design concept that reflects the client’s goals.
This step is about exploring ideas for colour schemes, furniture styles, layouts, and materials. The designer might use sketches, mood boards, or 3D models to present these ideas.
The concept works as a blueprint for the overall design direction. It brings together creative ideas that can later be developed into detailed plans.
Step 3: Creating Detailed Plans and Layouts
Once the concept is agreed upon, the designer starts creating detailed plans.
These include measurements of the space, floor plans, and elevations that show how the design will look from different angles. CAD software is often used in this stage to create precise designs and layouts.
This step also involves figuring out technical details, like the placement of electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. These plans guide contractors during the construction or renovation phase.
Step 4: Choosing Materials and Finishes
Material selection plays a big role in interior design. Designers look for materials that match the style and function of the space while staying within the budget. This includes deciding on flooring, wall finishes, furniture, fabrics, and decorative pieces.
For example, in a high-traffic area like a kitchen, the designer might choose durable and easy-to-clean materials, while a living room might feature softer textures for comfort. Sustainable or eco-friendly materials might also be considered if they fit the project.
Step 5: Coordinating with Contractors and Suppliers
This step involves working with contractors, architects, and suppliers to bring the design to life. The designer shares the plans and ensures that the team understands how to implement the design. They also source furniture, decor, and materials from suppliers and confirm delivery timelines.
Regular site visits may happen during this stage to check the progress and handle any unexpected challenges. For example, adjustments might be needed if a material is out of stock or a design element doesn’t fit as planned.
Step 6: Installing and Styling the Space
The final stage focuses on putting everything in place. Furniture, lighting, and decor are arranged according to the design plans. This step also includes smaller details, like hanging curtains, arranging throw pillows, or placing decorative items on shelves.
The goal is to make the space look finished and ready for use. The client may have a walkthrough during this stage to see the completed design and suggest any minor adjustments.
What Are the Challenges of Being an Interior Designer?
Interior design comes with its own set of challenges that test your creativity and practical skills. Each project brings unique obstacles, and learning how to handle them can make a big difference in your success.
Managing expectations can be tricky. Clients might have ideas that don’t fit the space, budget, or timeline.
It’s your job to find a way to turn those ideas into something realistic without disappointing them.This isn’t always easy, especially when clients change their minds partway through a project.
Budget constraints are another common hurdle. Working with a limited budget means finding materials and solutions that look good and fit the plan without going over cost. It takes creativity to make every dollar count while still delivering a great result.
Tight schedules can also add stress. Deadlines often feel short, and there’s a lot to coordinate with contractors, suppliers, and other teams. Staying organised and focused can help you keep things moving, even when the timeline feels impossible.
Unexpected challenges, like material shortages or construction delays, might show up at any time.
These unplanned problems can throw off your progress, and you’ll need to think fast to adjust your plans and keep the project on track.
Interior design isn’t always easy, but every challenge is a chance to grow your skills and deliver amazing results.
Each project teaches you something new, making this career both exciting and rewarding.
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Build Your Interior Design Career
Interior design is a creative and rewarding field, but it comes with challenges like managing budgets, tight deadlines, and evolving client demands. To thrive in this career, technical skills like CAD software expertise, space planning, and material knowledge are just as important as creativity.
Interscale Education offers certified online courses that help interior designers develop the skills they need to excel.
Here’s how our courses support your growth:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Learn BIM, AutoCAD, and Revit with over 100 certified courses designed for professionals in design and construction.
- Real-World Applications: Understand how to use these tools for space planning, material selection, and creating detailed layouts for interior design projects.
- Expert Guidance: Study with instructors who bring over 60 years of experience in IT and construction to guide you through practical and industry-relevant lessons.
- Flexible Learning: Access over 60,000 minutes of on-demand video lessons, allowing you to learn anytime and fit training into your busy schedule.
- Recognised Certification: Earn certifications that demonstrate your skills and help you grow your career in interior design or related fields.
Mastering tools like BIM, AutoCAD, and Revit doesn’t just improve your design process—it gives you the confidence to overcome challenges and create stunning, functional spaces. Start learning today with our certified BIM, AutoCAD & Revit online course—register now!
