Interior design affects all our lives from the way a house is decorated, to the design of a chair, to the blinds and curtains at our windows, or the way a kitchen planned. Interior designers work to balance key elements, including space, light, colour, texture, and pattern. Job roles are based in many different settings from kitchen design studios and furniture manufacturers, to exhibition designers and retail settings such as department stores, DIY superstores and individual, specialist shops.  

An interior designer will: 

• Meet clients to discuss their requirements and ideas 
• Develop designs to suit clients’ needs, their budget, and the type of building 
• Prepare initial sketches and mood boards for the client to approve 
• Advise on the use of space, colour schemes, fabrics, fittings and furniture 
• Work out costs and preparing estimates 
• Create detailed drawings from the initial sketches, usually on a computer 
• Find suppliers of fittings, furniture, fabrics, and wall and floor coverings

Professional interior designers will have a relevant degree, foundation degree or HND and you will have a stronger chance of gaining employment if you have a qualification in relevant subjects, such as architecture, fine art, furniture design, interior/spatial design, interior architecture, textile design and 3D design.