Interior and spatial designer

Interior and spatial designers use their creative skills and technical knowledge to design internal spaces

You can work in a range of commercial or residential settings, often managing a project from conception through to completion. This includes creating the initial designs, sourcing the necessary products and materials, and coordinating the various trades needed to complete the work.

You will need to thoroughly understand the intended purpose of the space you're working on and how it will impact the people using it, taking into account factors such as efficiency, functionality, safety, accessibility, wellbeing, sustainability and visual appeal.

Types of interior and spatial designer

It's possible to specialise in a wide range of design areas. These include:

• aeronautical, including private jets
• healthcare and wellness
• hospitality
• investor refurbishment
• kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.
• marine, including yachts and cruise liners
• public spaces
• residential
• retail
• schools, colleges and universities
• transport
• workplace.

Responsibilities

The role varies depending on the job and in some roles you will act as a project manager for the client throughout the construction stage, coordinating the design on site and managing the construction team. In some jobs, you will work in a team with other designers.

As an interior and spatial designer, you'll need to:

• discuss project requirements in detail with clients (the brief), taking into account the clients' needs and the needs of the people using the space
• conduct feasibility studies for projects and take part in site surveys
• research and gather information and photographs relating to the project
• develop initial ideas and present these to the client as 'sample' or 'mood' boards
• prepare detailed 2D or 3D plans, drawings, designs and models of the layout (spatial planning) as well as design scheme
• develop design concepts in consultation with the client and establish final briefs
• set project timelines and schedules
• consider materials and costs according to budgets and negotiate project fees
• source products, such as fittings, furniture, lighting, finishes, decoration and dressing, and provide samples for clients
• work closely with quantity surveyors to establish costs and work schedules on larger projects, with architects and other design professionals to determine the best use of space, and with structural engineers and other contractors
• supervise work at the design stage and coordinate different trades on site, ensuring that they keep to the design brief
• act as the point of contact for construction contractors
• keep the client up to date on progress and look for solutions if problems arise that could delay the project schedule
• carry out a walk-through with the client on completion of the project, noting any outstanding issues
• identify new business and sell services to potential clients
• keep up to date with new developments in the design industry
• be aware of, and comply with, all health and safety, building and installation regulations.

Salary

• Salaries for junior designers range from £19,000 to £23,000.
• Experienced (midweight) interior designers can earn between £25,000 and £40,000.
• Salaries for senior designers can range from £50,000 to £75,000.

The Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID) provides guidance on how to charge design fees for projects.

Additional benefits may include a pension and performance-related bonus scheme.

Salaries vary widely depending on your location, the sector you work in, the size of your employer and the type of project you're working on. It's possible to command high earnings, particularly when you're involved with high-profile 'prestige' projects.

Other factors that affect salary are your skills, experience, reputation and professional qualifications.

Income data from the Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID). Figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Typical hours include regular extra hours but not shifts. Evening and weekend work should be expected. Since the designer's role is often integral to a larger construction and development process, flexibility with working hours is an accepted part of the job.

Part-time work is possible, while self-employment and freelance work are common. There may be some opportunities for flexible working.

What to expect

• Most interior and spatial designers work in studios. Self-employed designers often work from home or a rented studio.
• Jobs are available in cities and large towns in most parts of the UK and tend to follow concentrations of activity in the broader construction industry.
• On-site work requires appropriate dress, which may include a hard hat and overalls.
• Working to completion dates and budgets can be challenging.
• Travel within a working day is frequent and absence from home overnight is sometimes required to visit sites and assess progress. Many designers also visit exhibitions and trade fairs to keep up with the latest trends.

Qualifications

You'll usually need a relevant degree, foundation degree or HND to be a professional designer. The following subjects are usually preferred:

• interior design
• interior architecture
• spatial design.

Degrees, foundation degrees or HNDs in the following subjects are also useful:

• 3D design
• art and design
• architecture
• fine art
• furniture design
• graphic design
• product design
• textile design.

The Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID) accredits a number of university degree courses in interior design. These courses have been assessed by the SBID as having an appropriate level of technical skill, knowledge and understanding. Find an accredited course

Entry without a degree or HND is possible if you have significant experience and creative flair.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification isn't necessary, but postgraduate study may enhance your promotion prospects once in the job. Search for postgraduate courses in interior design.

There are a range of interior design courses available at different levels provided by independent course providers. When choosing a course, research it thoroughly to ensure it has been independently validated or accredited and meets your career aims.

Courses in software packages such as AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, SketchUp and 3D Studio are also useful. Look at job adverts to find out what software packages employers are using.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• a high level of technical knowledge, including CAD and model-making skills
• good drawing skills, including perspective drawing and spatial awareness
• creativity and imagination
• strong written, verbal and presentation communication skills to write briefs, promote and explain ideas, and build relationships with clients
• an awareness of building and safety regulations
• knowledge of the wider construction and design industries
• project-management skills, including the ability to organise your time and work under pressure and to deadlines
• attention to detail
• a practical approach to work and problem solving
• negotiating skills
• the ability to work in a team with other professionals
• a flexible approach to work
• business, finance and marketing skills.

You will usually need a driving licence to visit project sites.

Work experience

Competition for jobs is strong and selection is often based on a portfolio that shows your design skills, as well as your capacity to get involved in a range of different projects. It's therefore important to get some work experience but you'll need to be proactive when looking for opportunities.

Many degree courses provide students with the opportunity to showcase their work. However, as few graduates are offered work from their degree shows, it's vital to network and take advantage of any opportunities to establish contacts. Make as many contacts as possible during your studies and work experience, as they may be able to help get your career started.

A good way of making contact with established designers is by becoming a student or graduate member of bodies such as the Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID), British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) or the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD).

Another way to get experience is to apply for competitions, such as the annual BIID Student Design Challenge aimed at final year university students of interior design and interior architecture. A list of current competitions and awards is available on the Arts Thread website.

There are now many websites where you can showcase your work to employers and potential clients, including Arts Thread.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Interior and spatial designers usually work for architects or design consultancies (interior or multidisciplinary) in private practice, or for commercial organisations with in-house design departments.

Many designers work on a freelance basis or are self-employed, although it's uncommon to set up your own business without first gaining substantial experience and building up a reputation and a list of contacts.

Clients may include:

• commercial and construction companies
• companies in the hotel and leisure industries
• local government bodies
• retailers
• theatre, TV and film companies.

The demand for interior designers is growing with the increasing focus on sustainable, healthy and connected spaces for people to live and work in.

According to the BIID, key growth areas include:

• co-working spaces
• built-to-rent market
• premium residential markets.

Look for job vacancies at:

• British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
• Dezeen Jobs

Specialist recruitment agencies such as Careers in Design also advertise vacancies.

Jobs are also advertised on LinkedIn, the national press and on company websites.

Social media platforms such as Instagram are useful when job hunting.

Professional development

Large consultancies offer on-the-job training and may provide training in areas such as negotiation, marketing (particularly branding) and website creation, as well as on specific software packages.

You will need to keep up to date with developments in the profession throughout your career in areas such as new products, industry standards, health and safety regulations, and compliance law.

Membership of professional bodies is important for professional development. They provide a range of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities including seminars, lectures, exhibitions, trade shows and networking events.

Relevant bodies include:

• Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID)
• British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
• Chartered Society of Designers (CSD)

Once you have gained experience and have six years of combined interior design/architecture education and work experience (or a minimum of six years' interior design work experience), you can apply for BIID Registered Interior Designer membership.

The SBID provides the opportunity to progress through its membership levels to achieve SBID Interior Design Accreditation. They provide support to help members progress through the levels.

You can also apply to become a Chartered Designer in your design specialism through the CSD. You will need a minimum of five years' full-time experience to be considered and will submit a professional portfolio and undertake a professional review as part of the process.

Further study provides the opportunity to experiment, diversify or obtain specialist knowledge in order to progress in your career. This can be through specialist short courses, a Masters degree or PhD. It's important to research courses thoroughly to ensure they meet your career aims.

Career prospects

Newly qualified junior designers tend to work alongside more experienced colleagues. You'll usually be given responsibility for parts of a project and can also assist with gathering information and putting together 'mood' or 'sample' boards for presentations to clients. This can lead to increased responsibility, depending on your performance.

Career progression typically depends on your performance, aptitude and dedication, as well as the setting you work in. Typically, you'll spend the first five to ten years of your career developing and building on existing skills and knowledge, as well as gaining further experience, before moving into a senior designer role.

As your career progresses, you will often develop one or more specialisms, either because you have a particular skill or interest or because of the projects you have worked on. Having a specialism can enhance your chances of standing out from the crowd when tendering for new business.

Other ways to enhance your career prospects include taking further professional qualifications at Masters or PhD level and gaining professional status from a relevant professional body.

It's important to build up a portfolio of your work as you progress in your career. This helps both in terms of promotion within a company or consultancy, and in attracting new clients if you're self-employed. The majority of established interior and spatial designers showcase their work online to potential clients. Freelance work for consultancies, practices or individual clients is possible with experience, as is setting up your own business or becoming a partner in a consultancy.