Interior or Spatial Designer

Interior/spatial designers are involved in the renovation and restructuring of an internal space, including structural alterations, in addition to the design of the eventual colour scheme, furniture and furnishings. They produce designs for businesses, hotels and domestic properties, overseeing projects from the outset through to completion.

Interior/spatial designers work in a variety of different settings. The job combines aesthetics with the efficient and functional use of space.

Designers concerned solely with the appearance of the interior, including furnishings, wallpaper and colour schemes, are called interior decorators; they work most commonly in commercial and domestic markets.

Typical work activities

Projects can take place in a range of settings:

residential developments;
hotels;
shop interiors;
office spaces;
industrial premises;
ships;
aircraft.

Typical work activities include:

acquiring information about potential projects, discussing requirements in more detail with clients and setting project schedules;
understanding individual clients' needs, generating aesthetic ideas based on these, and establishing final briefs;
negotiating project fees;
conducting feasibility studies for projects;
influencing clients' decisions;
surveying buildings;
researching, recording and analysing information;
considering materials and costs, according to set budgets;
preparing detailed working drawings and preparing designs, plans, models and schemes, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software;
providing samples for clients;
placing contracts;
supervising work at the design stage and on-site;
working closely with quantity surveyors to establish costs and work schedules, architects to determine the best use of space, manufacturers and construction workers;
identifying new business and selling your services;
keeping up to date with new developments in the design industry.

Range of typical starting salaries: £16,000 - £20,000 (salary data collected Jan 05).

Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (eg, after 10-15 years in the role): £28,000 - £60,000 (salary data collected Jan 05).

Salaries vary widely and depend greatly upon location, reputation and contacts. It is sometimes possible to command high earnings.
Freelance designers charge anything from £30 per hour upwards (salary data collected Jan 05).
Working hours typically include regular extra hours but not shifts.
Evening and weekend work is to be expected.
Most interior/spatial designers work in studios, which in most cases are attractive, comfortable and well-equipped. Self-employed designers often work from home or from a rented studio.
Smart dress is usually the norm but there is an acceptance of individuality in appearance as with behaviour. On-site work requires appropriate dress, which may include a hard hat and overalls.
Working to completion dates and budgets may be stressful.
Part-time work is possible.
Self-employment and freelance work are commonly possible. Building a reputation first leads to greater success.
This is largely a male-orientated profession although equal numbers of men and women enter degree courses.
Jobs are available in most geographic areas. There is a predominance of specialist consultancies in the South East.
Travel within a working day is frequent as is absence from home at night - many designers visit exhibitions and trade fairs to keep up with the latest trends. Overseas work or travel is occasional.

Information taken from Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk for more information

Courses

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College
Plymouth College of Art and Design (4)
University College Falmouth (3)
East Devon College (1)
University of Plymouth (1)
Arts Institute Bournemouth (1)
Yeovil College (1)
Exeter College (1)
Bridgwater College (1)

Qualification
BA (Hons) (5)
A Level (3)
AS (3)
Foundation Degree (2)
ND (2)
Other (1)

Subject
3D Design (9)
Fashion (2)
Textiles (2)
Drama (1)
Art (1)