Description

Interior designers and interior decorators conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and industrial buildings. They are employed by architectural and interior design firms, retail establishments, construction companies, hospitals, airlines, hotel and restaurant chains, and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.

Job Titles

• Aircraft interior designer
• Interior decorator
• Interior design technician
• Interior designer
• Kitchen designer
• Office space planner
• Retail space planner

Main Duties

• Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space
• Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures using computer-assisted design (CAD) software and graphics software
• Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, window treatments, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards
• Estimate costs and materials required and may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing
• Prepare plans and specifications for the final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes
• Work in a multidisciplinary environment
• May direct site work crews and subcontractors.

Workplaces

• Airlines
• Architectural firms
• Construction companies
• Hospitals
• Hotel and restaurant chains
• Interior design firms
• Retail establishments
• Self-employment

Work Environment

• Indoors, environmentally controlled

Physical Demands

• Sitting

Requirements

Interior Designers:

• A university degree or college diploma in interior design is usually required.
• The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination may be required after six years of combined study and experience.
• Certification by a provincial institute or association is required to use protected titles related to interior designers in all provinces except Prince Edward Island.

Interior Decorators:

• A college certificate or diploma in interior decoration is usually required.
• Membership in the Canadian Decorators’ Association is available to qualified decorators.

Skills

• Management of Material Resources
• Coordinating
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Evaluation

Abilities

• Colour Perception
• Fluency of Ideas
• Spatial Visualization
• Categorization Flexibility
• Deductive Reasoning

Personal Attributes

• Innovativeness
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Collaboration
• Creativity

Similar Occupations

• Industrial designers (22211)
• Graphic designers and illustrators (52120)
• Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers (53123)
• Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) (73112)

Source: OaSIS