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Last updated: 3 January 2025
How to become an interior designer
Wondering how you can become an interior designer? We’ve created a guide filled with all the necessary insights to help you kickstart your interior design career. We discuss the skills and qualifications to help you thrive.
What is an interior designer?
First things first, you might be wondering - what exactly is an interior designer? And what does an interior designer do?
Well, interior designers plan and oversee the layout and visual design of the interior of a space. Interior designers are all different, but tasks include:
Proposing and executing designs
Focusing on designing structural elements
Suggesting colour schemes
Planning the use of fabrics and furniture
Arranging layouts of properties
There are various types of interior designers, including commercial, hospitality, and residential designers. And to become one, you’ll need a combination of structural design knowledge and creative flair.
What does the role involve?
Before embarking on a career in interior design, it’s important that you fully understand the specifics of the role.
So, what does an interior designer do?
Well, while duties vary from day to day, typical tasks include:
Setting up client meetings
Discussing ideas, preferences, and visions
Developing designs to mimic these visions
Creating mood boards and sketches
Turning ideas into digital drawings or 3D mock-ups
Offering expert advice on colour schemes, finishes, fabrics, and lighting design
Calculating the costs of projects
Helping to source suppliers for materials
Put simply, an interior designer works with clients to bring their visions for an inside space to life. They plan and execute both the aesthetic design as well as the functionality of a space.
What skills and qualifications are required?
Becoming an interior designer requires specific skills and training. From formal education to on-the-job learning, there are various routes into the role.
So, if you’re wondering how to become an interior designer, you'll need to think about the following.
Skills you might need
When it comes to interior design skills, there are multiple you’ll need to master. Such as:
Technical design skills - You’ll need to be able to produce accurate drawings and understand detailed architectural prints
Analytical skills - Understanding how space can be effectively used and using industry-standard software to process
Problem-solving skills - You’ll need to use your initiative, keep calm, and find quick solutions
Project management skills - Great project management skills are key to overseeing moving parts of a project and ensuring your visions come to life
Communication skills - You'll have to speak with electricians, painters, and architects to ensure the smooth running of a project
Creativity - In order to advise on colours, fabrics, and other aesthetic elements, you’ll need to be creatively minded
Customer service skills - It’s important you know how to take on feedback from clients and ensure they are 100% satisfied
If you’re dedicated to developing these skills, you’ll stand yourself in good stead for a successful interior design career.
Interior designers can sometimes come from other trade professions. For example, painters and decorators possess many of these skills already. So, if you’re in the painting and decorating trade, why not think about developing your skill set further?
You’ll already have an eye for design, so you’ll just need to nail the technical skills. You could enrol in an interior design course, and work towards eventually offering additional services.
Get a boost for your interior design business
Find more work as a Checkatrade member
Qualifications that will also help
Speaking of courses, what qualifications do you need to be an interior designer in the UK? Well, while formal education isn’t mandatory, it can help propel you towards a successful career.
There are various interior design qualifications out there, including college courses, university courses, and apprenticeships.
College courses include:
Level 3 Diploma in Interior Design
Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design
A Level course in Art and Design
Wondering what GCSEs you need to be an interior designer? Well, GCSEs are often required to enrol in the above courses. You’ll need four or five GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent.
University courses include foundation degrees, undergraduate degrees, and higher national diplomas in:
Interior design
Interior architecture
Art and design
Apprenticeships:
Another route into interior design is by gaining hands-on experience in an apprenticeship. These usually entail learning and on-the-job training.
They are open to those aged 16 and over. And to get accepted, you’ll usually need five GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent.
You can find out more about the interior design profession and routes in via the government's National Careers Service.
Why should you become an interior designer?
Wondering about interior design career prospects? Well, many view interior design as a great career with plenty of opportunities for growth.
For instance, there are prospects to progress and branch out into new areas. These include:
Shopfront window dressing
Exhibition design
Theatre set design
Show home consultant
And, once you’re fully qualified, you could even carve out your own pathway and register as self-employed to go it alone as an independent interior design contractor.
So, is interior design a good career? Well, with flexible schedules, and great earning potential, it’s a rewarding career for many.
Get a boost for your interior design business
Find more work as a Checkatrade member
Top tips for becoming an interior designer
Obtain the necessary qualifications
While formal qualifications aren’t mandatory, they can certainly help kickstart your career
Build your portfolio
Start the process of building a portfolio to showcase your work, skills, and creativity
Stay informed
Interior design is a constantly evolving field. So you’ll need to stay up to date with changing styles and software tools
Invest in continuous learning
To be successful, you’ll need to commit to continuously learning. Once you’re qualified, perhaps enrol in a new course to boost your knowledge further?
How to start an interior design business
Why consider starting an interior design business? As we’re sure you’re aware, most homeowners are always looking to improve the interior of their property. But interior design isn’t always simple, which is why the skills of experienced interior designers are always in need. Demand for interior
Checkatrade are here to help interior designers
If you join Checkatrade, you’ll be able to tap into the existing customer interest in services just like yours. For example, there were over 3,000 searches for interior design work on Checkatrade just in 2024 alone.* That number is expected to keep rising as interest continues to grow.
Fixed membership from Checkatrade means you can expect a certain number of leads throughout the year. So, why not get in touch today and learn more about the sign-up process?
Other things to consider are:
Guaranteed work when booked through us (T&Cs apply)
Savings on the cost of workwear and branding
Save 20% on the cost of public liability insurance
Dedicated membership advice team
Trades app - with job management, quoting/invoicing tool and more!
Establishing a career in interior design requires time, dedication, and commitment, but it’s certainly doable with the right work ethic.
If you’re hoping to become an interior designer, why not turn your passion for all things design into a rewarding career?
What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?
Becoming a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. Homeowners tend to expect a commitment to quality when it comes to the Checkatrade tick, which can help you to win more business. Here are the checks you'll need to pass to join our directory.
Interior designer role FAQS
What is the average salary for an interior designer?
If you’re at the beginning of your career, estimates show you could expect a starting salary of around £18,000. This rises to £45,000 for experienced designers.
Typical working hours are 40-42 hours a week, and there is occasional evening and weekend work required.
Are interior designers in demand?
The good news is that the demand for skilled interior designers doesn’t appear to be wavering anytime soon. In 2023, there were over 3,000 searches just for interior design jobs* and that is expected to rise year on year.
How long does it take to train as an interior designer?
Depending on the pathway you choose, it can take anywhere from six months to four years to train.
For instance, if you choose the route of completing a bachelor’s degree, this will take an average of four years.
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* Internal data based on customer searches through the Checkatrade.com website in 2024
