How to become an interior designer

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

* Internal data based on customer searches through the Checkatrade.com website in 2024