Quick Facts: Interior Designers
2012 Median Pay
$47,600 per year
$22.89 per hour
Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training
None
Number of Jobs, 2012
54,900
Job Outlook, 2012-22
13% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2012-22
7,000
What Interior Designers Do
Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and
selecting decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials. They read blueprints and must be aware of
building codes and inspection regulations.
Interior designers typically do the following:
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Search for and bid on new projects
Determine the client’s goals and requirements of the project
Consider how the space will be used and how people will move through the space
Sketch preliminary design plans, including electrical layouts
Specify materials and furnishings, such as lighting, furniture, wall finishes, flooring, and plumbing fixtures
Prepare final plans, using computer applications
Create a timeline for the interior design project and estimate project costs
Place orders for materials and oversee installing the design elements
Visit after the project to ensure that the client is satisfied
Interior designers work closely with architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and builders, to
determine how interior spaces will function, look, and be furnished. Interior designers read blueprints and must
be aware of building codes and inspection regulations.
Although some sketches or drawings may be freehand, most interior designers use computer-aided design
(CAD) software for the majority of their drawings.
Many designers specialize in a particular type of building (home, hospital, or hotel), a specific room (bathroom
or kitchen), or a specific style. Some designers work for home furnishings stores, providing design services to
help customers choose materials and furnishings.
Some interior designers produce designs, plans, and drawings for construction and installation. This may
include floor plans, electrical layouts, and plans needed for building permits. Interior designers may draft the
preliminary design into documents that could be as simple as sketches or as inclusive as construction
documents, with schedules and attachments.
The following are examples of types of interior designers:
Sustainable designers use strategies to improve energy and water efficiencies and indoor air quality, and they
specify environmentally preferable products, such as bamboo and cork for floors. They may obtain certification
in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council. Such
certification indicates that a building and its interior space was designed with the use of sustainable concepts.
Universal designers renovate spaces, to make them more accessible. Often, these designs are used to renovate
spaces for elderly people and people with special needs; however, universal designs can benefit anyone. For
example, an entry without steps may be necessary for someone in a wheelchair, but it is also helpful for
someone pushing a baby stroller.
Kitchen and bath designers specialize in kitchens and bathrooms and have expert knowledge of the variety of
cabinets, fixtures, appliances, plumbing, and electrical solutions for these rooms.
Lighting designers focus on the effect of lighting for home, office, and public spaces. For example, lighting
designers may work on stage productions, in gallery and museum spaces, and in healthcare facilities, to find
appropriate light fixtures and lighting effects for each space.
Quick Facts: Architects
2012 Median Pay
$73,090 per year
$35.14 per hour
Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training
Internship/residency
Number of Jobs, 2012
107,400
Job Outlook, 2012-22
17% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2012-22
18,600
What Architects Do
Architects plan and design houses, office buildings, and other structures.
Architects typically do the following:
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Meet with clients to determine objectives and requirements for structures
Estimate the amount of required materials, equipment, and construction time
Prepare structure specifications
Direct workers who prepare drawings and documents
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Prepare scaled drawings with computer software and by hand
Prepare contract documents for building contractors
Manage construction contracts
Visit worksites to ensure that construction adheres to architectural plans
Seek new work by marketing and giving presentations
People need places to live, work, play, learn, shop, and eat. Architects are responsible for designing these
places. They work on public or private projects and design both indoor and outdoor spaces. Architects can be
commissioned to design anything from a single room to an entire complex of buildings.
Architects discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project with clients. In some cases, architects
provide various predesign services, such as feasibility and environmental impact studies, site selection, cost
analyses, and design requirements.
After discussing and agreeing on the initial proposal with clients, architects develop final construction plans that
show the building’s appearance and details for its construction. Accompanying these plans are drawings of the
structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; communications
systems; plumbing; and, possibly, site and landscape plans. In developing designs, architects must follow state
and local building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring easy
building access for people who are disabled.
Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) have replaced
traditional drafting paper and pencil as the most common methods for creating designs and construction
drawings. However, hand-drawing skills are still used, especially during the conceptual stages of a project.
As construction proceeds, architects may visit building sites to ensure that contractors follow the design, keep to
the schedule, use the specified materials, and meet work-quality standards. The job is not complete until all
construction is finished, required tests are conducted, and construction costs are paid.
Architects also may help clients get construction bids, select contractors, and negotiate construction contracts.
Work Environment
Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they meet with clients, and consult with engineers and
other architects. They also visit construction sites to review the progress of projects. About 1 in 5 were selfemployed in 2012.
How to Become an Architect
There are typically three main steps to becoming a licensed architect: completing a professional degree in
architecture, gaining relevant experience through a paid internship, and passing the Architect Registration
Exam.
You are to create an idea board for a living room for a client. You need to pick wood furniture,
lamps/lighting, rugs, couches, chairs, flooring and accessories for your board. Think about
color combinations, textures, metals and woods when you create your board.
Assessment Rubric
Student Name:
Class Period: 2&3
Assignment: DP1: Project 26 - Interior Design
Date Completed:
5/11
Circle the number in pencil that
best shows how well you feel that
you completed that criterion for
the assignment.
Excellent
Good
Average
Needs
Improvement
Criteria 1 – Board has basic
pieces to furnish a living room
(wall paint, flooring, lighting and
furniture)
10
9–8
7
6 or less
Criteria 2 – Accessories enhance
design
10
9–8
7
6 or less
Criteria 4 – Effort: took time to
develop idea & complete project
10
9–8
7
6 or less
Criteria 5 – Craftsmanship – Neat,
clean & complete
10
9–8
7
6 or less
Rate
Yourself
Teacher’s
Rating
Criteria 3- Board has a mix of
textures and color combinations
that work together.
Total: 50
x 2 = 100
(possible points)
Grade:
Student Comments:
Teacher Comments:
Your
Total
Teacher
Total