Graduates with a degree in Interior Design can expect to secure positions in a wide variety of areas within the design profession including employment with interior design studios, interior design divisions of architectural firms, retail establishments, and corporate design departments, as well as independent business ownership. The coursework prepares students to become entry-level professionals and begin the journey to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Examination in order to become a certified interior designer.
Types of Jobs Accepted
Recent graduates have accepted jobs with architectural firms, interior design firms, and design product manufacturers. They have accepted employment with private sector corporate businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and banks, as well as public sector entities such as hospitals, schools, and government agencies. Graduates frequently have become NCIDQ, EDAC (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification), WELL (International Well Building Institute), and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified and Registered Interior Designers (R.I.D.) after joining their firms.
Jobs of Experienced Alumni
Experienced alumni designs have included the interior of a French aircraft for Dassault Aviation; the flagship retail store for New York’s Barney’s in Texas; preservationist work in New York with architect David Foster; designs for the U.S. military; and sky boxes for sports arenas. They have worked on high-end residential designs in New York with Keith Irvine; Timothy Corrigan in Los Angeles; Solis Betancort in Washington, D.C.; national firms such as Gensler, BOKA Powell, and Gresham Smith. Graduates also have become executives in the world of design materials such as fabrics, carpet, furniture, and lighting. Alumni have pursued graduate education in Interior Design, Architecture, Business, and other related disciplines, and have even continued at international schools of architecture, such as the Glasgow School of Art.
Career Specialties
Residential
Hospitality and Entertainment
Single Family Dwelling
Second homes
Condominiums and Townhouses
Model Homes
Kitchen and Bath Design
Home Offices
Residential Historical Restoration
Residential remodeling
Home theater design
Color Consultant for home builders
Corporate and Executive Offices
Professional Offices
Financial institutions
Law firms
Stockbrokers & investment brokers
Accounting firms
Real Estate brokerages
Travel agencies
Any other type of office
Health Care
Hospitals
Surgery centers
Psychiatric facilities
Special care facilities
Hospice facilities
Medical and dental office suites
Assisted and senior living facilities
Rehabilitation facilities
Medical labs
Veterinary clinics
Hotels, motels, and resorts
Restaurants
Recreational vehicles
Health clubs and spas
Sports complexes
Convention centers
Amusement parks and other parks
Theaters
Museums
Restoration of historic sites
State Welcome Centers
Retail/Merchandising
Department stores
Malls and shopping centers
Specialized retail stores
Showrooms
Galleries
Car Dealerships
Institutional
Government offices and facilities
Schools – all levels
Day-care centers
Religious facilities
Prisons
Industrial Facilities
Manufacturing areas
Training areas in industrial buildings
Research and Development laboratories
Transportation
Airports, bus or train terminals
Tour ships
Yachts
Catamarans
Custom airplanes
Recreational vehicles
Houseboats
Other Career Options
There are many other ways to work or specialize in interior design and the built environment industry. These include:
Sales Associate for Retailers
Sales Representative for Manufacturers
Interior Design Management
Project Managers
Public Relations
Teaching
Facility Planners for Corporations
CAD Specialist
Renderers and Model Builders
Product Designers
Furniture Designers
Specification Writers
Writer for Magazines
Marketing Specialists within the Construction Industry
Museum Curators
Facilities Coordinator
Merchandising and Exhibit Design
Graphic Design
Wayfinding Design
Lighting Designer
Commercial Kitchen Designer
Art Consultant
LEED Specialist
Codes Specialist
Textile or Wall Covering Designer
Color Consultant
Set Design for Television or Movies
Career Links
- www.asid.org – American Society of Interior Designers
- www.interiordesignjobs – Interior Design Industry Professionals may post their resume and credentials Free of Charge. Confidential resume posting is a unique option available at InteriorDesignJobs.com. In addition, candidates may review available Professional Interior Design Industry positions at their convenience.
- www.job-e-job.com – This site lists architectural jobs, interior design jobs, landscape architecture jobs, engineering jobs, urban planning jobs, graphic design jobs and other related employment opportunities. Find creative employees and top employers on this industry specific site.
- www.i-d-d.com – Interior Design Directory
- www.salary.com/ – Search Interior Design Salaries
- www.design-engine.com/jobs/idjobs01.htm – Interior Design Job Postings
- www.iida.org – International Interior Design Association
- http://www.cidq.org/ – Council for Interior Design Qualification which administers the NCIDQ certification exam
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271025.htm – US Dept of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook (this link takes you directly to interior design in the handbook) or go to www.bls.gov and search “interior design”
