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Category: Careers in Interior Design Subcategory: Careers in Interior Design Tip: Qualities You'll Need to Excel in an Interior Design Career If you have an interest in an interior design career, you'll certainly need creativity, but that's not the only trait that makes a good interior designer. Because interior design encompasses a wide variety of tasks, including working on or managing design projects, maintaining budgets, dealing with clients, and meeting deadlines, you need to be competent at juggling multiple tasks. You also need good people skills to interact with clients, vendors, and members of your project team. Adaptability and good problem solving skills can also benefit you if you choose an interior design career because you'll need to switch from one task to another, solve spatial problems, and keep up on current trends. Tip: Qualities You'll Need to Excel in an Interior Design Career Art School Related Tip: Once you've got the interior design book smarts, you'll need to focus on the interior design street smarts. One skill that can greatly enhance your interior design career is public speaking. The ability to give a great presentation wows both clients and employers. Tip: Sources for Interior Design Career Information Interior design can encompass a broad realm of career options from furniture design to space planning. To educate yourself on what path is right for you, check out these sources for interior design career information: Visit The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID at www.asid.org). This professional organization for interior designers gives you access to information on the field of interior design, career opportunities, salary information, and educational programs. Interested in kitchen and bath design? Head over to the National Kitchen and Bath Association at www.nkba.org. You'll find information on certification, continuing education, and the kitchen and bath design field. To get the started learning about interior design career information, visit All Art Schools at www.allartschools.com. On their Web site, you'll find articles with interviews, career information, and links to numerous interior design programs.
Tip: The Scoop on What Salary Interior Designer Professionals Can Expect Wondering what salary interior designer professionals can expect to make? According to the American Society of Interior Designers in 2006, if you're just starting out, the average interior design salary is $30,000 a year. After three to four years, you can add another $5,000 to your interior design salary expectations. If you're a project manager, you can command $50,000 to $55,000 a year. Hoping to make six figures? Start your own design firm or become a partner at a profitable design business and you can expect to make $100,000 or more. To command the highest salary interior designer professionals seek, get the best education, business background, and fine tune your designer skills. Tip: Work Options for a Career in Interior Design Art School Related Tip: Dread the thought of doing the same work day in and day out? A career in interior design allows one set of skills to be applied to many different areas. A residential designer may create a state-of-the-art kitchen and then later work on a luxury bathroom. Every interior design client and project is unique. Category: Interior Design Courses Subcategory: Interior Design Courses Tip: Interior Design Courses What You'll Learn Art School Related Tip: Learn the specifics of interior design courses by visiting the school's online course catalog. This catalog will tell you what material is covered in the course as well as any special requirements a student might need to join the class. It was also tell you how many credits the course is worth and what days and times of the week it meets. Tip: The Interior Design Studio The interior design studio may be one of the most vigorous courses you will take as part of an interior design program. This class is where you will learn to put your creative talents and ability to visualize spatial relationships to use. In an interior design studio, you will typically receive an interior design project or series of projects from your instructor and then spend the rest of the semester refining your design. For instance, you may have an interior design project requiring you to design the inside space of a museum gallery with special attention to natural lighting requirements. Throughout specific phases of the design process, you can expect to give presentations to your instructor and classmates where you will receive critiques and feedback.
Tip: The Interior Design Studio The interior design studio may be one of the most vigorous courses you will take as part of an interior design program. This class is where you will learn to put your creative talents and ability to visualize spatial relationships to use. In an interior design studio, you will typically receive an interior design project or series of projects from your instructor and then spend the rest of the semester refining your design. For instance, you may have an interior design project requiring you to design the inside space of a museum gallery with special attention to natural lighting requirements. Throughout specific phases of the design process, you can expect to give presentations to your instructor and classmates where you will receive critiques and feedback. Tip: The Professional Practice Class In most interior design programs, you will take a professional practice class. Here, you'll learn everything you need to know to practice as a working interior designer. Learn how to market your interior design services. Get education on the business aspects of the client and contractor relationship. In a professional practice class, you'll see how an interior design firm is run and organized. Gain valuable insight on the tools you need to manage an interior design project. You'll also get the basic knowledge you need to start and run your own interior design firm. Category: Interior Design Degree Subcategory: Interior Design Degree Tip: Accreditation and the Online Interior Design Degree If you are considering getting an online interior design degree and are concerned about accreditation here is something to keep in mind. To date, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER), the organization which sets the minimum standards for an interior design education, has not accredited any online interior design degree. Keep in mind that accreditation is open to all programs in interior design, online or not. Lack of accreditation by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation does not necessarily mean a program lacks a strong interior design foundation. However, you should keep in mind whether your state requires you attend an accredited interior design program if you plan on getting licensed as an interior designer. Tip: Getting a College Degree in Interior Design You have numerous options to study interior design, depending on your goals and expectations. Complete a two-year college degree in interior design to learn the basic skills you need to get started in a career in interior design. If you choose to get a
four-year college degree in interior design, you may have the option to specialize in a specific area and get a broader educational background. A certificate program will also give you the background you need to begin a career in interior design. Tip: Taking an Interior Design Online Course Interested in the field of interior design, but you're not sure if you want to go ahead and get an interior design degree? One convenient option is to take an interior design online course. You'll have the benefit of a teacher lead course and feedback from other online students. You'll also get to sample the field of interior design while continuing your current job and personal obligations. It's a flexible option to take while deciding if you want to commit to a full-blown education and interior design degree. For more information on places you can take an interior design online course, try these listings: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID at www.asid.org) American Institute of Architects (AIA at www.aia.org) National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA @ www.nkba.org) All Art Schools (www.allartschools.com) Schools of Interior Design (www.schools-of-interior-design.com) Category: Interior Design Licensing Subcategory: Interior Design Licensing Tip: Days to Remember Your Interior Design Licensing Exam If you plan on taking your interior design licensing exam, administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ), you should check the current deadlines to make sure you don't miss the next exam. Now through 2008, the NCIDQ holds two deadlines for exams given in the fall and spring. To sign up for the next interior design licensing exam, you need to register approximately three months prior to the exam date. Check the NCIDQ website for current deadlines at www.ncidq.org. Tip: Interior Design Information on Licensing The road to becoming a licensed interior designer certainly requires time and commitment. Be prepared and make sure you get the necessary interior design information on licensing as soon as possible. To become a licensed interior designer,
you must pass a three-part examination held by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). You can take the exam with a combination of the requisite work experience and education. Additional requirements also vary from state to state, so make sure you get interior design information for the state you intend to practice in. For more information on the specific credit requirements of your interior design program and work hours, visit the NCIDQ Web site at www.ncidq.org. Tip: Interior Design Information on Licensing The road to becoming a licensed interior designer certainly requires time and commitment. Be prepared and make sure you get the necessary interior design information on licensing as soon as possible. To become a licensed interior designer, you must pass a three-part examination held by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). You can take the exam with a combination of the requisite work experience and education. Additional requirements also vary from state to state, so make sure you get interior design information for the state you intend to practice in. For more information on the specific credit requirements of your interior design program and work hours, visit the NCIDQ Web site at www.ncidq.org. Tip: Interior Design Information on Licensing The road to becoming a licensed interior designer certainly requires time and commitment. Be prepared and make sure you get the necessary interior design information on licensing as soon as possible. To become a licensed interior designer, you must pass a three-part examination held by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). You can take the exam with a combination of the requisite work experience and education. Additional requirements also vary from state to state, so make sure you get interior design information for the state you intend to practice in. For more information on the specific credit requirements of your interior design program and work hours, visit the NCIDQ Web site at www.ncidq.org. Tip: Self-Certification for Interior Designers Self-certification for interior designers is another piece of legislation designed to regulate the use of a title such as licensed interior designer. Unlike the title act, which allows the state to govern the use of a title, the self-certification act allows an independent professional organization to oversee use of a title. To date, only the state of California has adopted self-certification for interior designers. Tip: Studying for the NCIDQ Examination Art School Related Tip: Online bookstores are a great place to find information on interior design. They often stock several editions of the same title, and sell both new and used books. It's possible to buy three used books for the price of one new book!
Tip: Studying for the NCIDQ Examination Taking any exam requires a time commitment and the appropriate resources for information. The right study guide can help you pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications Examination, also known as the NCIDQ Examination. The NCIDQ does not endorse any particular seminar or program. However, the NCIDQ does offer a study guide and design problems based on their own three-part test. For those who prefer the additional help of another study guide and flashcards to prepare for your NCIDQ Examination, you can find these aids at libraries, bookstores, and various retail locations. Tip: The Interior Design Training You Need For Licensing To qualify to take the interior design exam given by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), you need to have a certain level of interior design training. How much training you need depends on the level of education you have. You can follow these guidelines to determine how much interior design training you need: For graduates of a bachelor degree in interior design, you need 3,520 hours of work experience in order to qualify to take the NCIDQ examination. For those who complete a certificate or degree with a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90-quarter credits, you need to have 5,280 hours of work experience to qualify to take the NCIDQ examination. For those who complete a certificate or degree program with at least 40 semester hours or 60-quarter credits, you need to have 7,040 hours of work experience to qualify to take the NCIDQ examination. Additional requirements may apply depending when you apply to take the NCIDQ examination. The NCIDQ updates their requirements and additional rules may apply based on the state you take your exam in. For further information on the interior design training you need, go to www.ncidq.org. Tip: The Significance of Taking Your Interior Design License Exam After countless hours of schooling, projects, and work experience, you have yet another hurdle in the path of your interior design career the interior design license exam. You may have wondered exactly what is the significance of taking your interior design license exam. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification administers the test to establish qualifications for persons to call themselves professional interior designers. This exam establishes the basic competencies required for professional
interior designers to maintain the safety and health of the general public. Interior design affects many areas of people's lives - in the workplace, the home, and commercial areas. Therefore, as someone who practices interior design, it is important to maintain a high level of professional standards. Category: Interior Design Portfolio Subcategory: Interior Design Portfolio Tip: Five Tips to Help You Put Together a Stellar Interior Design Portfolio When you're getting ready to interview for an interior design job, you need to have a great interior design portfolio. Remember that having a great portfolio to show at your next interview takes time and effort. Keep these tips in mind before you look for your next interior design job: Start with the portfolio case. Pick a case that is professional and representative of the industry and market you're interviewing for. If you're sending your resume to a mainstream design firm, go with a basic, nondescript portfolio case. If you're applying to an edgy, trendy retail store, you might get away with a portfolio case with more pizazz. Spend some time to research other portfolios to get an idea of layout and design possibilities. Pick pieces representative of your best work. Don't put in pieces that you have to apologize for. Prioritize the order of your portfolio pieces. Don't simply throw in random examples of your work. Instead, imagine explaining your designs to your potential employer. Pick an exciting piece in the beginning and end of your portfolio. Target your portfolio pieces. Make sure that what you put in your interior design portfolio best represents the job you are applying for. Your portfolio doesn't have to be set in stone. You can change some pieces out for new ones, depending on your job interview. Tip: Plan Ahead for Your Interior Design Portfolio One way to keep your interior design portfolio in top form is to plan ahead. Keep your portfolio up to date by keeping samples of your work as you build experience working as an interior designer. Each time you complete a project, remember to maintain copies of your work for your own usage. It's much easier to build your interior design portfolio as you go rather than having to find copies of your work once you're on the job hunt. Remember to always check with the policy of your employer on obtaining additional copies of your work for personal usage. Tip: Ways to Add a Fresh Perspective to the Design of Your Portfolio It can be easy getting stuck in a rut when updating the design of your portfolio. In order to keep your interior design portfolio looking the best that it can, follow these
suggestions to improve your presentation: Check with your professional organization to see what seminars may be coming up. Often times, you can find seminars where interior design professionals will give advice and critique the design of your portfolio. Gather with your classmates or colleagues to have a portfolio critique session. You can get valuable feedback and gain some new insights. Check your local library or bookstore in the design section for books on portfolios and design layouts for new and innovative ways to present the design of your portfolio. Category: Interior Design Schools Subcategory: Interior Design Schools Tip: Applying to the Top Interior Design Schools If you want to apply to the top interior design schools, you need to be thorough and do your research well ahead of the application process. Follow these guidelines to help you get through the interior design application process. Get information on the interior design application process early. Most of the top interior design programs require you meet a certain level of coursework in order to apply to their programs. Make a checklist of all the items you need to apply and get them in order, such as a portfolio, SAT scores, and letters of recommendation. Join in extracurricular activities, especially ones that foster a well rounded background or emphasize your interest in the interior design field. Turn your interior design application in early. Always check with the requirements of the interior design program you are applying for, but many of the top interior design schools give priority to applications received near the beginning of their decision making process. Tip: Factors That Go Into Ranking an Interior Design Program Currently, there is only one widely known source which ranks an interior design program. Design Intelligence, an architecture and interior design professional publication, puts out an annual list of top programs. Design Intelligence compiles its list
based on a survey sent to hundreds of design firms and organizations, asking which schools best prepare an interior design graduate for professional practice. In addition, Design Intelligence looks at the continued performance and success of an interior design graduate as well to determine its interior design program rankings. Tip: Get Up Close and Personal When Selecting an Interior Design School Art School Related Tip: What kind of interior design firm do you want to work for? When visiting an interior design school, ask if they have courses that fit your interests. Some schools may specialize in lighting design, kitchen design, or even feng shui. Tip: Get Up Close and Personal When Selecting an Interior Design School Before you make a final decision on any interior design school, make sure you make arrangements to get a first hand look at your schools of choice. Always contact the interior design school you are interested in to make arrangements for a guided tour. You'll be able to get valuable inside information on the program, classes, and interior design faculty as well as a first hand look at the campus. That way, you can make the most informed decision on whether a program is right for you. Want to go one step further? Make an appointment to speak to an interior design faculty member or student ambassador if you can. A person who lives and breathes the daily routine of an interior design program can give you the best insight. Tip: Getting a Graduate Interior Design Education For some, higher education is just another stepping stone in one's career path. For those seeking a specific program of study, a graduate interior design degree may be the perfect solution. A graduate interior design degree will be suitable for those seeking an interior design education in a number of situations. Perhaps, you have a degree in a different field and would like to make the change to interior design. Rather than seeking a certificate or another bachelor degree, you decide to get your master's degree in interior design instead. Or perhaps, you hope to use an advanced interior design education to explore a specialized field of interior design such as lighting design or sustainable design. Another reason one might get a graduate interior design degree is to pursue the teaching profession an area that seeks instructors with advanced degrees. Whenever seeking an advanced degree in any field, always weigh the pros of the educational experience and credentials you receive against the ultimate time and expense it takes you to complete a program. Tip: Getting the Most Out of Your Interior Design Education An interior design education is your gateway into a promising career. In order to maximize the resources available to you while you are in school, get involved as much as you can. â Be proactive and approach your faculty for advice on career guidance
as well as feedback on your projects. â Actively seek internships and ways to get real world experience while getting your interior design education. â Make use of student competitions to push your design skills and become involved in the community. â Join professional student organizations to start networking and gaining valuable educational and career resources. Tip: Getting the Most Out of Your Interior Design Education An interior design education is your gateway into a promising career. In order to maximize the resources available to you while you are in school, get involved as much as you can. Be proactive and approach your faculty for advice on career guidance as well as feedback on your projects. Actively seek internships and ways to get real world experience while getting your interior design education. Make use of student competitions to push your design skills and become involved in the community. Join professional student organizations to start networking and gaining valuable educational and career resources. Tip: Getting the Most Out of Your Interior Design Education An interior design education is your gateway into a promising career. In order to maximize the resources available to you while you are in school, get involved as much as you can. Be proactive and approach your faculty for advice on career guidance as well as feedback on your projects. Actively seek internships and ways to get real world experience while getting your interior design education. Make use of student competitions to push your design skills and become involved in the community. Join professional student organizations to start networking and gaining valuable educational and career resources. Tip: Inside a Top Interior Design Program The most competitive and highly ranked interior design programs have a vigorous program of study. You can expect to attend a four year or even five year program packed with coursework in studio design, history of design, building construction and technology, professional career practices, as well as computer drafting. The top interior design programs are often intensive, requiring many hours logged in the studio working on projects late into the night. You'll have little time for outside social activities and
leisure time, but you'll receive the benefit of an education to prepare you for a competitive professional career field. Tip: Inside a Top Interior Design Program Art School Related Tip: Focus on interior design programs that are challenging and will help you to become a better interior designer. The coursework of those four or five years will be the foundation of your entire career. However, remember that everyone needs a break at some point, and choose a school where you can take some time to relax and recharge between projects. Challenges are hard to conquer when you're burnt out! Tip: School of Interior Design Rankings Art School Related Tip: Attending a top school of interior design is great, but only if it fits your needs. Most importantly, a school should specialize in the type of interior design that interests you most, and it should help students find internships, co-ops, or other forms of real world experience. Choose a school that will benefit you both inside and outside of class. Tip: School of Interior Design Rankings A recent 2005 survey by Design Intelligence lists school of interior design rankings. The rankings consider the quality of the programs in preparing a student to practice professionally as well as the professional success rate of graduates practicing interior design. Here is a list of the top 10 school of interior design rankings: 1. University of Cincinnati 2. Pratt Institute 3. Kansas State University 4. Cornell University 5. Arizona State University 6. University of Oregon 7. Auburn University 8. University of Texas at Austin
9. Washington State University 10. California College of the Arts tied with University of Florida Tip: What You Need For The Interior Design Application Process The materials you need for the interior design application process varies depending on which school you apply to and the competitiveness of the program. However, in general, expect interior design schools to evaluate your grades, application and essay, resume, and a portfolio review. Some schools weigh some components of the interior design application process more heavily than others. Most interior design schools expect to conduct a portfolio review, but there are some that do not. Category: Interior Design vs Interior Decorator Subcategory: Interior Design vs Interior Decorator Tip: An Interior Decorating Education Getting an interior decorating education is not the same as getting an interior design education. To date, there are no official governing bodies regulating interior decorating. However, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation does give guideline requirements for interior design degree programs. You can find courses and programs for an interior decorating among art schools, community colleges, and correspondence programs. Although you do not need an interior decorating education to get a job in interior decorating, coursework and schooling would certainly be helpful. As an interior decorator, you'll likely deal more with the furnishings, fabrics, and surfaces that can be applied to a residence or commercial building as opposed to designing the spaces within them. Tip: Furnishing Sales as an Interior Decorator Career Maybe you can envision yourself in a furniture retail store or a showroom. You would love to be surrounded by fabric swatches, carpet samples, and furniture and lighting styles ranging from modern to traditional. If this is the case, consider furniture sales as an option for an interior decorator career. To work in furniture sales, you'll need good communication skills and have a flair for color and design. Many places will pay base salary and commission based on the amount of sales you conduct. This interior decorator career opportunity is perfect for those with an outgoing personality and eye for coordinating interior pieces. Tip: Information on Interior Design As a Career
Wondering what skills you need to be a successful interior designer? A career as an interior designer is certainly suited to someone with creative skills. If you can visualize a space and how it might be better, you can be a successful interior designer. If you have a good eye for materials, surfaces, and colors, you can be successful in interior design. However, interior design involves much more than just artistic ability. Not only do you have to be able to design a space, but you have to have excellent problem solving skills to create solutions with limited spatial constraints or budget restrictions. You have to have a sharp business sense and people skills to interact with clients, vendors, and members of your project team. Tip: Interior Decorating Courses Wondering where you can get some hands on interiors experience by taking interior decorating courses? Look no farther than your local community college or university extension program. A community college or university extension program often has classes catered to the working adult or busy parent. You can choose from interior decorating courses online, in the evening, or on the weekend. Learn about topics like feng shui, home makeovers, lighting for the home, and accessories for residences. Even better, you'll find many of these interior decorating classes won't put a damper in your pocketbook! Tip: Professional Organization for Interior Decorators Formed in 1997, Certified Interior Decorators International (C.I.D. at www.cidinternational.org) is a professional organization recognizing interior decorators as a valuable part of the design profession. With the changes in legislation over the years, the requirements to become an interior designer have become more stringent and regulated. This professional organization promotes the recognition of these changes by promoting the acknowledgement of interior decorating as a separate profession and promoting the responsibilities of an interior decorator outside of those normally performed by an interior designer. Tip: The Difference Between an Interior Decorator and An Interior Designer You may have occasionally heard the terms for interior decorator and interior designer interchanged. However, there is a difference between the two titles. An interior decorator generally refers to someone who deals with finishes, surfaces, furniture, and wall coverings. An interior decorator may work in a variety of venues from a design showroom to a remodeling retail store. There is no government regulation regarding the work of an interior decorator. An interior designer is a more specialized career field, requiring a certain combined level of education, work experience, and licensing. An interior designer may create spaces for the inside of a commercial office building, design the lighting for a restaurant, or select the furnishings of a home. An interior designer may also deal with issues of safety like accessibility and building codes.
Tip: The Difference Between an Interior Decorator and An Interior Designer You may have occasionally heard the terms for interior decorator and interior designer interchanged. However, there is a difference between the two titles. An interior decorator generally refers to someone who deals with finishes, surfaces, furniture, and wall coverings. An interior decorator may work in a variety of venues from a design showroom to a remodeling retail store. There is no government regulation regarding the work of an interior decorator. An interior designer is a more specialized career field, requiring a certain combined level of education, work experience, and licensing. An interior designer may create spaces for the inside of a commercial office building, design the lighting for a restaurant, or select the furnishings of a home. An interior designer may also deal with issues of safety like accessibility and building codes. Tip: The Difference Between an Interior Decorator and An Interior Designer You may have occasionally heard the terms for interior decorator and interior designer interchanged. However, there is a difference between the two titles. An interior decorator generally refers to someone who deals with finishes, surfaces, furniture, and wall coverings. An interior decorator may work in a variety of venues from a design showroom to a remodeling retail store. There is no government regulation regarding the work of an interior decorator. An interior designer is a more specialized career field, requiring a certain combined level of education, work experience, and licensing. An interior designer may create spaces for the inside of a commercial office building, design the lighting for a restaurant, or select the furnishings of a home. An interior designer may also deal with issues of safety like accessibility and building codes. Category: Resources for Interior Designers Subcategory: Resources for Interior Designers Tip: Do the Research Get to Know Your Hiring Interior Design Firm All too often, a hiring interior design firm may be frustrated because their interview candidates know little or nothing about their office. Don't make the mistake of being one of these candidates. Your best bet is to target firms you are interested in working for during your job search. If you do that, you should at least know the following about the hiring interior design firm you are interviewing with: Know what the corporate philosophy of the interior design firm is. Be familiar with the type of work the interior design firm does.
Get acquainted with key members of the firm, such as the principal or partners in the office and know about the size and structure of the office. Hint: Don't know where to find this information? Simply go to the Web site of an interior design firm. You should be able to find all of the information you need to be prepared during an interview. Tip: Look for Interior Design Information Online With the amount of resources on the Web, you don't even have to step outside your door to look up information. If you're interested in the field of interior design, try going to these resources for interior design information online: The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) at www.asid.org is the predominant professional organization for interior design, which seeks to further the interior design field through education and community outreach. Careers in Interior Design at www.careersininteriordesign.com is an excellent resource to get you started in your exploration of the interior design field, including career information, schooling, and the examination process. The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is a professional networking organization committed to promoting the knowledge of interior design. You can find a wealth of interior design information online at their Web site at www.iida.org. Tip: Student Competitions in Interior Design An excellent way of getting recognition for your work while you're still in school is by entering student competitions in interior design. Some of the major professional organizations and publications hold competitions specifically geared towards the interior design student. The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) holds an annual Student Sustainable Design Competition. Each year, three students are recognized for creative excellence in incorporating sustainable design principles into a project. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) holds annual student competitions in interior design. Each year, one interior design student wins an ASID Student Design Award. The 2005 competition called for the incorporation of a spa for multiple sclerosis patients while utilizing aspects of green design.
The ASID also holds another interior design contest where first and second place winners are announced - the annual Student Interior Design Contest. For the competition in 2005, the project required designing a kitchen and living or dining area with the use of a minimum of three KitchenAid appliances. Tip: The Perfect Interior Design Candidate - What Employers Want You have your interior design degree, an internship, a portfolio, and resume all ready to go. All you have to do is ace the next interior design interview and you'll be on your way to a promising career. To boost your chances of landing the job with the slick and innovative design firm you've been eyeing, pay attention to what interior design employers are looking for. Employers want an interior design candidate who first and foremost, has a friendly and positive, outgoing personality. Surprised? Part of working as an interior designer means interacting with clients, vendors, and other members of your project team. People skills are an important part of the interior design interview. To shine as an interior design candidate, show your potential employers that you have great communication skills. You should be clearly able to present your ideas and projects. As an interior designer, you'll have to communicate your ideas in a way that other people can understand. Your technical skills as an interior designer are also important to interior design employers. The firm that hires you wants to know that you have a good sense of design, proportion, color, and the technical know how to make a project come together. Category: Types of Interior Design Subcategory: Types of Interior Design Tip: Getting into Residential Interior Design Art School Related Tip: Residential interior design is a growing field. To stay on the forefront, get active in the online community. Start an interior design blog or post your insights on an interior design message board. Other people's responses may help you shape new, innovative ideas.