Who Hires Interior Designers?

Whether you are just beginning your education or are ready to graduate and launch your career, you may find yourself wondering who will hire you as an interior designer. As an interior designer, you have many exciting career options that range from consulting in a large firm to working in small design studios. Companies and individuals in various sectors, from government to private to corporate, hire interior designers for a variety of jobs. The following are just a few of the potential career options qualified interior designers have.

Residential construction companies hire interior designers to design and stage their model homes. Model homes are built in subdivisions where builders and developers intend to sell several homes. By building a model home for potential homebuyers to see, they increase their chances of sales. Using the services of an interior designer to showcase the home's potential, they increase their chances of sales even more.

Furniture retailers hire interior designers to provide a service to their customers. People are very interested in having a professional help them choose furniture, fabric, colors, and other details that will give their home's space the look they want. By having an interior designer on staff, furniture retailers can maximize their retail sales.

Commercial construction companies, urban development planners, and other corporate building firms hire interior designers to help select paint colors, fixtures, finishes, and flooring. In some cases, commercial developers will use interior designers to design a space that they intend to lease or sell.

Architecture firms employ interior designers to help with designing the interiors of future buildings. Many times, architecture firms are asked to create models for prospective clients. Interior designers may consult with the clients or may actively work on the design during planning and construction.

Homeowners hire interior designers to create an overall design plan for remodeling, redecorating, or renovation projects in their home. In this capacity, an interior designer may be self-employed, working out of their own office, or may work for someone else's design firm. In some cases, home remodeling companies who specialize in kitchens or baths, will employ interior designers to help customers choose construction materials such as countertops, flooring, and paint, as well as create the design for the room.

The employment opportunities for interior designers are as abundant as they are varied. Talented individuals with expert training will be able to find work in a variety of environments. Many interior designers choose to work for other companies while they learn tricks of the trade, and then later start their own consulting or design company and hire their own designers.

The types of opportunities that are available will vary with education and experience, but there are many interesting choices, even for those just starting out in the field. The best thing you can do to begin your interior design career is to choose the right school for you, learn and master your skills, and prepare your portfolio for potential employers. When you are doing what you enjoy, success won't be far behind.