How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role.
How to become an interior designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject like:
- interior design
- art and design
- interior architecture
- spatial design
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a college course to get started, for example:
- Level 3 Diploma in Interior Design
- Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design
- A Level in Art and Design
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and a creative subject
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Apprenticeship
You could do a furniture design technician advanced apprenticeship to get into interior design.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a design assistant with a company and take further training and qualifications on the job.
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Further information
You can get more details about careers and training in design from theBritish Institute of Interior Design and from The Society of British and International Interior Design.
You can get information on working in this and other creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- knowledge of building and construction
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you’ll do
Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day tasks, you may:
- meet clients to discuss their requirements and ideas
- develop designs to suit clients' needs, their budget, and the type of building
- prepare initial sketches and mood boards for the client to approve
- advise on use of space, colour schemes, fabrics, fittings and furniture
- work out costs and prepare estimates
- create detailed drawings from the initial sketches, usually on a computer
- find suppliers of fittings, furniture, fabrics, and wall and floor coverings
Working environment
You could work in an office, from home, in a creative studio or at a client's business.
Career path and progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.
Career path and progression
You could move into related work like theatre set design, visual merchandising, exhibition design or furniture design.
Current opportunities
Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer
- Wage: £15,000.00 Annually
- Location: Budbrooke Industrial Estate, Warwick
Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer
- Wage: £15,000.00 Annually
- Location: Swinton, Mexborough
Courses In England
Interior Design - Intermediate
- Provider: RICHMOND AND HILLCROFT ADULT AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
- Start date: 06 June 2024
- Location: Richmond
Interior Design & Styling - Beginners
- Provider: THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP
- Start date: 17 September 2024
- Location: Windsor
Jobs In the United Kingdom
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