CAREERS IN INTERIOR DESIGN

INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Airport InteriorsAirports have become extended living environment for travelers. Interior designers are hired to enhance the convenience and movement of people who travel by designing airport shops, small conference areas, business centers, restaurants, and cocktail lounges. There's not much that one can't do in an airport these days, from banking to getting a haircut.
• Amusement and Theme ParkSome designers only work on theme parks, using fantasy, sights, sounds and smells to develop exciting and colorful visual components that are consistent with the park theme and that enhance the rides, walkways and exhibits. Theme park designers are responsible for developing permanent and temporary animated displays, unique signs, specialized fixtures, or designing and planning the many service areas of the park such as the restaurants, restrooms, and souvenir shops. Due to the large number of people that visit theme parks each day, theme park design is also about safety, effectiveness, efficiency and profitability. The design of way finding systems to help people understand how to navigate the site is an art in itself.

• Apartments and CondominiumsSome interior designers enjoy residential design but prefer the challenge of designing interiors for multi-family living complexes rather than single family residences. Skilled at creating design concepts that take into consideration efficient layouts, acoustics, and privacy, these designers might also specialize in lobbies, corridors, social rooms, or other interior "community spaces" (business and conference centers, computer rooms, office and secretarial areas, and athletic areas) – highly desirable amenities that tenants of apartment and condominium complexes are seeking . Multiple-housing developments are popular in every part of the country, and so this interior specialty offers a great deal of opportunity.
• Art and AntiquesInterior designers with an interest in fine art or period furnishings sometimes become professional art or antiques specialists. They understand what people enjoy and will buy, and they also know how to properly illuminate and place art to its best advantage in a room or building. This is a major asset for an art dealer, because art sells best when it can be envisioned or placed in an interior.
• Assisted Living FacilitiesIn light of the fact that the number of elderly people living in the Unites States is increasing each year, it is not surprising that the need for more independent and assisted care living facilities is growing. Interior designers have come to realize the rewarding career opportunities available in the design of attractive, secure residences for people needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Although the names used to define assisted or independent housing may vary- residential care, supported care, small houses, enhanced care or retirement centers - the need for interior designers who are able to creatively integrate traditional nursing care components into private, enjoyable, home-like environments is immense.
• Auditoriums and Concert HallsThis is a fascinating field and very different from stage design. Acoustics and sight lines in theater design are vital and complex. Productions can be made or destroyed by very small design elements of the house.
• Bathroom DesignAt one time, the bathroom was the smallest and most insignificant room in the house. But today, bathrooms and kitchens sell more houses than any other spaces. Modern bathrooms are no longer only utilitarian, but can be luxurious living spaces and even spa-like environments with whirlpool baths, rain showers, towel warmers, TV monitors, saunas, and hot tubs. While our new fixtures may not always be more anatomically suitable than the old ones, they are luxurious.
• Building FinishesThe interior building finishes industry is immense; incorporating goods and labor from both foreign and domestic sources and markets. Some interior designers work closely with manufacturers, artisans, and workrooms around the world to create innovative materials including specialized ceramic and metallic tiles, stone mosaics, laminates, resin moldings, paints and varnishes, carved wood components and veneers, and other products that will be used to finish walls, countertops, floors, cabinets, ceilings and other interior surfaces.
• CADD TechnicianGood visual presentations are vital to the field of interior design, and so most design firms hire talented illustrators, either as part of the staff or on a freelance basis. Depending on the size of the project and the needs of the design firm, the fees paid for creating illustrations by hand or on the computer can run into thousands of dollars; making this a very lucrative field for individuals talented at drawing interior spaces by hand or electronically.
• Ceramic Tile DesignThis is a larger design specialty field than one could ever have imagined; incorporating foreign and domestic sources and markets. Ceramic tile is used in murals and sculptures and furniture, as well as for flooring, walls and other finishes. Interior designers design tile and they also know how to coordinate tile with the rest of the space.

• Clinics and Urgent CareThe demand for out-patient clinics and urgent care centers is growing and, because of the many helpful services they provide, these facilities need to be designed to accommodate the needs of people seeking immediate medical attention. Interior designers who specialize in health care clinics realize the need for creating cheerful, well illuminated waiting and patient care areas and the necessity for using durable – yet attractive - fabrics and finishes that can be maintained with the often harsh sanitizers and cleaners used in healthcare environments.
• Closet and Storage System DesignWith so many things available today to buy and collect –from technology to clothing to recreational equipment - people require more sophisticated systems for storing and organizing their belongings. Now a sizeable industry, closet and storage manufacturers often hire interior designers to create attractive, highly functional storage systems for walk-in closet areas, garages and office spaces. Working in a specialized area of the storage design industry, some interior designers create custom closets that are fabricated in exotic woods and that involve unique fittings and details such as hidden safes, packing counters, shoe racks, built-in benches, telescopic clothing rods, and other amenities.
• Construction ManagementInterior designers work very well as construction managers because they understand just what goes into each project. Often they are hired to act as coordinator between the contractor and developer. They supervise, manage, and review the components going into a project and advise on decision-making accordingly.
• Corporate Offices DesignEvery major company has an administrative building -- some large, some small -- having varying demands and requiring design. The demands change as the products change, and interior designers are called in to streamline and to develop spaces supporting workflow. At one time, we just designed offices, but today social environments are also important. Sometimes, more important decisions are made over a cup of coffee than in the boardroom.
• Cruise Line and Private WatercraftThis specialty encompasses all sizes of ships and boats used as pleasure craft. Cruise liners are "floating villages", requiring that interior designers interested in this career path create spaces that offer travelers a wide range of amenities in addition to sleeping accommodations - such as swimming pools, spas, health clubs, casinos, art galleries, ballrooms, walking and running tracks, and a variety of restaurants. The crew areas of cruise liners have certain basic requirements and, because crews are confined for long periods, staff dining rooms and living quarters must be as attractive and well planned as the upper decks. The interior of private yachts, on the other hand, allow the designer more opportunity for creative design and often require that the designer specify products and materials made specifically for marine use.
• Design for ChildrenChild development is of high interest in the United States. Environment affects a child's behavior, and we know from research that what stimulates a child is not what stimulates an adult. It is essential that spaces for children be adaptable, because children change and grow so rapidly. The product market is extensive and so is the market for design. Designing for children is designing all the places a child might go -- doctor's offices, retail spaces, schools, libraries -- not just children's rooms.
• Design for Orthopedic DisabilitiesBarrier-free design is now common. Every new commercial or public building and every renovation now accommodates wheelchairs. Probably more money has been put into designing for the orthopedically disabled than any other special group. Some interior designers specialize in products for the disabled.
• Design for the Vision or Hearing-ImpairedNot every person sees and hears as well as the next, and this changes as people grow older. Still, designing and adapting interior spaces to accommodate these differences has received considerably less attention than so called barrier-free design for orthopedic disabilities. Over sixty percent of people working today have some hearing loss, and probably a much larger percentage have some vision impairment.
• Organization and PromotionInterior designers are excellent promoters and organizers of design shows. Many have moved from interior design into sales or public relations.
• Educational Training Center DesignEducation isn't done only in schools and colleges. Today, almost every corporation and community center has some form of educational training center, and specialists are employed for at least some part of their design.
• Exhibits and Convention FacilitiesExhibits must create a visual impact but, because they must be set up and taken down quickly and need to be shipped in parts, they need to be well designed, durable, made of re-usable parts and be easily moved. Designers creating convention exhibits must consider that some of their designs are continually on the move; others must be designed to be built in place and later disassembled. As trade shows and convention opportunities for exhibits continue to expand, so will this field.
• Facility ManagementThis is a new name for an old field that is one of the fastest growing specialties today. Almost every large professional office, corporation, or company has one person who is responsible for the physical managing of the facilities. This person coordinates all repairs and maintenance. He or she is involved in future planning, and usually all the business's professional consultants, designers, and other engineers report to this manager. An interior design background is an excellent one for a facilities management position.
• Factory Production ConsultingSome interior designers specialize in working in factories and production areas, showing how to improve safety and increase productivity. Almost every major company is now using this kind of specialist.
• Floor Covering and Rug DesignWho should know better how to design carpets and rugs than interior designers, who are responsible for a large volume of floorcovering sales. Interior designers working with textile specialists can develop most suitable rugs for a given situation. Designing hand woven rugs is very different from designing for the technical mechanics of axminister, wilton, tufted, or woven machines. Either a designer must study the mechanics at a specialized place, such as the Philadelphia University, or work extensively in the carpet field.

• Furniture Design/ErgonomicsInterior designers study furniture styling and space planning and, as a result, are very knowledgeable about how furnishings should look and where they should be placed in an interior space for optimum visual impact and effective use. Some interior designers choose to design their own furniture collections; working with industrial engineers and designers to build it. Ergonomics – a science devoted to improving living and working conditions for humans by basing the design of products on the physical interface between people and furniture – is an interior design specialty that offers many exciting opportunities for designers. Ergonomic design factors - which can be applied to furnishings, equipment, and their arrangement within an interior environment - take into consideration human sensory capacity, body function, safety, and emotional satisfaction.
• Government OfficesInterior designers responsible for the design and planning of government offices and facilities must have a thorough understanding of the organizational structure, strategic goals and changing management practices of the division of government staff their designs will serve. Significant knowledge about the individual users, and the flow of work through the office is essential. Interior design for government offices requires costeffective ways to create a comfortable interface between the public and the staff in ways that allow good customer service as well as be successful in imparting a sense of the implied hierarchy of power required in government office design.
• Graphic Design/SignageIt is hard to say where interior design ends and graphic design begins, because the two fields are so closely allied. Graphic design, including signage graphics, is a particularly useful sideline when working with corporate image, space definition, or the movement of people. It requires more than the standard interior design training. Designers with this specialty are able to create not only a corporate or institutional image, but to coordinate all of the elements that contribute to that image.
• Greenhouse DesignAt one time, greenhouses were simply for plants. Now they are incorporated into all kinds of living spaces from residential to commercial. Depending upon the climate, they involve temperature, light and humidity control, insulating elements as well as the design atmosphere. Manufacturers consult interior designers on the design of greenhouse components, and some interior designers specialize in this.
• Hard-Surface Floorcovering DesignHard-surface floorcoverings are made of many materials including marble, stone, wood, wood tile, and vinyl. Manufacturers have incorporated science and art to make a beautiful product. Interior designers understand what patterns, textures, and products are most appropriate for floorcoverings, and they can give their recommendations to product designers, who have the technical background to create the floorcoverings.
• Hardware DesignThe wide range of decorative accents and mechanical details – hinges, knobs, handles and other hardware - that interior designers and architects specify for an interior space, offer a rewarding career to someone with a design background and an interest in product and industrial design. Because they understand design history, styling, and how cabinets and doors function, interior designers are able to use their knowledge to create decorative elements and accents for use on furniture or in building construction that are durable, cost effective and that have strong visual appeal.
• Health Club and Recreational Facility DesignThe health clubs of today are not are not just places to exercise, but meeting spots for people with similar goals and interests. Health club design is growing, in part, because public interest and awareness in preventative approaches to personal health is growing. As a result, facilities that offer the equipment and space for people to participate in all forms of athletics, aerobics, yoga, and other forms of exercise are proliferating rapidly. Keeping these facilities safe, convenient, visually attractive and appropriate to the specific sports involved, has led some interior designers to make this their specialty.
• Historic Preservation and RehabilitationA very technical and scientific specialty, historic preservation and rehabilitation is a growing field because of the current tax abatements and widespread interest in reclaiming the past. If you are working on a project that must be true to its period, you need to become a specialist in that era -- whether it be Victorian, Georgian, Art Deco, or one of the more arcane styles. The research that determines the actual colors, materials, or wall coverings, for example, has attracted many designers.
• Home Entertainment Center DesignThis decade has seen a great demand for educational and entertainment technology in both homes and business. As such, residential interior designers are finding an increasing number of clients asking that entertainment centers – and even home theaters – be part of the design of their home. From a luxurious multi-level sound-controlled home theater space with reclining furniture, upholstered walls and the latest in digital technology to a smaller space-conscious entertainment center located in the corner of a family room, interior designers who enjoy a mix of aesthetics and technology should consider specializing in the design of home entertainment spaces.
• Hospital DesignToday, most areas in a hospital have become so technically complex that hospital designers work internationally. Specialties proliferate. Some designers only do emergency rooms and intensive care units, or patient's rooms; others concentrate on the selection of sustainable materials featuring low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in paints, adhesives, sealants, carpets, and furniture. Some designers do reception and waiting areas. Studies have shown that healing occurs more rapidly in an attractive environment where patients and their families can be comfortable. This is another area where insurance, state requirements, and cost-effectiveness place demands and constraints on the design.

• Hotels and ResortsThe hospitality industry is constantly changing and, as a result, interior designers who specialize in hotel design need to be creative, flexible and able to adapt to meet the requirements of a rapidly changing market. Whether creating design concepts that exude local charm or planning a design that evokes the mystique and allure of a foreign land, a hotel designer understands that a hotel is far more than planning the interior of floor after floor of guest rooms. Many hotel facilities today are immense; offering travelers convention and exhibit halls, restaurants and dining rooms, training centers, pools & spas, comfortable lobbies and living-rooms, gardens, health clubs, business centers, and educational spaces. Some design firms specialize in hotel lobbies and corridors, others design only dining spaces; others design guest rooms and suites.
• In-House Design for CorporationsThis has been and will continue to be one of the biggest growth areas. An in-house designer maintains the design style of the corporation, or in many instances, coordinates the design components needed to keep the corporate design image high. When consulting designers are called in on major design projects, in-house designers do the interpreting and communication coordination for the firm.
• Interior Design EducationInterior design is a highly specialized field and, to be successful, a good education is essential. Often, interior designers who enjoy sharing their knowledge and experiences with students, devote a portion of their time to teaching at a local college, university or other educational center that offers instruction in interior design. Interior designers who intend to teach need at least a bachelor's degree in interior design or related field. Some schools require experience in the profession and at least a Masters or Doctorate in order to join their Faculty.
• Interior LandscapingThis is suitable for many environments. It can add a natural quality to even the most static environment, and can increase the comfort of a windowless environment. The field requires knowledge of landscaping as well as botany. A great many plants have been introduced into interiors without regard to growth patterns and the result is often a jungle. Interior landscape designers usually work under a contract that plans for continuing maintenance and design changes for seasonal updates and plant health.
• Kitchen DesignNo longer a room just devoted to meal preparation, the residential kitchen has become an active, social environment with amenities such as comfortable seating, entertainment centers, fireplaces, computer work areas and a wide range of appliances and equipment including warming drawers, built-in woks and barbeques, integrated food steamers, inline water filtration and convection ovens. Although many interior designers choose to become specialists in residential kitchen design, a considerable amount of kitchen planning is also done by professional salespeople or kitchen equipment dealers and others who understand the technical details that go into the design of a kitchen. Commercial kitchen design is a subspecialty of this career path. Commercial kitchen design demands that the designer has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the food preparation equipment appropriate to the size, type and use of the kitchen. Country clubs, educational facilities, museums, community centers and other public places where a large kitchen is needed, require a kitchen design specialist. It is not uncommon for a commercial kitchen designer to be working in collaboration with a restaurant designer who is creating the decorative and functional design concept for all the other areas of the dining space.
• LibrariesVery often the library is the center of the community, as well as an essential research tool for students, businesses and others living in the area. Libraries have very specialized space planning, acoustic, storage and functional needs and so library design is surprisingly more technical than might be expected.
• LicensingMany designers license their names to a product line. Sometimes they have styled the product and other times they merely endorse it.

• Lighting DesignLighting, regardless of its specific application, is a very important aspect of an interior space that needs to be coordinated with the overall design concept. Whether they are recessed fixtures, low voltage pendant lights or an exquisite table lamp, lighting fixtures need to be designed to meet the needs of interior designers planning all types of interior spaces. Realizing the dramatic effects that can be achieved when lighting is used as a design element – such as color, texture and form - some designers specialize as interior lighting consultants. The wide array of lighting fixtures and products available, along with rapid advancement in lighting technology, make lighting design an exciting and profitable interior design career path.
• Liturgical DesignDesigners specializing in liturgical design find themselves creating a wide range of interior spaces; sanctuaries, classrooms, private offices, recreation areas for seniors, adults, and children as well as community rooms for a wide range of social events, theater productions, educational lectures, and community activities.
• Manufacturer's In-House Interior DesignManufacturers have designers working just for the purpose of merchandising their product. This has been one of the most extensive developments in the contract field during the last decade. Obviously, it will continue and perhaps take over many of the localized designer jobs with dealers.
• Manufacturer's RepresentativeSome of the best manufacturer's representatives are people who were formerly interior designers or dealers. They understand the product, they know how to sell it, and they appreciate what interior designers want. It is an exceptionally lucrative field.
• Medical Office DesignEach medical specialty requires a complete line of research in office design. Dentistry, a leader in good space planning and time management, was one of the first medical fields to train its practitioners in the relationship of time and motion. Other medical fields are now making strides in these areas. Each profession is demanding; and we have found that designers who generally work in this area ordinarily specialize and travel from state to state.
• Model HomesMany firms do nothing but furnish model homes. They may sell or rent all the components to the contractors for a given length of time. Their installations include dishes and glasses for the table, towels for the bathroom, and all kinds of furniture. At one time, furniture stores set up model apartments, but today contractors want their models designed to sell their homes, so they go to specialists who understand the national market.
• Modular and Pre-fabricated HomesAt one time every mobile home was a trailer. Today, the mobile home design field has expanded to include modular home design. This is a fast-growing area in the building field, because it is so easy to build component parts in a factory-controlled situation and then take them onto a site. Modular construction takes a lot of engineering and highlyrefined design development, as well as financial backing, to really make it practical. Understanding the technical aspects of modular building construction - such as how the building parts are assembled - is critical to this interior design specialty.
• MotelsLike hotels, motels cater to travelers. They differ, however, by the fact that motel guests are usually traveling by car, are not seeking on-site convention or trade facilities, and usually require guest room accommodations for only a few nights. As a result, motel interior designers often do total package concepts rather than specialize in only some aspect of the total – like guest rooms or reception spaces. Due to their relative small size – at least compared to large hotel complexes - motels offer interior designers an opportunity to develop special theme-based concepts in conjunction with other special design requirements including efficient space planning, parking lot access, good signage, durable fabrics and surfaces, and noise abatement and acoustics.
• Muralist or Faux PainterMarbling, fresco, and textured finishes – many of which are inspired by the rich patinas found on centuries-old walls of historic homes and castles - are popular custom wall treatments that are in great demand. At one time a finishing technique used exclusively in historic restoration work, artisans and designers who are skilled in creating murals and faux finishes find themselves involved in a wide range of interior design projects – large and small –preparing unique wall treatments for theme parks, restaurants, casinos, hotel lobbies, corporations and homes.
• Museum DesignAt one time, only people with a history or art history background worked in museums. Today, however, a museum has many opportunities for interior designers; including creating design concepts for promotional and community projects, as well as designing spaces specifically for the preservation of fine art, sculpture, historical textiles, books and other artifacts. Due to the age and fragile conditions of most museum collections, an understanding of the effects of humidity and lighting on the various artifacts is extremely important. Interior designers work directly for the museums or are employed by consulting firms that specialize in museum work.
• Park and Recreation FacilitiesQuite often the allure of historically significant park buildings is as much an attraction as the panoramic scenery. Considering that not all park buildings are up to date or modernized, interior designers with a special interest in historic preservation can find themselves involved with developing exciting interior concepts for structures that are architecturally significant and remarkably diverse – buildings that feature irreplaceable labor-intensive construction and finely-crafted detailing. Alternatively, park commissions are continually adding new facilities to accommodate the needs of park visitors. The design of these new buildings – if they are to be functional, safe, visually appealing and easily maintained- requires the creative input of an interior designer.
• Party and Event DesignAny number of designers organizes and orchestrates parties and events for corporations, charities, and other organizations as a sideline - and their clients willingly pay. At these affairs, it is not enough just to put people into a ballroom for so many hours; they want fantasies brought to life. If you can capture and excite people for a given period of time, they will remember you and use your product or service again.
• Pediatric UnitsDesign research has shown that the environment affects a child's behavior and sense of well-being. Interior designers involved in the design of special care units for children understand that children have special needs in order to feel comfortable and protected while they recover from medical procedures. Considering the market for children's products is extensive, interior designers are easily able to find colorful furniture, cheerful murals, durable toys and other environmental "props" that can help to make an experience that can be frightening and painful much less stressful. Designing for pediatric care centers is about meeting the special needs of children.
• Photographic Set DesignSome design firms have their own photographic set companies. These companies have an inventory floor of items for use only in their sets. They spend weeks building a set, photograph it for one of their advertisements, and then tear it apart. It is fascinating to learn what photographs well and what doesn't, what can be faked or made out of some perishable, cheap material, and what has to be real. At one time, more advertising photographs were taken in actual homes or apartments; today most are done in studio settings.
• Plumbing Fixtures DesignInterior designers act as consultants for major plumbing manufacturers, developing new colors and shapes. The field of plumbing fixtures has become unbelievably extensive during the last ten years. There are more sink shapes, whirlpool tubs, and collections of hardware and gadgets introduced each year than ever before. This in an area of high growth.
• Prison DesignThe design of prisons and other correctional facilities transform over time; in the same way the designs in residential and commercial design change. Changes in how a prison looks are directly related to how the prison system elects to organize and supervise its inmates. While aesthetics is not a high priority in prison design, interior designers presently working in this specialty area are well versed in using "podular" space planning –a pie-shaped arrangement of inmate housing "pods" around a centralized security station. Lots of natural light and calming pastel colors are design priorities as well as how secure the building appears to outsiders.
• Private AircraftThis is a unique specialty. Airplanes range from a standard passenger carrier to a flying conference room or living space. The limitations and restrictions in materials and finishes are numerous, and not just in fireproofing requirements. Designers need to consider the weight and durability of materials and the psychological and environmental well-being of the passengers.

• Product DisplayInterior Designers have traditionally designed windows and product displays within a store. Never has it been brought to such a refined art as recently. This strong effort in merchandising often permits unlimited budgets, which encourages a free rein on ideas.
• Product EvaluationFor certain designers, a large part of their income comes from reviewing products for manufacturers to determine their practicality, their design quality, and their marketability. Some of the best dollars a manufacturer spends are in having a designer look at a product and give his or her opinion on whether it will sell or how it should be marketed.
• Product MarketingInterior designers are well qualified to assist in product design development, and complementing manufacturer's inhouse design staff. The company, to help assure the firm's position in the marketplace, hires designers as consultants. Interior designers assist with marketing products by developing the product use. Designers can be great contributors, because they understand the end use of the product.
• Project ManagementVery often as interior designers' careers develop they become project managers. This can mean anything from running the project under a turnkey proposition to simply handling the interior design development for one's own company. This requires a complete understanding of the various issues.
• Psychiatric Care Facility DesignThe psychiatric-psychological field has put many demands on our profession. As psychiatrists and psychologists change their objectives, we in turn must give them different kinds of design. The form of therapy determines our design response. There are also many physical factors to be addressed. Practicality and ease of maintenance are prime concerns.
• Public TransportationPassenger trains, buses and small aircraft make up a major portion of our transportation system. The skills of interior designers are needed to design safe, comfortable, and attractive environments for the thousands of commuters that use public transportation to travel to and from work each day. If they are attractive and comfortable to ride in, the interiors of public transportation systems will enhance the work day for the people who use them.
• Publicity and Public RelationsMany interior designers publicize the work of others. Designers also work for consumer magazines as design editors or they contribute articles on design to newspapers and other magazines.
• PurchasingCompanies and institutions of every size need a purchase agent, and an interior design background is a very good one for this specialty. Designers have experience in reviewing and testing products. Designers understand what it means to purchase and negotiate.
• Real EstateInterior designers have worked with developers in restructuring and designing buildings for turnkey or development projects. They also have worked in the field of selling real estate. A designer can very easily explain to a client just what he or she is getting out of a certain space, because designers understand space. Very few real estate agents are able to do this.
• Recreational VehiclesNot too many years ago, the mention of a "travel trailer" referred to a small, cramped home on wheels. Today, recreational travel has expanded to include an incredibly wide range of moveable, motorized living spaces, including luxury buses featuring plasma television monitors, accent lighting, in-motion satellite reception, entertainment centers, saunas, and GPS mapping systems. Designers involved in this aspect of the recreational vehicle industry, custom design each luxury coach using only top quality residential furnishings and appliances, and the most advanced materials, components and technology available.
• Rehabilitation CentersA great majority of people living today have some form of physical disability, hearing loss, or vision impairment; caused by heredity, disease, accidents, the aging process or some combination of these factors. Designing and adapting interior spaces to accommodate physical impairments has received considerable attention over the past two decades; especially in terms of barrier-free public spaces that are designed specifically for orthopedic disabilities. Interior designers working on rehabilitation centers are currently enhancing barrier –free design concepts with a new design philosophy – universal design –an idea that promotes the design of buildings and interiors that will accommodate people of all ages and degrees of physical wellness. Examples of this exciting new approach to interior design thinking can be seen in many rehabilitative centers. The use of contrasting floor tiles (visual cues), varying table heights (social interaction cues), and the introduction of outside views in all rooms are just a few of the many elements interior designers use to enhance therapeutic healing environments.
• RenderingSome really good renderers find that when they get out of school, they don't get much practice and lose the knack. A good presentation is vital in our field, so most design firms hire good renderers, either staff or freelance. The fees for rendering some of the best boards run into the thousands of dollars. This can be a lucrative field if you are talented at rendering.
• Residential DesignAt one time considered the most common area of design, residential design can also be the most lucrative. It requires knowledge of human behavior within living spaces, an understanding and ability to communicate with people, and the social respect of the client. We generally find that people use residential designers with tastes and communication skills similar to their own because clients want to be able to understand their designers.
• Restaurant DesignFor the millions of people visiting restaurants each day, dining is more than eating out – it's a form of entertainment. For the interior designer, this translates to the idea that restaurant goers want a memorable dining experience away from home. Planning a restaurant interior begins with an analysis of current market trends and concludes with a concept created to have a dramatic effect on the type of guests the restaurant hopes to attract. Well –planned restaurant interiors contribute to the success – and the profits – of any dining establishment.
• Restaurant Kitchen DesignThis specialty demands a thorough knowledge of the multitude of new equipment appropriate to a restaurant -- and each restaurateur has his or her own preferences. Hotels, educational facilities, and commercial restaurants all require kitchen design, and there are designers who specialize in this area. Often these specialists work for the equipment suppliers. However, an independent consultant who is not in any way tied to a supplier usually gives the client more objective and economical recommendations.

• Retail Store DesignClosely related to shopping mall design, store design is a very popular career specialty among interior designers. Not long ago, most retailers were hesitant to invest a great deal of money on the interiors of their stores. In recent years most have changed their minds about working with a store designer; especially since consumer preference studies have proven that a well designed interior helps to not only attract customers but to sell merchandise.
• Sales and MarketingSelling concepts is what interior designers do and so it is logical that interior designers would be successful selling design-related products. Because they sometimes find they prefer working with manufacturers and other designers rather than with clients, some interior designers choose to go into wholesale or retail sales. Interior design sales can offer opportunities for someone with an interior design background to work as an outside or field sales representatives. Outside sales representatives or "reps" travel to various design firms within their assigned territory; presenting new products and assisting interior designers with orders for a wide range of interior design products.
• SchoolSpaces designed for teaching and learning aren't just found in schools and colleges. Today, almost every corporation, community center, large office complex, library, hospital, museum, and hotel has devoted a portion of its interior space as an educational training center. Due to the increase in on-line education over the past few years, interior designers who specialize in the design of educational facilities find themselves specifying the placement of computers, teleconferencing equipment and digital projectors as frequently as they specify desks, chairs, and whiteboards.
• Set Design for Movies, Theater, Dance, OperaMany interior designers started in set design; others started as interior designers and moved into set design. Set design is a different world; you build it and then you tear it apart. You design it to be seen from a given perspective. The size of the theater and its design -- whether it is a proscenium or a theater-in-the round-- affects the placement of furniture and other props.
• Shopping Centers or MallsShopping-mall designs differ in that they require designers to create a total interior concept that, visually and functionally, works well in all parts of the mall to attract and hold the attention of shoppers. Interior designers creating concepts for large shopping centers must consider ways of directing large groups of people into and around stores, food courts, parking facilities and information areas. Mall designers understand the importance of visual cues, such as good signage, and the positive impact it has on a shopping experience.
• Showroom DesignFrom Fifth Avenue in New York to Rome, Paris, London, and in every small city in our country, showroom designs and presentations account for an amazingly high dollar figure. A showroom must sell a product; this is the primary job of the given space. Whether it is beautiful or not is a question of taste, but whether it works and products sell can be measured. Showroom design specialists most often work in larger cities.
• Single Family ResidencesMany interior designers specialize in residential design by choosing to work with families and individuals who need assistance in planning and furnishing a home. Given the extensive range of home styles, sizes and client budgets available, as well as the wide design directions an interior can go– traditional, contemporary, transitional, retro, art nouveau, etc. – it is not surprising to know that residential interior design can be one of the most popular, personally satisfying and financially rewarding career paths an interior designer can choose. From luxury homes that require more extravagant materials and designs, to more modest homes with challenging sizes and budgets, the range of possibilities in residential design is immense – especially if a designer enjoys dealing with people on a personal level.
• Solar Homes and Building DesignSolar homes are now so prevalent that some interior designers specialize in solar design. The field is no longer limited to individual solar collection; there are solar power plants being built, and one recently completed in California will supply over ten thousand homes with solar energy in the form of electricity. Solar energy is used in many kinds of buildings - commercial spaces, city courts, restaurants, and almost any kind of living space. If solar collection spaces are to be coordinated with living spaces, the interior designer needs to be knowledgeable about solar and environmental issues, as well as insulating factors. This is a growing field for creative interior designers, and many are getting involved.
• Spas and SalonsBeauty and barber shops in the 21st Century are often more aptly named mixed-media salons that offer personal care services to both men and women. Interior designers working in salon and spa design often consult owners who ask them to create tranquil, lush environments that will pamper clients who come to their facilities for a wide range of beauty services, including hair care, massage, cosmetic work, waxing, facials, manicures, hydro-therapy and other personal care services.
• Stadiums and Sports ArenasMuch like theater design, stadium and arena design involves designing for a completely different dimension and purpose. The design is very technical, including special concerns, such as air quality, acoustics, and site lines. In addition to designing seating, stadium and arena designers must provide areas that sell products. Safety and security measures are also critical.
• Sustainable Building and Green Product DesignHomes, hotels, hospitals and other office buildings that are constructed using energy efficient and environmentally sensitive materials and products are becoming so prevalent that some interior designers are electing to become LEED accredited (Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes interior designers as professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles. Given the fact that they are so closely involved with the products and materials that go into buildings, it is logical that many interior designers would become involved in green product design; working with manufacturers and production facilities to create environmentally responsible paints, finishes, surfaces and furnishings that have a low or no impact on the earth's resources. Green building philosophies, product resources and education are rapidly gaining momentum and so interior designers who have a sense of responsibility to the environment are getting involved in green design on many different levels.
• Teleconferencing DesignTeleconferencing centers exist not only in large corporations, but also in community centers and even occasionally in larger apartment buildings or office centers. Teleconferencing specialists usually design these. If a room is properly laid out, lighted, and designed, it makes for much easier communication. In too many rooms the acoustics and lighting make it almost impossible for the person watching the teleconferencing call to comprehend body language, although this is one of the reasons behind teleconferencing. Improved visibility and audibility are possible with good design input.

• Tenant Improvement Design ServicesInterior designers are often hired by building developers and landlords to work with their tenants to coordinate interior spaces for homes, apartments, and offices. By helping with color schemes, basic layouts and finishes, these designers assist the building owner in keeping any improvements made to an interior on budget and in an approved or coordinated style appropriate to the building. Often, tenant improvement involves kitchens, baths, closets, and floors. Understanding the characteristics and construction of buildings is an essential requirement of an interior designer working in this specialty area. An amateur, for example, might specify a type of ceiling finish that is too heavy for the building structure. Many very experienced designers have moved into this specialty area because it is exciting and very profitable.
• Textile DesignInterior designers work well in textile design because they work with textiles daily and they know where the products sell. This field does require extra study. There is a difference between designing fabrics that are printed, and fabrics that are woven. Finishing and printing technology is rapidly changing.
• Time-Share HousingAccording to market research, a "sense of place" remains the overriding factor driving fractional vacation home ownership design. Millions of people use time-share properties each year; looking to the interior designers that are involved with the property to create the themes and fantasy illusions of being in "destinations" far removed from their everyday lives. By combining familiar technology and equipment with furnishings people associate with entertainment and relaxation, travelers can feel they are vacation but can always stay in touch with home, friends and business. Time share properties are refurbished often and so interior designers working in this specialty especially enjoy the opportunity to develop new design concepts or themes.
• Trade Association ManagementToday, there are more trade and professional organizations than ever before. Given the fact that there are many interior design organizations, interior designers are the logical choice to manage and staff them. Besides knowing how to promote and develop interior design events and activities, interior designers that choose to work with trade associations can draw on the organizational skills learned as designers.
• Turnkey ServicesInterior designers who develop turnkey projects hire the architects, engineers, contractors, and any other craftspeople and consultants required. They coordinate the projects, sell them, and then hire the staff required to complete the project. The client has very little to do with the project until it is completed.
• Vacation Home DesignVacation homes have proven to be big business for residential interior designers. Like model homes, vacation homes are often approached by owners as "turnkey" projects, requiring that the interior design concept include everything one would find in a fully furnished home – dishes, glassware, bedding, televisions, and soaps and towels. Because the people that own vacation properties often have busy, active careers, they may place different demands on a vacation house than they might in their primary residence. Easy-care fabrics and finishes and more space for leisure living are common requests that vacation home designers hear.

• Wallcovering DesignMany interior designers design wallcoverings. Their training in color, pattern direction, and scale can make them excellent wallcovering designers.
• Wall Finishes/Murals/Faux PaintingMarbling, fresco, and textured finishes – many of which are inspired by the rich patinas found on centuries-old walls of historic homes and castles - are popular custom wall treatments that are in great demand. At one time a finishing technique used exclusively in historic restoration work, artisans and designers who are skilled in creating murals.