Consider a Career As an Interior Design Professional

During the times of an economic slump, many people look for opportunities to reinvent themselves by pursing a different career. Most people take the time during a layoff to reconsider their life choices, and think about what really makes them happy. This involves making a career decision that allows them to consider money less, and investigate what spurs their passion. This is not to say that money is not important; on the contrary, fulfilling one's passion makes the money earned sweeter. For the people with this mindset, the interior design profession might be an exciting opportunity. This multi-faceted profession offers creative and technical solutions to clients for an appealing interior environment.

Interior design professionals are given a charge to use their creative minds in conjunction with a systematic and coordinated methodology which includes research, analysis and integration of knowledge in order to meet the project goals of the client. This is a blanket description of what a typical job entails. Just as broad are the qualifications and competency levels of design professionals based on government regulations. These may vary based on the jurisdiction in which a person is licensed to work. Designers also have the option to obtain accreditation through private organizations for a specialty. For example, designers in the United States may obtain accreditation for environmental expertise in sustainable construction design solutions.

Most people confuse interior design with interior decoration. This is an honest mistake, since both involve creativity and design skills. Interior decoration involves specifically home renovations that are quickly and easily changed. Kitchen cabinets, wall paper and furniture selection are usually completed with lower budgets, and without dealing with structural building codes. However, the broad range of disciplines within design involves more technical, analytical, creative skills and an understanding of architectural elements. Professional designers might specialize in residential and/or commercial design. The residential specialty encompasses kitchen and bathroom design, multifamily housing, and universal design. Commercial design may include furniture, health care facility, retail, hospitality, workspace and sustainability.

In order to be able to meet such a vast demand of industry preferences, the interior design professional must understand the psychological and physiological needs of their client. This will enable them to seek appropriate solutions to those needs, as well as respecting their client's social desires. The professional will be able to apply his or her knowledge, skills and abilities to promoting the health, safety and welfare of the clients. The environment created becomes one that is safe and ecologically sensitive.