Education and Training

In order to earn an interior design degree, you will need to complete coursework in areas such as computer-aided design (CAD), spatial planning, perspective, drawing, furniture design, color and fabrics, ergonomics, architecture, psychology and ethics. After completing the necessary training, you will then need to complete a 1 to 3 year apprenticeship program before taking a licensing examination. Successful completion of the licensing exam is required in order to become licensed, which is required in 23 states.
Employment Opportunities

After completing your interior design degree, there are several different areas in which you may choose to specialize. These include:

• Ergonomic design
• Elder design
• Environmental design

An ergonomic design specialist is responsible for creating designs for work space and furniture that minimize the amount of strain placed on the muscles and emphasizes good posture.

Elder design specialists plan interior spaces tat will be used by the elderly and the disable. Therefore, the goal of the elder design specialist is to aid in the movement of individuals who may have handicaps or need to use special devises for movement.

Environmental design specialists focus on selecting carpets, furniture and other supplies that are hypoallergenic and chemical-free. They also select construction materials that are made from renewable resources or that are energy-efficient.

Interior designers may also choose to specialize in designing for specific types of buildings. These may include schools, hotels, shopping malls, theaters, hospitals, airport terminals, restaurants and private residences.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for individuals with an interior design degree are expected to grow faster than the average occupation. This is largely because of the increasing homeowner wealth, economic expansion and an overall increase in demand for interior designers. The Bureau reports that the median annual earnings interior designers in May 2006 was $42,260.