Unique Interior Design Careers You Don’t Want to Overlook
by Caitlin Sanfordcaitlin.sanford@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interior decorators and designers held about 65,000 jobs in the U.S. in 2004. The BLS estimates that about three out of 10 designers are self-employed. Other interior designers work with architectural or landscape design firms, or with furniture retailers. In addition to these career tracks, qualified interior designers and decorators can gain employment in some pretty unique and glamorous fields. How does hospitality design or event design sound, for example?
Design Dream Jobs
After completing interior design school, you still have to work to sell your skills and score the job you want. As you start your career in interior design, you may want to consider specializing in lesser-known design field, such as:Hospitality Design: Hospitality designers create interior decorating schemes for restaurants, hotels, and resorts. If you are lucky enough to get a job in a high-end establishment, you will likely work in a super posh setting with an equally cushy budget.
Furniture design: Furniture designers design and construct their own original furniture, often by custom order. If you have an eye for classy or unique furniture, and a talent for building or sculpting, furniture design could be for you.
Event Design: More people are consulting interior design career professionals when planning weddings, birthdays, and other large events. Specializing in event design provides a lot of variety, although jobs are short-term.
The Importance of Interior Design School
As sweet as these career options sound, the competition is tough, and a degree in interior design or decorating is a must. According to the BLS, there are currently many qualified and talented designers entering the market. But by earning a degree in design, gaining some experience, and choosing a niche like those suggested above, you'll be set to land your dream design job.Source
About the Author
Caitlin Sanford is a consultant and freelance writer. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Stanford University.
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