Interior and spatial designers use their creative skills and technical knowledge to design and transform internal spaces
You can work in a range of commercial, public or residential settings, often managing a project from conception through to completion. This includes creating the initial designs, sourcing the necessary products and materials, and coordinating the various trades needed to complete the work.
You'll need to thoroughly understand the intended purpose of the space you're working on and how it will impact the people using it, taking into account factors such as efficiency, functionality, safety, accessibility, wellbeing, sustainability and visual appeal.
Types of interior and spatial designer
It's possible to specialise in a range of design areas, including:
- aeronautical, including private jets
- commercial workplace and office space
- healthcare and wellness
- home offices
- hospitality and leisure facilities
- investor refurbishment
- kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms
- marine, including yachts and cruise liners
- public spaces
- residential
- retail
- schools, colleges and universities
- transport.
What do interior and spatial designers do?
The role varies depending on the job, and in some roles, you'll act as a project manager for the client throughout the construction stage, coordinating the design on site and managing the construction team. In some jobs, you'll work in a team with other designers.
As an interior and spatial designer, you'll need to:
- discuss project requirements in detail with clients (the brief), considering the clients' needs and the needs of the people using the space
- conduct feasibility studies for projects and take part in site surveys
- research and gather information and photographs relating to the project
- develop initial ideas and present these to the client as 'sample' or 'mood' boards
- prepare detailed 2D or 3D plans, drawings, designs and models of the layout (spatial planning) as well as the design scheme
- develop design concepts in consultation with the client and establish final briefs
- set project timelines and schedules
- consider materials and costs according to budgets and negotiate project fees
- source products, such as fittings, furniture, lighting, finishes, decoration and dressing, and provide samples for clients
- work closely with quantity surveyors to establish costs and work schedules on larger projects
- collaborate with architects, structural engineers and other design professionals to determine the best use of space
- supervise work at the design stage and coordinate different trades on site, ensuring that they keep to the design brief
- act as the point of contact for construction contractors
- keep the client up to date on progress and look for solutions if problems arise that could delay the project schedule
- carry out a walk-through with the client on completion of the project, noting any outstanding issues
- identify new business and sell services to potential clients
- keep up to date with new developments in the design industry
- be aware of, and comply with, all health and safety, building and installation regulations.
Interior and spatial designer salaries in the UK
- Salaries for junior designers range from £23,000 to £34,000.
- Experienced (midweight) interior designers can earn between £34,000 and £48,000.
- Salaries for senior designers and managers can range from £48,000 to £85,000.
Additional benefits may include a pension and performance-related bonus scheme.
Salaries vary widely depending on your location, the sector you work in, the size of your employer and the type of project you're working on. It's possible to command high earnings, particularly when you're involved with high-profile 'prestige' projects.
Other factors that affect salary are your skills, experience, reputation and professional qualifications.
Income data is intended as a guide only.
How many hours does an interior and spatial designer work?
Typical working patterns may include regular extra hours but not shifts. Evening and weekend work should be expected. Since the designer's role is often integral to a larger construction and development process, flexibility with working hours is an accepted part of the job.
Part-time work is possible, while self-employment and freelance work are common. There may be some opportunities for flexible working. Most interior and spatial designers work in studios. Self-employed designers often work from home or from a rented studio.
How do I become an interior and spatial designer?
You'll usually need a relevant degree, foundation degree or HND to be a professional designer. The following subjects are usually preferred:
- interior design
- interior architecture
- spatial design.
Degrees, foundation degrees or HNDs in the following subjects are also useful:
- 3D design
- art and design
- architecture
- fine art
- furniture design
- graphic design
- product design
- textile design.
The Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID) accredits a number of university degree courses in interior design. These courses have been assessed by the SBID as having an appropriate level of technical skill, knowledge and understanding. Find an accredited course
Entry without a degree or HND is possible if you have significant experience and creative flair.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification isn't necessary, but postgraduate study may enhance your promotion prospects once in the job. Search for postgraduate courses in interior design.
There are a range of interior design courses available at different levels provided by independent course providers. When choosing a course, research it thoroughly to ensure it has been independently validated or accredited and meets your career aims.
Courses in software packages such as AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, SketchUp and 3D Studio are also useful. Look at job adverts to find out what software packages employers are using.
Key skills for an interior and spatial designer
You'll need to have:
- a high level of technical knowledge, including CAD and model-making skills
- good drawing skills, including perspective drawing and spatial awareness
- creativity and imagination to design unique spaces
- strong written, verbal and presentation communication skills to write briefs, promote and explain ideas, and build relationships with clients
- an awareness of building and safety regulations and knowledge of the wider construction and design industries
- project-management skills, including the ability to organise your time and work under pressure and to deadlines
- a driving licence can be helpful for visiting project sites.
Interior and spatial designer work experience
Competition for jobs is strong, and selection is often based on a portfolio that shows your design skills, as well as your capacity to get involved in a range of different projects. It's therefore important to get some work experience but you'll need to be proactive when looking for opportunities.
Many degrees provide students with the opportunity to showcase their work. However, as few graduates are offered work from their degree shows, it's vital to network and take advantage of any opportunities to establish contacts that may help you get your career started.
A good way of making contact with established designers is by becoming a student or graduate member of bodies such as the Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID), British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) or the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD).
Another way to get experience is to apply for competitions, such as the annual BIID Student Design Challenge aimed at final year university students of interior design and interior architecture. A list of current competitions and awards is available on the Arts Thread website.
There are now many websites where you can showcase your work to employers and potential clients, including Arts Thread.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Who employs interior and spatial designers?
Interior and spatial designers usually work for architects or design consultancies (interior or multidisciplinary) in private practice, or for commercial organisations with in-house design departments.
Many designers work on a freelance basis or are self-employed, although it's uncommon to set up your own business without first gaining substantial experience and building up a reputation and a list of contacts.
Clients may include:
- commercial and construction companies
- companies in the hotel and leisure industries
- local government bodies
- retailers
- theatre, TV and film companies
- private client with residential projects.
The demand for interior designers is growing with the increasing focus on sustainable, healthy and connected spaces for people to live and work in.
According to the BIID, key growth areas include:
- co-working spaces
- built-to-rent market
- premium residential markets.
Look for job vacancies at:
Specialist recruitment agencies also advertise jobs in interior and spatial design, including:
Jobs are also advertised on LinkedIn and on company websites.
Social media platforms such as Instagram are useful when job hunting.
Where can a career in interior and spatial design lead?
Newly qualified junior designers tend to work alongside more experienced colleagues which can lead to increased responsibility, depending on your performance. Career progression typically depends on your performance, aptitude and dedication, as well as the setting you work in. Typically, you'll spend the first five to ten years of your career developing and building on existing skills and knowledge, as well as gaining further experience, before moving into a senior designer role.
As your career progresses, you'll often develop one or more specialisms, either because you have a particular skill or interest or because of the projects you've worked on. Having a specialism can enhance your chances of standing out from the crowd when tendering for new business.
You can enhance your career prospects with further study to experiment, diversify or obtain specialist knowledge. This can be through specialist short courses, a Masters degree or PhD. Large consultancies offer on-the-job training and may provide training in areas such as negotiation, marketing (particularly branding) and website creation, as well as on specific software packages.
Membership of professional bodies is important for professional development. They provide a range of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities including seminars, lectures, exhibitions, trade shows and networking events.
Relevant bodies include:
- British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
- Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID)
- Chartered Society of Designers (CSD).
Once you've gained experience and have six years of combined interior design/architecture education and work experience (or a minimum of six years' interior design work experience), you can apply for BIID Registered Interior Designer membership.
The SBID provides the opportunity to progress through its membership levels to achieve SBID Interior Design Accreditation. They provide support to help members progress through the levels.
You can also apply to become a Chartered Designer in your design specialism through the CSD. You'll need a minimum of five years' full-time experience to be considered and will submit a professional portfolio and undertake a professional review as part of the process.
It's important to build up a portfolio of your work as you progress in your career. This helps both in terms of promotion within a company or consultancy, and in attracting new clients if you're self-employed.