Interior Designers (NOC 5242)
Description
Interior designers conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and industrial buildings. They are employed by architectural firms, interior design firms, retail establishments, construction companies, hospitals, airlines, hotel and restaurant chains, and other establishments or they may be self-employed.
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Example Titles
- aircraft interior designer
- interior design technician
- interior designer
- kitchen designer
- office space planner
- project manager, interior design
- retail space planner
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Classified Elsewhere
- Graphic Designers and Illustrators (5241)
- Industrial Designers (2252)
- Interior decorators (in 6421 Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks)
- Lighting Designers (in 5243 Theatre Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers)
- Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers (5243)
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Duties
Interior designers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space
- Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures using computer-assisted design (CAD) software and graphics software
- Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards
- Estimate costs and materials required and may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing
- Prepare plans and specifications for the final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes
- Work in a multidisciplinary environment
- May direct site work crews and sub-contractors.
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Skills
Interior designers should have an interest in creating a pleasant environment for leisure or work and the following characteristics:
- creativity and imagination combined with practical skills in bringing ideas to existence
- a good eye for colour and shape
- ability to visualize spatial relationships in two and three dimensions
- ability to accept criticism and other ideas
- ability to manage a budget
- ability to deal with stress of timelines and working on several projects at the same time
- ability to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
- basic mathematical skills in measuring and computing material requirements and costs
- knowledge of building materials and processes
- effective communication skills for dealing with suppliers, contractors and clients: in writing, verbally and by using drawing and computer-aided design skills
- understanding and knowledge of building and safety regulations
- business and marketing skills are important for free-lance or self-employed interior designers
- interest in keeping up-to-date in fashions and design.
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Employment Requirements
- Creative ability and artistic talent as demonstrated by a portfolio of work is required. A university degree or college diploma in interior design may be required.
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Terms & Conditions
Working conditions and places of employment vary depending on the type of employer. In large firms, interior designers usually work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable office or studio settings. Occasionally, they may work additional hours to meet deadlines. Those working for smaller firms or freelancing often need to be more flexible, meeting clients when and where required, such as during the evening or on weekends. They tend to work longer hours in their own offices or studios or in clients' homes or offices. Most interior designers travel to other locations, such as showrooms, design centers, clients' exhibit sites, and manufacturing facilities. They typically carry heavy, bulky sample books to meetings with clients.
In Manitoba, nearly half of the interior designers are self-employed (39%). Twenty-two percent work part-time. This occupation is predominately female (80%).
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Earnings
$30,300 per annum - starting
$45,900 per annum - average
$63,500 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Architecture offers Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of Interior Design (M.I.D.) degree programs.
The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Human Ecology, offers the following degree programs:
- Bachelor of Human Ecology (B.H.Ecol.) Textile Sciences
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Textile Sciences.
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Career Paths
Interior designers may specialize in residential, commercial, institutional, industrial building, or in aircraft, ships, trains, trade shows and exhibitions.
Some self-employed designers may combine their design and practical building skills in a contracting business.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for interior designers are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. The number employed in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 285.
The number of new homes being built and homeowners' desires to update decor contribute to the demand for interior designers. Increasingly, they are called upon to stage homes to ensure the best possible presentation for resale appeal. Demand is closely related to economic health, and in some circumstances the use of interior design services is an optional luxury. Work is somewhat more likely to be found in commercial construction and renovation (offices, hotels, restaurants and bars), than in residential. Some retail building supply and manufacturing companies have added design consultations to increase sales and expand customer service. Interior designers who form partnerships with architectural firms may have an advantage.
This is a small occupational group, and most employment opportunities will arise as a result of turnover (especially retirements later in the forecast period). While prospects are expected to be good, and in line with the stable outlook for construction, there are many talented people competing for available projects.
Interior designers work in most regions of Manitoba, but are concentrated in Winnipeg. The majority (65%) work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector, followed by Retail Trade (11%), Construction (7%) and Public Administration (7%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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