Becoming an Interior Design Consultant

Interior design jobs are predicted to grow 35% through 2008 according to the US Department of Labor. Being an interior design consultant can help place you right at the forefront of this growth.

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Interior design jobs are predicted to grow 35% through 2008 according to the US Department of Labor. Being an interior design consultant can help place you right at the forefront of this growth.

What is an Interior Design Consultant?

The word consultant can imply being self-employed, but you’ll find both independent and corporate consultants in the design world. Interior design firms employ interior design “consultants” or associates who serve a particular client base, setting their fees appropriately to support the entire business.

In either case, as an interior design consultant, you will work with clients in the following areas, and more:

• Layout and space planning
• Color and lighting schemes
• Flooring and finishes
• Special considerations (i.e. corporate, retail, private interior design)

Go It Alone or Join a Firm?

Both options come with pros and cons; being an interior design consultant on your own can mean flexibility, your choice of jobs, and freedom of location. In some cases, independent consultants can make more. However, it can also mean more effort on your part to find interior design jobs, a stronger network of suppliers and manufacturers, and obtaining your own job benefits.

Being an interior design consultant for a design firm offers you job benefits, a pre-established network of suppliers, and a constant flow of clients. While it’s great to receive these benefits, you may also be subject to customer service requirements, smaller commissions, and territories set by the firm.

What Will I Make?

Two years ago, the average salary of an interior design consultant was $40,670, but the top 10% earned over $71,220. How can you get to the top? You should start with a traditional or online high school diploma, then move on to a degree in interior design.

Sources

• Design and Consultation Services from BuildingDesign.co.uk
• Interior Designers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Posted on April 2, 2010

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