Interior Design as a Career Option in India

It may seem that all you need to be a good interior designer is a sense of aesthetics and a flair for design. That is a good start, yes, but it gets you about five feet forward in terms of your career. The first thing to do is to turn a latent, in-born talent into an effective tool. Just because you can figure out what looks nice and what doesn't does not make you a good designer or decorator. You may know how to use light and colour, how to synthesize architectural elements with design details and how to integrate space and design, but that is about five percent of the work. Most of the real work begins when you come to the execution.

Some formal education in the basic concepts of interior design is absolutely essential. There are many schools, which will give you a basic background course, and most of them are diplomas, but they are all very elementary in terms of the knowledge and the skills they provide you with. You could either pursue a full-fledged course at a reputed institute, preferably one with accreditation; or you could learn by working with someone who is a storehouse of talent. Work with the best, work for free if you have to, because it will be worth it. But regardless of where you get the education and for how long, the one thing an interior designer must always remember is that one is a lifelong student. Every day gives you an opportunity to learn something new about the trade and explore another aspect of its limitless potential.

If you have an eye for design, make sure that is turned into an artful skill, by practicing at every opportunity. Read everything you can, observe design aspects wherever you go...make mental notes and if possible keep a journal with points you pick up along the way. There is no substitute for hands on experience so get into it as early as possible. If you aren't paid for it, don't worry...learn all you can and explore every opportunity to test your know-how. Because it will tell you all you don't-know-how-to. Use your home and any space that is offered to you as a guinea pig. Work out your concepts and present your vision. Explore the dimensions of your own creativity before you ask others to entrust their money ,time and space to you.

Create a portfolio of your work. Try to do as many varied projects as possible. It will teach you all you need to know first-hand and also work as a showcase for your talent. Interior design or decor is about space planning, conceptual genius and a lot of hard work. While design is a major aspect, if you don't have fundamental business skills, you will never be able to succeed independently. When you strip it of the design and glamour accoutrements, what you have left is a lot of planning and time-management skills, labour management, client handling, costing analyses and execution abilities. If you cannot transform what is in your head into something that is concrete, you are perhaps better suited to the drawing board.

Research every aspect of your trade. Find suppliers, understand products and build relationships. These people will be your backbone. The stronger they are, the more upright your standing will be professionally. They can get you better deals, which means you can offer clients a better deal, and that is one way a new kid on the block gets business. Once you are familiar with different styles, concepts in flooring, wall coverings, soft furnishings, accessories and art you must find the suppliers who will actually deliver the goods.

While you are meeting clients, learn to do one thing. It will determine your success as an interior designer. It is not your ability to design. It is your ability to LISTEN. Understand your client. Find out what their lifestyle is. Discover what their likes and dislikes are. Find out what they need and desire. You will find that it may not necessarily coincide with what you would instinctively recommend. Which leaves you with two choices. If you can find a point of convergence, try to assimilate their wants into your presentation as much as possible. If you find no meeting ground, you are better off recommending someone who can deliver the goods rather than work on a project where you will derive no satisfaction, and the client will offer no appreciation. At the end of the day your designing style and their requirements have to meet halfway. For it to be a worthwhile enterprise.

A smart thing to do while you train to become an interior designer is to specialize. You could always diversify later, but initially it is a good idea to find a niche for yourself. If you would like to do residential interiors focus on that for a few years. If commercial spaces are your cup of tea, gain experience in such contracts. If you think you want to be left only to design and stay away from the rest of the madness, then stick to just designing. If organizational skills are your forte, turn to project management. Find out what your skills are and then start honing them. Until you reach a stage when you can start honing another skill.

A good interior designer should be able to work well with anyone from the architect to the civil contractor. If you just want to do your own thing regardless of their suggestions or requirements, the simplest project will turn into a nightmare. At the end of the day, if you, along with all the others involved in the project, including your client, cannot be a cohesive team, the whole thing will fall apart.

If your creative genius can be coupled with practical ability, you are well on your way to becoming a successful interior designer.

Learn the ABC of being a good designer

--Integrate concepts and styles to give a unified décor

--Maintain a sense of equilibrium. Balance is the key.

--Know your field. Know your client. Never presume to be bigger than either.

--Never stop learning--Never stop listening

--Innovate. Don't get trapped into predictable design.

--Never underestimate the value of good service. It tends to pay higher dividends than design.

--Time management and scheduling skills. Plan and execute.

--Coordination skills and being a team worker.

--Business expertise. Do an MBA if you have to but get your business concepts right.

--Patience--Eye for detail--Design Skills--Style

--Knowing the latest trends. Information keeps you ten steps ahead.

--Understanding different decorating styles, their uses and limitations

How to Get Your Career Started in Becoming an Interior Designer

If you are imaginative and creative with a good sense of color and spatial vision, then you might want to consider a career as an interior designer. Learning how to become an interior designer is not as complicated as it use to be. Most universities and local colleges now offer programs and a professional learning environment to help you get started in this career path.

So you think the market in this field might be saturated. Interiors of a house, office or any place needs to be designed and redesigned. These specialized professionals that help design and redesign our homes, hotels, and offices know there will always be customers who require their services. They can transform the work place or any living space in to something inviting and add in an aesthetic appeal.

As an Interior Designer you will need to be an expert in everything from textures, colors, furniture, art, windows and the finish of the interior. They have to conceptualize the entire design of the rooms so that the functionality of the rooms is maintained along with the beauty. The needs and ideas of the people must be taken into account while doing the interior of the buildings. Designers have to be careful about the color combinations as well as the furniture combinations in terms of beautification and functionality.

In today's times designers have to make use of technology to find out about the best possible design for your place. The technology is the CAD or the computer-aided design technology. This helps in estimating the costs and framing the sketches. This technology helps to monitor the implementation of design properly so that the requirements of the clients are met. CAD has made designing simple and commotion free. They have to determine the budget, time frame and the objectives of the project. Hence, CAD technology comes in handy to estimate and understand all these aspects and is a core component.

As an interior designer you may choose your specialization on a particular aspect. Their work includes a wide range of activity right from architectural details to choosing the right color and furniture. They can specialize in residential areas or commercial places.

You can pursue a Bachelors Degree course in Interior Designing for entry level jobs. Certificate or associate programs for 2-3 years will also help you get in to assistant positions in a design firm. Different states in the United States offer a license for practicing and you have to sit for the exam and pass it to get licensed as interior designer. However, before taking this exam, you can work as an apprentice to gain more experience and exposure in this field. You could also become a member of ASID - American Society of Interior Designers or ARIDO - Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario.

The prospect in this profession is increasing by leaps and bounds every day. Designers with experience and familiarity with CAD technology will never have dearth of work. Nowadays, designers having experience in ergonomics, green initiatives and environment friendly designing are getting exciting projects to work on. Job opportunities for interior designers are increasing as compared to other professions. Entry level designers could earn a very decent income right from the start. It is a brilliant profession for creative people who can blend their ideas with the knowledge of technology and transform them into tangible outcomes.

The Advantages of Getting an Architect to Design and Build Your House

One of the biggest decisions to take when you decide to design and build your own house is whether you need to engage the services of an architect or not. While most people do recommend it, there are others who would like to go through the entire thing without professional help. What they fail to realize is that there are many benefits that come with the territory when you opt to avail the services of an architect to build your dream home. Let us understand the advantages of getting professional help to design and build your house.

Advantage #1: "Professional" Help

The word professional itself says it all. The architect is a person who is qualified and certified in design and build homes. He speaks the language of home building much better than you. In fact, there are many times when we want certain aspects of the design to be changed after the construction has commenced. You may not be able to incorporate this ad hoc change if you do not have an architect to help you with it. Since he has more knowledge in this field, he will be able to see things that you, as a layman, cannot and hence be able to make the changes you want.

Advantage #2: Suggest options you would not have thought possible

Thanks to the advanced level of studies in this field, the architects will be able to provide you with a wide range of design options that can enhance the look of your house. Most often than not, these ideas cannot be conceptualized by us since we are not aware of how the vast number of construction materials that are available can be put to use.

Advantage #3: Design energy efficient homes

The main focus today is the need to conserve energy to the maximum extent possible. The architects will be able to help you design and build your house around this concept. A well constructed house should help you reduce the costs of electricity, water and heating bills. This can be possible only when you engage an architect in your endeavor. This will ensure you get maximum returns on the investment you make.

Advantage #4: End to End Solutions

Availing the services of an architect who knows his Ps and Qs will take a heavy burden off your shoulders. A good architect will be able to shoulder the entire construction project end to end, which means right from conceptualizing the design to giving the final touches to your house. This will enable you to distress to a great extent because your architect will co-ordinate with all the necessary people including the quantity surveyors, engineers, builders, sub contractors and interior designers. So, you need not worry about anything at all.

With all these advantages considered, don't you think it is a wise decision to go in for an architect to help you design and build your home? But yes, it is important that you choose the architect after great thought and consideration. The best way to choose them is by getting feedback from friends and family who have recently constructed a home.

What You Should Know Before Hiring an Interior Designer

It is Human tendency to keep innovating until you reach the desired perfection. We love to make our living place as the best place on earth. Everyone desires peace, prosperity and love to flow freely in their homes and workspaces. People do their best efforts to improve the interiors of their property but only a few get successful. They blame the available space or location for the failure but the real problem lies somewhere else.

Like other art forms, interior designing has been practised since ancient times. As a matter of fact, all the beautiful creations that we see today, were planned by expert architects, planners, and designers. A Great attention was given to every minute detail before starting any project. So, we can say that interior designing was an Integral part of every creation.

Interior Designing is a unique combination of art and Science. The main motive behind every designing is the utilization of available space in the best possible way. Many of us avoid taking services of an interior designer because we feel that we can do it ourselves but if following facts are taken into account, then the investment on a Designer can prove worthwhile:

1. Expert Approach

However best we do, our work cannot match with that of a designer due to the vast experience attained by him/her. Whether it is a new construction or remodelling of an old one, an interior decorator saves our precious time and labour. The designer works along with the architects and planners in delivering a well planned layout of your building.

2. Realize your Expectations

A good designer can read your mind and help you in realizing your imagination without disturbing your budget. With today's technology and advanced computer aided applications, you can visualize your desired home even before the actual work begins.

3. Reduced Stress Levels

By hiring the services of a Designer, you get relieved from the stress of project management which gives you ample time to invest your energy on other important tasks.

4. Planned Process

Today, Interior Designing is not just limited to wall paintings, Colour selection, lighting requirements and furniture set up. In fact, it has evolved into a more systematic process. It includes:

• Conceptual Designing
• Space and Furniture planning stage
• Lighting design stage
• Right Colour Scheme selection
• Selection of right Materials for every section
• Preparation of floor plans, designs and layout at every stage
• Presentation of the concept

4. Easy Project Review

With all the detailed documentation available, It becomes easy to review progress at every stage of the project cycle.

5. Resource Allocation

In order to carry out any project successfully, resources need to be allocated at the right time. Being a specialist in his/her field for years, an interior designer can guide you about the best places to get all your resources like furniture, wall writings, artefacts, rugs, home furnishings, etc. at affordable prices.

So, whether it is kitchen and bath remodelling or interior designing and decoration, your decision to choose an experienced interior designer can help you save money in the long run. He/She can save you from making mistakes and provide you with a Design which suits your Personality and expresses you in the right manner.

The Trajectory of Interior Design Courses

Interior Design is concerned with the décor of specified area of space, including the walls, furniture, light fixtures, windows, doors and everything in-between. Whereas some clients seek out interior designers for workspaces, others employ them for help with their homes. There are many aspects to the art of interior design, after all it is an art form. A qualified designer must take the surrounding architecture, a client's personal tastes, and the client's budget into consideration when conceiving a space.

If Interior Design appeals to your sense of purpose and craftsmanship, you will need to prepare. A number of reputable colleges, universities, and academies sponsor design programs geared towards producing highly qualified graduates. As with any other field, you will need the necessary training and practice before a firm or independent client will hire you. Regardless of where you enroll, you will more than likely begin your course of study with basic design courses. These courses will lay the foundations to advanced, conceptual courses and eventually fieldwork.

Seeking out the right school or university may be time-consuming. Explore the options in your area, but remember where you study will affect where you work. Often graduates are disseminated to companies and clients in the general area of the school. If the notion of living in a new city is appealing, research the available universities and the surrounding neighborhoods. The people living therein are going to be you future clients.

Upon graduation, you will have to refine your career path. Do you want to work as a contractor or with a firm? Some graduates prefer to work with a firm in their first few years, learning the basic guidelines and the requirements of agency life. Other graduates exploit internships and make their ways into diverse companies. Either way, it is essential you get your feet wet. The competition will be fierce.

The annual income of an interior designer can vary. As with most career paths, experience translates into higher fees and greater income. As your contacts and client list grows, so too will your bank account. Trust in your talents and the training you receives in your interior design courses. Although you will not make much money in the first year or two, you will be networking and honing your skills.

Interior Decorations and Architecture is in Demand

Interior design is a profession that primarily deals with anything found inside a space - walls, windows, doors, finishes, textures, light, furnishings and furniture. All of these elements are used by interior designers to develop a functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing space for a building's user. Prior to commencing work on any space various factors are to be undertaken by the interior decorator. These factors include the look and feel of the space involved, theme and module of the decoration, the ambiance to be created the architecture and traditional decoration if required. The demand of interior decoration has increased rapidly to an extent that you have firms and agencies opening up solely to serve the purpose. Today, interior designers must be attuned to architectural detailing including floor plans, home renovations, and construction codes. Some interior designers are architects as well.

Interior design is conceptualized by architects for both residential as well as commercial purposes. As the name suggests, residential designs deal with homes, where as commercial designs include offices, hotels, schools, hospitals or other public buildings. Some interior designers develop expertise within a niche design area such as hospitality, health care and institutional design.

There is a wide range of disciplines within the career of interior design. Some of the disciplines include: structure, function, specialized performance, special group needs, discipline needed for business, computer technology, presentation skills, craft skills, social disciplines, promotional disciplines, professional disciplines, aesthetic disciplines, and disciplines with cultural implications. Areas of specialization in this field is continuously growing and changing. With various malls and multiplexes opening up in cities an increased focus have been applied to produce exotic designs and architecture making it look glamorous.

Interior Design is a costly franchise and the revenues that are earned are generally very high. The earnings vary based on employer, number of years with experience, and the reputation of the individual. In both cases residential and commercial charges are levied on an area basis (per square feet). Additional factors that determines the cost of the project is the location and demographic factor. Central metropolitan areas where costs of living expenses and median earnings are generally greater, the budget will be higher compared to suburbs and rural areas. Moreover the average square footage of homes and offices has increased over time; the scope of work performed translates directly to higher earnings.

All in all the industry is flourishing big time. Almost every major corporate would hire an interior decorator prior to setting up an office. Celebrities hire their professional services to get their stage decorated before commencing with an event and every homebuyer does strive to save as much to get their house decorated.

Interior Designing for Interested Individuals

When you think about it, interior designing is everywhere. It's in buildings, offices, hotels, apartments, houses, schools and even small spaces you never dared think possible for interior designing. But the fact is, it is, and interior designing, whether you look at it as a profession or you just have a knack for pulling things and colors together in one room to make them look good, you are a certified interior designer.

Interior designing in its simplest sense is art. Although it looks good to the eyes of people, particularly to the clients; important information which pertains to the why and how of the materials, colors and objects used for a certain room are all needed to be justified. This means, that an interior designer doesn't only do things that are good for a certain space but it also thinks about why certain materials is suggested to the client.

What's great about interior designing is that each space, corner and spots of a room at least, is utilized, beautified and exposed together with the main areas of the room. If you have a small room, interior designing can do wonders for you to make it look spacious. Working with what the clients want, how they react to their environment and stating what good the room is for to them helps an interior designer think and conceptualize a cozy and pretty environment.

So there, you get the idea. The basic essentials of being an interior designer is the creativity skill that you have in you. Treat colors, corners, accents and objects your friends because when you develop how to make them all interact with one another, you start to create an original concept. Even when you think you wont be making it to this kind of business, the important thing is that you practice your ability to decorate and love what you do and eventually put it to good use.