Employers
Interior designers work in a variety of different settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that some designers work for large firms and typically do so in an office environment that is both comfortable and well lighted. Designers may meet with clients in their offices or in the client’s home. Generally, they will meet in both settings to provide consultations. Where they meet with clients often depends upon the client’s availability and what is most convenient to those clients.
Travel
Interior designers may also travel regularly. Some designers travel only locally or regionally, but those who are better known and in high demand may travel nationally to meet with clients or to attend trade shows. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that interior designers sometimes travel to manufacturing sites where the materials they work with are produced. They also travel to showrooms and design centers regularly.
Hours
Most interior designers do not typically work regular business hours. Interior designers’ hours are similar to many jobs in the sales field. Designers typically work around their clients’ schedules and may meet with them in their homes after hours in order to provide consultations. They may also have to work long hours in order to oversee the work that is completed in clients’ homes or in office buildings and other venues where designers provide services on behalf of the client.
Specialties
The work environment of an interior designer depends largely upon her area of specialization, according to Bellvue College. The college points out that some designers work primarily for retail stores and may find themselves working in a retail environment as a result. Others work for architectural firms and may find themselves working in office settings with architects and other professionals in that industry. Others work for corporations and may work within a corporate office setting. In short, no two designers typically have the same work environment because each does different types of work. Even those who do similar work will find that their work environment varies from those of fellow designers from time to time.
2016 Salary Information for Interior Designers
Interior designers earned a median annual salary of $49,810 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, interior designers earned a 25th percentile salary of $36,760, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $68,340, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 66,500 people were employed in the U.S. as interior designers.
