Interior designers plan the space, furnish and decorate the interiors of private homes, public buildings and commercial businesses such as offices, hotels, restaurants and theaters. Keeping the client's needs in mind, they develop designs and prepare working drawings and specifications for interior construction, furnishings, lighting and finishes. They design lighting and architectural details such as crown molding, coordinate colors and select furniture, floor coverings and curtains. The preferred education for interior designers is a four-year degree in fine arts.
Few clients are willing to hire a designer with no formal credentials.
Designers should also be knowledgeable about federal, state and local codes, and toxicity and flammability standards for furnishings. Central Missouri State University, Maryville College, Northwest Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southwest Missouri State University, William Woods College. Through the year 2005, employment in interior design is expected to grow faster than average, though one must always take into consideration competition for jobs. Occupations related to interior designing are visual artists, architects, landscape architects, engineers, photographers and merchandise displayers.