Interior design is an emerging profession, recognized by licensing in over 19 states and Canada. Professional interior designers confer with clients to determine needs, preferences, budget, types of construction, and equipment to be installed. They create logical interior environmental plans to meet a specific need, such as raising productivity or improving the lifestyle of the residents. They also advise clients on such interior design factors as space planning, layout of furnishing and equipment and color coordination. They plan and design interior environments of homes, offices, commercial and institutional facilities.
Problem solving is the most important skills required for interior designers.
In today's marketplace interior designers also use computers for problem solving. They are expected to use word processing for contracts and specifications to computer aided kitchen and bath design to computer aided space planning to aid in the different phases of the design process. Interior designers are also expected to demonstrate creativity, visualize three- dimensional objects from plans, and sell ideas and products to others. Beginning interior designers usually begin their career with an internship or trainee position. Interior designers may work for home center chains, commercial or residential furniture showrooms.