A designer is someone who designs something before it’s even made, usually by sketching or planning the shape or layout of something. They can be found in many places – printing companies, furniture companies, clothing manufacturers, etc. – and often do freelance work for one-off projects. Designers are also hired to oversee the creation of entire product lines, such as toy lines or games. The work of a designer often goes hand in hand with that of an artist, creating characters and worlds that may seem impossible to create, but are truly amazing in their way.
Interior designers range widely in education and expertise. There are a few types of interior designers, although most work together in a team to create a beautiful space that truly increases the value of a home. The most important factor in interior design is the designer’s creative eye. He or she must possess a great aesthetic sense and appreciation for the amazing things around them, as well as an understanding of space and function. A designer working with an architecture firm will not only be responsible for coming up with the layout and color scheme of the room, but he or she will also be responsible for finding the appropriate materials, coordinating the decor with the furniture and, if necessary, using accessories to pull the room together. An interior designer may also use computers and software to create a 3D computer model of a space, as well as begin negotiating with architects, contractors and other parties.
The role of the principle designer varies, but in most cases he or she writes the memos that get approved for construction, designs the floor plan, decides on the hardware and coordinates all parties involved. He or she may also be asked to co-ordinate decor with photographs and plans. Interior designers can usually find work through a design firm, although solo practitioners are also starting to become active in the design world. This is because the internet has opened up numerous job markets that were previously held only by large firms. Interior designers with internet access can easily find freelance work as well as openings within design companies.
Designers who want to advance to a more senior position, but who still want to be involved in the process of conceptualizing and building a home, should consider applying to jobs in social media. There are a number of design job boards available to designers on the internet. These job boards typically search for designers worldwide, so it isn’t necessary to relocate to the next big city to find a job. In fact, it might be a great idea to look at the home design job boards where you would normally find industry specific job listings. For instance, instead of searching for designers in your hometown, try the Homebuyer Improvement Job Boards, which specialize in remodeling and construction related jobs.
The second most popular type of designer, as implied by the title, is the architect. While architects do not design homes themselves, they are responsible for the plans and designs of buildings and homes. Their responsibilities generally involve creating the blueprints, scheduling draftsmen, and getting property owners to agree with the designs. While many an architect has persevered and landed a job in the architecture field, most designers range from the supervisory end of the architect’s job description to the creative end, crafting the plans and designs from the ground up. This job can be a rewarding one for the right designer, but it does require some independent thinking and creativity.
Another independent professional category is the interior designer. Although there is generally less opportunity for design work because interior designers must stick with what works within a space and cannot be forced to alter a layout, they have the chance to shape an entire room or a set of rooms. This means that a good designer can make even the tiniest difference in a room’s appearance by choosing the perfect colors and furniture. A person with the skill to work with space and design can be a very successful interior designer.