How To Become an Interior Designer In Australia?

If you love decorating rooms and have a knack for design, an interior design career could be the right fit. However, you must know the right path to pursue your dreams before becoming an interior designer.

To become an interior designer in Australia, you must fulfil specific requirements. Just like any other profession, interior designers face unique challenges every day.

It is essential to understand that interior designing is more than simply beautifying the interior space. Clients of interior designers can range from large corporations to homeowners and are responsible for designing different kinds of spaces.

No matter the size of the project, an interior designer ensures to make a space safe, functional and attractive for everyone keeping in mind the client's requirements.

In this blog, you will learn about becoming an interior designer in Australia, interior design jobs, how long it takes, what they do, how to get into it, salary, and more.

1. What Does an Interior Designer Do?

An interior designer is a professional who can make a space decorative, functional, and usable. They are trained in interior decoration and have studied interior designing courses to understand the nitty-gritty of this industry.

The interior designer can work for different clients related to various properties. Their primary responsibility is to create aesthetically pleasing practical spaces and practical rooms. 

An interior designer can work for architectural firms, construction companies, retailers, consultancy agencies providing interior design-related services, interior design companies, and more.

Some interior designers may take the route of freelancing as well. They deal with high-end interior design firms. However, the interior designer has to be careful while designing a space for a client because each client will come with unique requirements. It's the designer's responsibility to meet the client's expectations.

As said, interior design is not just about choosing aesthetically appealing items for space; they must know the art of finding the proper object for the right place. When choosing the things, be they décor items, furniture, etc., they need to consider whether the selected items will complement the space.

Before choosing an item for the interiors, they must also consider the available space, lighting, and other factors. In addition, an interior designer will consider the theme of the space so that every item complements the overall theme.

2. Responsibilities and Duties of an Interior Designer

• Understand a client's requirements by carefully listening to them and offering them decoration ideas that match their requirements. The decoration ideas should be as per the budget requested. 

• An interior designer will have to draw, sketch, and even present a visual representation of the decoration idea they have in mind for the said space. Once done, the client will review the visual image and share feedback. 

• The designer must consider the visual and technical aspects of the space, such as lighting, furniture, layout, and décor and ensure a balance between appearance and functionality. 

• Work on the decoration process by choosing a suitable colour scheme, furniture, decorative items and accessories, and patterns to create the correct visual appearance. 

• The interior designer will plan for the decoration process and do the work considering the budget. 

• Request the client to check the materials, accessories, furniture, and more and get feedback on whether they like it. Alternatively, the designer may ask the client to pick these items. 

• The designer must know how to create a space for a client by balancing colour scheme, furniture, lighting, fixture, and pattern. 

• The designer must create a project timeline and share it with the client. While the design is under process, the specialist will update the client. 

• The designer must know the latest interior décor style, themes, decorations, and colour schemes.

3. Qualifications To Become an Interior Designer in Australia

Aspiring interior designers need to fulfil interior design qualifications. A candidate who has completed an interior designing course from a recognized institute will have a better chance of finding a good-paying job. 

In addition, a candidate can go for a diploma in interior design, which will cover both the practical and theoretical aspects of the interior designing course.

A Bachelor's degree in design and a Diploma in Interior Design are the two education options that one can go for. However, these days top interior designing firms look for similar qualifications; that's why ensure to complete at least a diploma to start your career as an interior designer.

If you want to go for a specialized profession, a Master of Design degree will be useful. A Master of Design can land you better jobs in different sectors, such as the film industry, textile design, kitchen design, etc.

4. Types of Jobs Available For an Interior Designer In Australia

Interior Decorator

An interior decorator is responsible for defining the aesthetics of the completed space. The professional will discuss space planning, fixture option, finish, colour coordination, and layout planning.

They must also coordinate with vendors and contractors to select interior products, materials, and furniture.

The interior decorator has to ensure transparent communications with the client to meet the requirements. For example, some companies may ask for Adobe Photoshop and AutoCAD skills.

Junior Interior Designer

A junior designer will work with a senior designer and within a team, fulfilling a project's goal. The designer will assist with the design concepts and communicate with the clients, ensuring to meet their needs and requirements.

The professional will have to place orders for furniture, take care of the aesthetic specifications and client purchases, and maintain budget requirements. Junior designers must exhibit team player skills because they will work with multiple people.

For this job, a degree in architecture or interior design is required.

Furniture Designer

A furniture designing career is multi-faceted, much like other interior designing careers. They will be responsible for prototyping and building models. 

The clients can range from large corporations to individual people. Primarily, a furniture designer will be responsible for designing custom furniture for clients that will fit a space.

The designer may design furniture for showrooms, houses, offices, and commercial properties. Furniture designers have in-depth knowledge of carpentry designs, craftsmanship, and furniture architecture. 

The most common materials a furniture designer works with are textiles, fabric, metals, and wood.

Kitchen Designer

As the name suggests, a kitchen designer is someone responsible for the usefulness and aesthetics of the kitchen. They usually work with architectural designers and contractors to determine the kitchen floor planning.

A kitchen designer will design a kitchen in such a way that it enhances the look of the space and is practical so that people can move around easily. They must know the art of balancing functionality and design.

A client may already have a floor design and share it with the kitchen designer, or the kitchen designer does everything from scratch. Based on the client's requirements, a kitchen designer must work accordingly.

Exhibition Designer

Interior designers who work in historical sites, galleries, libraries, and museums are called exhibition designers. However, exhibition designers can also work for boutiques and retail stores.

They will have to prepare a specific theme for the exhibition and choose décor items accordingly.

They will have to assemble the equipment displayed in such a way that they look appealing. An exhibition designer must have additional certifications, such as 3D imaging and modular stand design.

Moreover, the exhibitor designer must have good knowledge of floor management.

Corporate Designer

Corporate designers create a practical and beautiful space for working professionals for a company. They incorporate practicality and aesthetics, keeping in mind their brand value. They may work for start-ups and small and even large corporate offices. 

However, no matter the corporate size, they are responsible for creating a functional and efficient space.

From the placement of the computer desks to creating cabins for the company, a corporate designer is responsible for all. The crux is to create a space that will allow the employees to work efficiently and become productive.

5. How To Apply For an Interior Designer Job In Australia?

Before applying for an interior design job in Australia, hone your expertise and get a relevant degree in interior design. This will help you showcase your skills.

Next, understand the core principles of interior design and keep yourself up-to-date about the latest interior design trends.

Then, create a resume highlighting your skills, qualifications, work experience (if any), and your objective about why you want to become an interior designer.

Once you are ready with the basics, you can look at online job portals to apply for interior design positions. Remember that some jobs may ask for job experience; if you are a fresher, look for jobs that hire freshers. Set your expectations right and take a look at the job responsibilities.

As explained, there are different types of interior designing jobs. Look for a job that you want to do and that will help you grow. Apply for multiple positions and not only for one. There are many companies in Australia that post interior designing job requirements online. 

You can also connect with recruitment agencies. They are well-connected and can help you find an interior designing job that pays well.

6. Interior Designer Salary in Australia

The median salary of an interior designer is AU $72,833 per year. For a newbie, the expected wage is AU$42,470. The highest salary, however, can go over AU$128,000.

The compensation depends on qualifications, work experience, skills, additional certifications, and job location.

So, if you are a junior interior designer, the salary in Australia can expect salary to be AU$42,470. Someone with around 4-9 years of interior designing experience can expect to earn AU$70,000 per year. And someone with 10+ years of working experience can expect to earn AU$90,000 per year.

7. Benefits of Becoming an Interior Designer in Australia

An interior design career is ideal for those interested in designing who don't mind the challenges they often face while working. There will be specific requirements for different clients, and you must know how to satisfy every client with additional needs.

Moreover, there is a budget to take care of. If these things excite you, then yes, a career in interior design will be a good option for you. Check out some of the advantages of becoming an interior designer:

• The interior design industry is growing by leaps and bounds in Australia. There is a huge requirement for skilled interior designers. For someone with the expertise, knowledge, education qualification, and creativity, this industry can offer you boundless potential.

• As an interior designer, you will be responsible for the blank canvas, which is the space of a property. You have the freedom to decorate the space using your knowledge. And the challenge of creating a functional and appealing space can be very satisfying for many.

• An interior designing career is not for everyone. This job is for you if you feel satisfied filling up a vacant space that caters to the client's requirements.

• An interior designer's life is hard to predict. If you work for a showroom today, you could work for a residence tomorrow. You are responsible for deciding the wall paint, furniture, decorative items and accessories, and much more. The work lifestyle of an interior designer is always upbeat!

8. How Long Does It Take To Become an Interior Designer in Australia?

If you are going for a diploma in interior design, it will typically take two years. The course will be full-time. In the course, you will study space planning, furnishing, materials, colours, history of contemporary style and decorative arts.

But if you pursue a bachelor's degree in interior design, the course duration will be three years.

If the interior designing course is a good fit for you, go for it. Good luck!

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