Interior and spatial designer: Entry requirements

Entry to professional interior or spatial design usually requires a relevant degree, foundation degree or HND. The following subjects are preferred:

spatial design
interior design;
interior architecture;
3-D design;

Degrees, foundation degrees or HNDs in architecture, furniture design, product design, textile design, graphic design or fine art may also be useful.

Entry without a degree or HND is possible for candidates with significant experience and creative flair.

Pre-entry postgraduate qualifications are not needed, but specialist courses do exist and may enable a move to interior/spatial design from another area of art and design. Taking a course in computer-aided design (CAD) or Photoshop could be useful.

Voluntary or part-time work is usually necessary to gain prior experience if applications for full-time work are to be successful.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

a high level of technical knowledge;
creativity and imagination;
good drawing skills, including perspective drawing and spatial awareness;
knowledge of the wider construction and design industries;
familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) packages;
good negotiating and management skills;
an awareness of building regulations;
organisational and creative problem-solving skills;
flexibility;
business and marketing skills.

Few graduates/Diplomates are lucky enough to be offered work from their degree shows. Candidates need to network and take advantage of opportunities. It is important to make as many contacts as possible during studies and work experience, as the contacts made may be able to kick-start a candidate's career. Use Arts Council England , the Arts Council of Wales , the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to identify training courses, designers and studio groups. Joining Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) is a good way to meet and make contact with established designers. There are now many websites where a candidate can showcase work to employers and potential clients.

The demand for good interior designers is steadily rising, although competition remains fierce. Selection is often based on a portfolio that shows the applicant's design talent as well as capacity to get involved in a range of different projects. It is unusual for employers to offer traineeships, and speculative approaches are strongly advised. Many designers take other jobs before getting design work.

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market, see the AGCAS publication Handling Discrimination.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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