Interior Designer

An Interior Designer will design, structure and create aesthetically pleasing and safe interior environments. Every detail, from the colour of a room to the texture and print of the couch, cushions, wallpaper and carpet is all considered and placed by an Interior Designer.

A degree in Interior Design or architectural design is necessary to be a professional in this particular industry. You could look into degrees in architecture, 3D design and interior or spatial design.

It is possible to freelance and work part time, or according to your own personal client basis. However, if you are employed by someone you may need to work beyond the usual 8 hours daily during the week. You would be part of a project that may require your professional attention after hours.

The average salary per year as an Interior Designer, in South Africa, is around R175 384 with an hourly rate of about R166.  

Here are a few things you can expect from a career as an Interior Designer:

• Expect to work with a lot of unique people with vastly different design ideas. Managing people well and with a good attitude will be a really awesome skill to hone in on.
• Keep up to date with the latest news in Interior Design, or general design spaces in your country.
• To have a high energy level and persistence in what you do.
• Sticking to deadlines and managing proposals, projects and meetings with clients.
• You will need to manage suppliers and you’ll need to have a good knowledge of where you can source certain fabrics, textures, decor, paints, etc.