| Work experience at an architecture firm, By: Fiona Worboys In February 2003 I did a day of work experience at OWP/P, a prestigious firm of Architects, Designers, and Engineers. This proved to be an invaluable experience as I was just starting out on my Interior Design studies, and particularly as this study is done via distance learning… My initial experience at OWP/P was welcoming. The day had been well-planned, with a comprehensive agenda for myself and three other students. Our first slot was an ‘Orientation’ meeting with one of the Senior Associates, introducing us to the company (its structure, culture and clients), and allowing a relaxed discussion of our expectations of the day and time to ask questions regarding the industry. The day was especially inspirational. The overall feel within the firm was relaxed yet professional, with a definite team spirit amongst the multi-disciplined functions. During the day we were given exposure to several of the avenues open to an Interior Designer, and a look at the different skill bases required; for example the methodical Interior Resource Specialist and the pragmatic Education Associate. The evident job satisfaction amongst all the people we encountered was highly motivating. There was also an obvious interest in educational development within the firm. We were provided with careers advice; the need for gaining a variety of experience was emphasized, expectations were addressed, and the importance of an internship was also reiterated during a talk with a current student within the organization. In addition, the necessary skills required to make yourself more marketable in this highly competitive field were outlined, including interpersonal and presentation skills. All the activities were also highly informative. In the ‘Resources’ slot we saw how a professional library was set up and run, giving us the knowledge with which to tailor our own searches and filing methods. The ‘Project Reviews’ gave us the chance to see working plans and how these had evolved over time, building up a picture of how a project is managed: from the initial consultation meeting, the subsequent to-ing and fro-ing between parties, the sourcing of materials, signing off the proposal, to execution and follow-up. Dealing with the client - achieving customer satisfaction and resolving issues - was given particular weight. Taking responsibility was another imperative message; keeping up to date with current products and regulations, and following the assignment through beyond completion were billed as essential elements. A creative element was also present throughout the day. We saw boards and layouts of materials and images put together for projects. The seeking out of inspired, yet practical solutions, was a resounding theme. The content of the day was diverse, with exposure to different markets within the industry: Healthcare, Education and Corporate. The schedule for the day was balanced, with a tour of the library, project overviews, a supplier lecture, and a project meeting which included Architects and Engineers. The latter was exceptionally insightful as it placed the Interior Designer role within the context of the whole team, stressing the inter-dependability of these different occupations. All sessions were also interactive. Throughout the day we were encouraged to ask questions and voice opinions. The day was then summed up with a ‘Q & A’ session, with business cards handed out and the encouragement to call if we needed any additional help in the future. Above all, the day was fun. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and events such as the ‘Lunch and Learn’ involving not only an informative talk from a visiting supplier, but also pizza and prizes, reinforced the company culture that values individual happiness. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend the day at OWP/P, mixing not only with professionals within the industry, but also other students. My future plans for ongoing mentoring include utilizing these contacts as well as those made at other industry events. I also aim to work within the field, firstly starting in a showroom, using my previous retail experience to expand my product knowledge. Then a couple of years into my studies I am keen to gain an internship in a company such as this one, something that this day has made me very determined to do. There are many resources available in Chicago (people, museums, lectures, architecture, etc.). I hope to continue to take advantage of what the city has to offer, and build up my experience to form a successful career within the Interior Design profession. |
| Design Career Options |
| ASID Membership Designation and Code of Ethics |
| Before you set out on your career path, decide what aspects of design appeal to you. Your talents, skills, interest and long-term career goals should be considered.
If you are interested in the aesthetics of interiors only, then interior decorating maybe the route for you. This involves the selection and arrangement of furnishings and decorations to create a space's overall look and feel. Also, the applications of wallpaper, paint and other finishes, as well as coordinating colors, textures and materials, are responsibilities of a decorator. If you are interested in creating a complete solution for a room or built environment, as well as aesthetics, then interior design maybe the way to go. As an interior designer, your job includes identifing, researching and finding solutions for function, quality and comfortability of interior spaces. Responsibilities include space planning, aesthetics, design analysis and programming. Knowledge of interior construction, building codes, equipment, materials and furnishings are requirements of a designer. They must also be trained to prepare drawings and documents for interiors with respect to the health and safety of the public. Click here for a checklist of a design professionals career path. Click here for more information on career options and here for more information on interior design. Click here to see just what interior designers do. |
| Decorator or Designer? |
| Although most designers are self employed, many positions exist in different industries. Click here for a comprehensive list of career options available to designers. Click here for a list of design specialities. |
| ASID Educational Foundation |
| The ASID Educational Foundation is a network of scholarships, grants and prizes awarded for competitons in interior design at several levels of professionalism. A list of current competitions can be obtained from ASID's website. |
| Click here to see the guidelines for how ASID members are required to use the Society's name when identifying themselves to the public as an ASID member. Click here for ASID's code of ethics. |
| State Registration Requirements |
| Click here for a description of a registered interior designer. Click here to find a list of U.S. states and territories that have title or licensing laws, with their requirements and contact information for the agency that oversees registration in each state. |
| Professional Qualifications |
| Your career as a professional interior designer involves formal education, work experience and a qualifying examinaton. The National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) will assist entry level designers in obtaining professional experience, as well as the qualifying examination for interior designers.
Interior Design Experience Program Entry level work experience is a requirement of the NCIDQ examination and most interior design organizations for professional membership. State and local boards require proof of interior design experience for licensure and registration. The NCIDQ's Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP) offers a transiton between education and professional practice. A total of 3,520 hours of experience, in seven areas, can be obtained. Candidates who successfully complete this program, can take the NCIDQ exam at no charge for the first sitting. For more information about this program and/or the exam, visit NCIDQ or call (202) 721-0220. Additional info is also offered on ASID site |
| Operating a Design Business |
| ASID provides its members with information and tools to enhance their business success. Click here to find marketing resources, contract documents, research reports and other helpful materials. Click here for a list of nonprofit organizations that support, assist and represent the interests of businesses and business owners. Click here for a list of professional organizations web sites that offer news and information, data and statistics, downloadable publications and reports, online tools and educational offerings that are available to nonmembers, as well. |
| Marketing / Presentations |
| Click here to see a list of marketing tools and tips. These are useful in promoting your design services, getting brochures made for your company, how to make fantastic presentations and much more. |
| Design-Related Organizations |
| Click here to see a list of design associations, professional or trade associations, industry councils and other communities of interest that have connections to the interior design profession. |
| Continuing Education |
| Designers must continue to learn the lastest about our changing technology, standards, and specifications. Click here to find out more about CEUs, what they are, and where to get them. |
| Career-Related Articles |
| Finely Tailored Portfolios How do designers charge for their services No Experience and Looking for Work Tips for Graduates Entering the I.D.Profession: What Employers are looking for this survey was made and published on the ASID Website Tom’s Tips Sales and marketing consultant Tom Schwenk shares his expert advice on how set and reach your marketing goals, develop and maintain effective client relationships, and grow your business. Virtual Design Firms Tips on how to have a design firm over the internet using partners. A List of the pros and cons, and information about what to watch out for. 25 Ways to Cut Costs and Thrive Tips for making your business more efficient and thereby more profitable. |
| Career-Related Books |
| How to Prosper as an Interior Designer: A Business and Legal Guide
by Robert L. Alderman, Esq. Professional Practice for Interior Designers 3rd Edition, by Christine M. Piotrowski Successful Interior Projects Through Effective Contract Documents by Joel Downey and Patricia K. Gilbert The Office Interior Design Guide: An Introduction for Facilities Managers and Designers by Julie K. Rayfield The Interior Designers Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Profitability by Mary V. Knackstedt |
| Career-Related Websites |
| Information about planning your job search begins here. These websites provide information about design management, job openings, internships, salary advice, resume and interview help, and enable you to post your portfolio online.
ASID Job Bank Architectural Staffing Design Career Information Design Management Institut Internweb.com InteriorDesignJobs JobNext Network Salary SnaggAJob |
| This page is quite extensive, as we have so many resources to share. Many students have contributed this information in the hopes that you will find them helpful. If you have any resources to share, please post them in our Forum. Below you will find information on Interior Design Resources, Study Resources, Industry Experience (an essay about a students experience working with an architect), and Career Resources. |
| Our Mission |
| Add a Link: Browse the many articles, glossaries, and websites posted by our members. Please, take a few minutes to add yours in as well. |
| Interior Design & Study Resources |
| Design Resources |
| Museums |
| History |
| Industry Experience |
| Career Resources |
| Materials |
| Drafting Supplies |
| Software/AutoCAD |
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