Four things you might not know about interior design
Recently, we launched a new qualification here at Builders Academy: the Certificate IV in Design (Interior Space)(CUV40311).
Since enrolments opened, there’s been a huge take-up for the course — but also a lot of questions.
What exactly does a career in interior design involve? And what does it have to do with building and construction? As it turns out, a lot more than most people think.
In case you know someone who might be interested in the course, we’ve pulled together a bit of a fact sheet below. Read on for some interior knowledge.
What’s the difference between interior design and interior decorating?
Lately, TV shows like The Block have boosted people’s interest in the design industry (thanks, Luke and Ebony!), especially for residential builds and renovations — but there’s a big difference between the skill set of an interior decorator, and the job description of an interior designer.
First and foremost? Training.
Professional interior designers usually hold a diploma or bachelor’s degree, or have at least five years of experience under their belts in a related industry, such as interior architecture or building design. Basically, it’s a job that requires construction knowledge. As the Design Institute of Australia explains it, “Interior designers are trained to consider the modification of the interior structure of the building, rather than just refinishing and furnishing existing spaces”.
On the other hand, interior decorating focuses on the design concepts of a space, such as choosing colours, fabrics, lighting, and furniture to give interior spaces a certain look or feel. Interior design, meanwhile, is more focused on the functional aspects, such as space planning, layout, flow, and accessibility. Interior designers also develop design solutions to create cohesive and functional design spaces that meet the specific needs of their clients.
Learning the ropes of interior design
Studying interior design definitely involves learning about materials, furnishings, finishes and colour. Formal training also covers design theory and history, building systems and technologies, project management, sustainability, access and public safety considerations, and the Australian Building Codes and Standards that relate to these areas.
This is especially a focus in Victoria, where interior designers are eligible to register as building practitioners with the Building Practitioners Board (BPB) and apply for building permits.
A Certificate IV is just a first step in the world of interior design studies, but it’s a strong start on a career path in a varied industry. Your next step might be to start interior design projects as a freelancer, take on a diploma course, or look at a related qualification such as the Certificate IV in Building Design Drafting (CPP40115). Alternatively, you might decide to get work experience by joining a design consultancy or working for architects, a building company or a property developer.
What are some interior design career opportunities?
Anyone will tell you that design is a competitive industry — but, as always, the more skills you have under your belt, the more opportunities you’ll find.
The Australian government’s Job Outlook website shows close to 40 per cent growth in employment for interior designers over the past five years, and predicts more growth in the future.
Meanwhile (now that mining’s not the main game any more), the building industry is booming, especially in the area of residential construction. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that building is currently our economy’s top-performing sector. The Housing Industry Association confirms that a record number of new homes were started in 2014/15; in other words, an increase of 16.9 per cent.
That’s a lot of houses that need designing. But don’t forget an interior design qualification also opens up opportunities to work on commercial and industrial projects, as well as in retail and hospitality design.
The future of interior designers
Lately, the Australian government has been looking at how we can all improve productivity and innovation in the construction industry.
If the sector takes on recent expert recommendations, it looks like design will be playing a much more integrated role over the coming years. “Good design is greatly undervalued. Good design which links through to productivity and manufacturing, and a well-managed design process, is critical to productivity.” Good news!
Become an interior designer: getting started with Builders Academy Australia
How was that for an introduction? If you’ve been considering a new career in interior design, we hope this fact sheet was useful.
For more information on our Certificate IV course, feel free to drop us an enquiry here or give the team a call at 1300 534363.