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The Profession of Interior Design

Achievements

Human Development and Environmental Studies Department

URSA

About the Interior Design Profession

First, The Portfolio
About the Profession Itself
Careers
Professional Organizations

First, The Portfolio
The importance of a good portfolio cannot be overstated. It represents years of hard work, and most importantly, can determine if students get the job they are searching for. Follow these three easy steps to present the best work to a prospective employer:

1. Keep it simple. Interviewers are busy people. This should be kept in mind in deciding the overall size of the portfolio and what to include. This can also make traveling with a portfolio an easier task. Twenty-five (25) to 30 items or pages should be sufficient, especially if they directly relate to the skills needed for the position. Suggested portfolio sizes for hassle-free traveling are 8" x 10", 11" x 14", and 16" x 20".

Digital photos can also be taken of your work and displayed in a binder.  The portfolio should be neat and well organized to make a favorable impression. Reducing the size and standardizing all drawings will help achieve a sense of organization. Items commonly included in a portfolio:

• Freehand sketches that show the decision making process.

• Furniture floor plans.

• Working drawings

• A conceptual sketch that demonstrates problem solving ability.

• A technical drawing showing drawing ability and lettering quality.

• A small board with color samples and material chips to show your ability to select appropriate colors and finishes.

• Interior perspective, elevation, and/or isometric drawings.

• A start-to-finish project to demonstrate knowledge of the design process.

• Examples of Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) work.

2. Use Only Your Best Work.
Include only the best work. There is only one chance to make a good first impression. Therefore, the portfolio should represent the best efforts and highlight skills. If in doubt, leave it out.

3. Present It Proudly.
Be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about your work. Interviewers look for people who are confident and self-assured. Highlight the work, be natural, and be proud.

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About the Profession Itself

Students often ask about the profession of Interior Design. Here are two excellent sources of information. 

1)  FIDER (Foundation for Interior Design Education) defines the interior design field by the following (Source: FIDER 2002 Professional Standards):

The professional interior designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

The professional interior designer:

o        Analyzes client’s needs, goals, and life safety requirements.

o        Integrates findings with knowledge of interior design.

o        Formulates preliminary design concepts that are aesthetic, appropriate, and functional, and in accordance with codes and standards.

o        Develops and presents final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media.

o        Prepares working drawings and specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, reflected ceiling plans, lighting, interior detailing, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in compliance with universal accessibility guidelines and all applicable codes.

o        Collaborates with professional services of other licensed practitioners in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical, and load-bearing design as required for regulatory approval.

o        Prepares and administers bids and contract documents as the client’s agent.

o        Reviews and evaluates design solutions during implementation and upon completion.

2)  An excellent summary of the difference between interior design and decoration is available from the following source:

Jensen, C.S. (2001 September). Design Versus Decoration: Just what is the difference between interior design and decoration? Interiors & Sources.  (Available online at www.isdesignet.com.)

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Careers

As you might expect, there are various options with a degree in interior design.  See the following sources for more information.

The Princeton Review
American Society of Interior Designers Job Bank

In addition, IUP's Office of Career Services can provide assistance when you near graduation and venture toward a job search. 
 

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Professional Organizations

Before and after you graduate, you'll find it helpful to your career growth and continued learning to be affiliated with professional organizations.  Here are a few...

Interior Design Educators Council
American Society of Interior Designers
International Interior Design Association
Association of University Interior Designers
Interior Design Society
National Kitchen and Bath Association

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