Colin
What can I do with a degree in Interior Architecture?
I'm looking into getting a degree in Interior Architecture, but I'm not exactly sure what jobs are available for someone with said degree.
#college #interior-architecture #choosing-a-major #architecture
2 answers
Karthikeyan Bharath Kumar
Karthikeyan’s Answer
Hi Colin
Interior design along with Architecture, Planning, Landscape , Urban Design, form core professions that help shape the cities and environments we live in. Within each of these professions you will find firms that specialize more than one of these design services, and firms that specialize in a certain sector (such as hospitals, or airports, hotels/hospitality, retail, restaurants, corporate offices.. etc). Most mid- large size building projects have an interior design component. So you will find that many large architecture firms have an interior design department.
As an interior designer you could work for a firm that design the interiors for a range of project types (most do more than a few), or something very specialized ( healthcare facilities, airports ).
You will design and develop drawings and presentations for new projects, select materials, finishes, create custom furnishings, coordinate with other consultants ( such as architects, landscape architects, lighting designers), ensure your designs meet local code and regulations and supervise construction on site.
Typically you start with an internship, work as a designer and graduate to managing project teams.
If you're interested in design and construction, this is an interesting profession to get into.
Best ,
Kate Goss
Kate’s Answer
You could also work on the client side representing a company with your specialized knowledge. Think about a large hotel chain that needs designers to develop the brand design that hired architecture firms implement into their project. Perhaps you work for a university that hires an architecture firm to design a building and as a representative of the university, you will oversee the project. You may also develop standards for all of the buildings to follow. Maybe you lean more into facilities management and work for a hospital, helping to decide and oversee future projects.
Perhaps you're interested in commercial real estate. There are very large companies that hire designers to develop test fits to see how a building space plan could work for potential tenants. Some interior designers move into project management, work for furniture dealerships, or even become furniture/finish company representatives. You could also consider working for a construction company.
There are many options but I would recommend first starting in an architecture firm to discover what you like and don't like about the job responsibilities and which types of projects interest you most. Becoming involved with a professional organization, such as IIDA or ASID, is a great opportunity to connect with others in the field to learn more about their experiences.