Job and salary of an interior designer

26 Jun 2023
Diseñador de interiores

The field of work of an interior designer encompasses the planning and design of interior spaces, with the aim of creating functional and attractive environments. Interior designers can work in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. The profile of an interior designer can vary, but generally requires a background in design, knowledge of materials, furnishings, lighting and colour, and communication and presentation skills. The salary of an interior designer depends on several factors, such as experience, geographic location and type of work performed.

 

What is an interior designer?

An interior designer is a professional dedicated to the design and planning of interior spaces in homes, offices, commercial establishments, among others. This discipline is a branch of design that combines technical and creative elements to create environments that meet the needs and tastes of the client.

The professional profile of an interior designer requires various skills, among which organisation and planning stand out. Interior designers must be able to plan the use of space and organise design elements to create an attractive and functional environment. In addition, they must have strong creative skills to be able to offer innovative and customised solutions to their clients.

Another essential skill is knowledge of colour and form, as this allows the designer to create harmony and balance in the spaces they design. In addition, they must be able to visualise and express their ideas clearly, which involves the use of design tools such as 3D modelling software.

Research is another fundamental skill of an interior designer, as they must be up to date with the latest trends and materials on the market. They must be able to research and find the right products for each project.

Finally, interior designers must have communication and problem-solving skills to be able to work with clients, understand their needs and offer appropriate solutions. They also need to be knowledgeable about products and the quality of materials in order to select the best materials and furnishings for each project.

In short, an interior designer is a creative and technical professional, capable of planning and designing interior spaces that combine functionality and aesthetics. He or she requires a wide range of skills and knowledge to perform his or her job effectively.

 

What does an interior designer do?

The work of an interior designer involves planning and designing interior spaces according to the client’s needs and preferences. The designer must work in collaboration with the client to understand their needs and offer customised solutions.

The main task of the interior designer is the arrangement and organisation of interior spaces. The designer is concerned with creating attractive, comfortable and functional environments, taking into account the specific requirements of the project.

They also have mastery of elements such as furniture, materials, lighting, painting and other details, with the ultimate goal being to create a space that meets the client’s requirements and reflects their style and personality.

The work of an interior designer may also include supervising the construction and decoration of the designed spaces. This involves working closely with architects, contractors and other professionals to ensure that the design requirements are met.

Ultimately, an interior designer is a professional capable of creating attractive, functional and customised interior spaces, taking into account technical and creative aspects. The designer must work in collaboration with the client to understand their needs and offer unique and customised solutions.

 

How much does an interior designer earn in Spain?

The salary of an interior designer can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as geographical location, type of employer, experience and specialisation. The salary of an interior designer in Spain ranges from €25,000 per year for a junior graduate working as an employee to thousands of euros for established professionals.

The way interior designers are paid for their work can also vary. Some may charge per project, while others may charge per hour or per project area. In addition, geographic location may also influence the rate an interior designer may charge.

In terms of interior designer profiles, there are two main options: freelance and in-house. The freelance interior designer who is self-employed is in charge of securing his or her own clients and projects. They have more flexibility in terms of their working hours, but may also face financial uncertainty.

On the other hand, in-house interior designers work for a company or design studio. They have a fixed salary and a set work schedule, but have less freedom in terms of the projects they can take on and may have less control over the creative process.

 

How to improve the salary of an interior designer?

There are several ways in which interior designers can improve their salary or charge higher rates for his or her work. Below are some suggestions:

  • Obtain official qualifications and accreditations: Official qualifications and accreditations can enhance an interior designer’s credibility and professional recognition.
  • Position yourself well in the market: Interior designers should have a good online and social media presence, as well as a solid portfolio of previous projects.
  • Have a good network of contacts: Interior designers can establish relationships with other industry professionals, such as architects, builders and contractors, to get referrals and gain more job opportunities.
  • Diversify the business: Interior designers can consider expanding their business by offering interior design services to retailers or builders.
  • Specialising in a niche: Interior designers who specialise in a specific niche, such as interior design for the hotel or restaurant industry, can charge higher rates because of their experience and expertise in that field.

Interior designer: study career

If you are interested in becoming an interior designer, one option is to study a university degree related to design and architecture. Through this degree, you will be able to acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to work as an interior designer.

There are several universities that offer interior design study programmes, where students can learn about design concepts, materials and technology, space planning and organisation, and furniture design, among other subjects.

One excellent study option is the Undergraduate Degree in Design and Innovation with a major in interior design at Elisava, a prestigious design school located in Barcelona. This study programme is designed to prepare students to work in various areas of design, including interior design.

Through this degree, students can acquire a solid background in design, as well as in areas such as research and creativity, which will allow them to develop innovative projects adapted to the needs of clients. In addition, the programme also offers the possibility of internships in companies in the sector, which can be very valuable for gaining experience and establishing professional contacts.

In short, studying a design degree related to interior design can be an excellent option for those interested in becoming interior designers. Elisava offers a high quality study programme in this area, which can be an excellent option for those who are looking for a complete training adapted to the needs of the labour market.

For further information on the subject, the following post could be of interest: Studying interior design.