Interior Design

Interior designers plan and create interior spaces that improve people's lives at home and work. The work of interior designers may seem only aesthetically visible, but that barely scrapes the surface of their skills. Interior design is an intensive, hands-on area of study that combines creativity, technical knowledge, and business skills. Interior design majors learn to plan spaces that are not only visually attractive, but also safe and functional. While learning to create designs that meet the needs of clients, students learn to select colors, materials, and furnishings. They also learn about health and safety issues, building codes, and other technical aspects of design.Graduates of interior design programs are prepared for careers at interior design and architecture firms, government agencies, and furniture and art dealerships. Many interior designers freelance or start their own firms, where entrepreneurial and relationship building skills come into play. Interior design graduates may also find work as writers, editors, or critics for interior design magazines or blogs.