There are many directions a newly-minted interior designer might choose after completing a degree program. Typically, first positions mean accepting junior status or an apprenticeship before reaching full-fledged designer status. These positions can exist in firms of any size or in any design focus. Moving up in the ranks or launching an independent practice takes time and work experience, including working across a variety of disciplines or specializing in a very specific area of design. Commercial Options for commercial interior design include restaurants, bars, stores, shopping malls, theaters, hotels and more, allowing considerable room for creative expression. Ambiance plays a role in commercial spaces that is at least as important as its role in residential spaces. Design in these environments involves knowing the clientele the commercial business serves, such as the type of patrons who eat at a particular restaurant, the age and economic status of a shop's customers, or the type of travelers a hotel wants to draw. The type of food served, merchandise sold, or conference and leisure amenities offered would play a further part in creating a design to attract and welcome clientele while also encouraging repeat business. Commercial designers might serve major retail clients on a contract basis or make a name within a community for creating unique and appealing interiors for local merchants. The options run the full spectrum. Industrial Examples of industrial spaces that might use design services include hospitals, medical or business offices, schools and airport terminals. Ambiance in these environments speaks to the comfort of patients, the productivity of students or employees, and opulence or exclusivity in the case of executive lounges for first-class airline passengers. Designers can attract regular industrial clients, drawing repeat business for each expansion, reorganization, relocation or renovation a business undertakes. Efficiency and creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere may be prime elements in industrial design, but from there, creativity reigns. Residential Home design often comes to mind first when imagining careers in interior design. Practitioners work closely with homeowners on very personal projects, and the client's individual tastes are paramount. Whether building a custom home, creating an addition, or remodeling one or more rooms, homeowners want their own views reflected. Some residential designers specialize in specific types of remodeling. Kitchens and baths are the most sought after projects, but outdoor living areas and home theaters are increasingly popular design requests; a business might be built solely on expertise in these areas. Building trust with clients is imperative for residential designers. Successful outcomes earn repeat calls for each new project or relocation. Satisfied clients are happy to make referrals, and visitors who see designs they like in a friend's home won't hesitate to discover the source. Education Interior designers might also choose to become educators. Many designers work with schools on a visiting basis, assisting with a specific topic, critiquing students' work or possibly providing guidance. Others might choose to become full-time teachers at schools or colleges, helping to train and prepare the next generation in the design profession. Resources: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos293.htm http://www.careersininteriordesign.com/interior_disciplines.html
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