Interior designer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work evenings and weekends
- Usually work in design studios and homes and may travel locally
- Need to be creative, organised and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Plan interior layouts and designs
- Select fabrics, furniture and materials
- Oversee construction and installation
- Use software to create 3D models
- Create detailed technical drawings
- Design lighting layouts
- Visit sites and showrooms
- Discuss plans with clients
- Write budgets for projects
- Research trends and past designs
Outlook
Interior design continues to evolve alongside changing lifestyle, sustainability and technology trends. In New Zealand and internationally, there is growing interest in adaptable spaces, environmentally responsible design and digitally supported design processes. Advances in visualisation tools and smart technologies are influencing how spaces are planned, while demand remains linked to residential, commercial and public-sector development activity.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Creative thinking and design skills
- Strong visual and spatial awareness
- Ability to understand client needs
- Clear communication and presentation skills
- Attention to detail and organisation
- Knowledge of design software and digital tools
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Tips from AUT graduates
Bachelor of Design
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.