Yes, kind of. But there are so many things you can do with an interior design degree, and so many career paths it can set you on.
Design is a huge industry with so much career potential. Just last year, the Australian interior design market generated revenue over $3.8 million dollars. Interior designers have their part to play in this, of course. But the industry is held up by countless creative people using their design skills in unique and forward-thinking ways.
Today, we’re looking at some of the exciting – and possibly unexpected – career opportunities that a degree in interior design could lead to.
Let’s start with the obvious. Interior designers are the creative force behind the layout, design and decor of living and working spaces. Some of our graduates go on to start their own design businesses, while others are currently working at studios like Studio Tate and Carr Design.
These designers are responsible for planning and executing large-scale exhibitions, trade shows and cultural displays. They specialise in temporary spaces and displays that have a lasting impact for businesses and their audiences.
Channel your creativity into designing the foundational pieces that bring spaces to life. These designers conceptualise, perfect and produce furniture pieces with their own personal design flair – like 2024 Collarts graduate Kat Nitsou and her furniture line ESCULTURA.
If you have a passion for accessibility and creating aesthetically unique spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone, you could work in accessibility design. These designers approach spaces through the lens of functionality and safety, all without compromising on beautiful design.
Some designers specialise in specific spaces within a home. Kitchen and Bathroom designers are experts in building materials, themes, colours and layouts that lead to personalised yet flawlessly functional rooms.
Lighting Designers use their foundational understanding of space and atmosphere to create lighting plans in a wide variety of settings. You could find yourself designing for residential homes, architectural spaces, theatre, film or live events.
Interior design isn’t limited to the living and working spaces you’d expect. Designers can lend their skills to less conventional environments like cruise ships and yachts, creating beautiful interiors that elevate guest experiences as they travel the seas.
You could find your niche in the healthcare industry, designing clinics, offices and other healthcare spaces. Designers in this specialty learn to create aesthetically pleasing spaces that aid patient wellbeing, while also navigating strict regulations and a need for extreme functionality.
Colour Consultant is a pretty self-explanatory title, but these creative professionals play a vital part in the design process. They bring their expertise to design projects by helping clients choose colour palettes that create a specific look and atmosphere across finishes like paint, hardware and decor.
Interior Stylists differ from Interior Designers in that they take existing spaces and style them for specific purposes. This could be for an event or photoshoot, where the goal is to create a unique look and feel using design elements like furniture, decor and accessories.
If you enjoy talking about design and sharing the latest and greatest design trends with a wide audience, you might consider moving into a media role. One of our graduates is currently working as a Brand Manager at Niche Media, a company that publishes multiple design and architecture related publications. Other possible roles in this field include Content Producer, Design Journalist, Social Media Manager, and Creative Strategist – positions that allow you to shape the public conversation around design through writing, video, branding or digital content.
Our Bachelor of Arts (Interior Design) and Diploma of Arts (Interior Design) are designed to help creative, passionate students kickstart the design career of their dreams.
Classes are taught by industry professionals who are actively working in the field or running their own design studios. This means that industry norms, processes and practices are always reflected within our curriculum so that graduates are prepared for whatever their career path entails. Which is probably why 82% of our graduates land jobs shortly after completing their courses.
Interior Design Program Coordinator Reena Iyer explains:
“Students are exposed to a variety of career paths through the diverse range of units delivered across the course. We also host guest speakers, attend industry events, and facilitate industry placements.”
This focus on all aspects of the interior design industry allows our students to explore their unique passions and strengths, discovering the most fulfilling path forward and building connections that will aid them in their post-graduation career.
Now you can study Interior Design 100% online with Collarts Online. Build a creative career from anywhere, on your terms.