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What does a freelance interior designer do?

Interior designers develop design plans for the inside structures of spaces. A design consultant might work with several different types of interior spaces, including homes, offices, chapels, and more.

Designers may review a set of blueprints and make suggestions to make the space more livable and functional. They may also tour existing spaces and create suggestions for improvement. Then, they will often use design software to create project plans outlining everything from fabric selection to furniture positioning. As they plan out these spaces, they take into account the client’s needs and tastes to create a room or entire building with the desired overall effect.

What skills do I need to become an interior designer?

Interior designers should be familiar with design fundamentals such as color pairings, fabric choices, professional layout, commercial space optimization, Computer-Aided Design, design theory, and color psychology. These interior decorators often benefit from studying cross-cultural design concepts, such as minimalism, maximalism, and Feng Shui.

There are degree requirements for becoming an interior designer in some states. On Upwork, you may work as a designer with only a high school degree, though some clients may prefer or request a freelancer who has an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Some clients value relevant work experience over degrees. A master’s degree program isn’t required, but for advanced interior design projects, it would help your chances of landing a design job.

Freelance interior designers should possess some core skills:

• Understanding of branding principles through the use of color, fabric, and ambiance
• Knowledge of building codes
• Fundamental understanding of color pairing and color psychology
• Functional knowledge of multiple design philosophies, such as Feng Shui and minimalism
• Ability to conduct and analyze market research
• Proficiency with creating and adhering to budgets in Excel, Google Sheets, or both
• Functional understanding of procurement and sourcing best practices when working on a bespoke basis
• Strong communication skills—both verbal and written
• Strong project management skills
• Knowledge of and familiarity with interior design and graphic design programs, including SketchUp
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Should I get an Interior Design Certification?

Interior design certifications demonstrate your competency in certain areas of the interior design industry. They can help to build a client’s trust in your knowledge and experience. Regularly pursuing certifications during your career can help to keep your skills up-to-date and make you more competitive. Some certifications and degrees actually have continued professional education (CPE) requirements.

Certain popular interior designer certifications may help you to stand out on Upwork:

• Interior Design Continuing Education Council
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
• National Council for Interior Design Qualification
• Council for Interior Design Accreditation

While these certifications can help to increase client trust in your skills, it’s also important to simultaneously develop your skills and your portfolio.

What are the job responsibilities of an interior designer?

Clients often expect interior designers to manage multiple elements of a project, including the project’s schedule and budget. Clients may or may not want to be involved in specific design choices, so interior designers will need to be somewhat flexible depending on a job’s requirements.

Interior designers are also tasked with frequent and clear communication. This starts with communicating with clients at the start of a project to understand their wants and needs. Communication is also key in setting client expectations before beginning a project.

Most interior designers should be prepared to handle essential core tasks:

• Monitor emerging and upcoming design trends
• Prepare budgets and samplings for clients to review as needed
• Discuss client expectations and know when they want to be contacted
• Manage daily tasks without interfacing with the client unless they request otherwise
• Employ design methods and styles that resonate with the client and their business
• Employ CAD solutions to create functional models to present alongside other proposals, such as budgets
• Create itemized lists of tasks and materials
• Procure and deploy contractors to carry out construction work
• Procure materials, furniture, and fixtures in accordance with client expectations
• Troubleshoot problems and discuss necessary project changes with the client