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What does an Interior Designer do?

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Top Answer
Talent.com talent.com
Answered October 08 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
For starters, Interior Designers spend a great deal of their time consulting with clients. Like any design project, there is a back-and-forth period where they spend their time learning about the space and available upgrades within the realm of possibility for a client's budget and overall expectations.  
  
Although time-consuming and demanding of Interior Designers' time, these interactions won't be all they accomplish daily. There are plenty of details to organize, materials to order, and staff to manage. Take the estimation of costs and materials, for example. Interior Designers should carefully consider these details to achieve the best design outcomes, avoiding situations where the design demands going over the predetermined budget.  
  
Before implementing the design, Interior Designers work on sketches and models of the space lined up for an upgrade, using sketching and 3-D modeling software. It is also a great time to start thinking about any unique materials needed to complete the project, ordering the supply well in advance so as not to delay progress and interfere with the client's plans to use the space after the predetermined deadline.  
  
Communicating with clients and construction staff is another critical component of an Interior Designer's activities while on the job. Confusion about the progress and the gradual development of the design as it comes together is common. The designer needs to maintain open lines of communication, keeping clients and staff up to date throughout the entire project.  

Roles and responsibilities of an Interior Designer
Here's a non-exhaustive list of everyday tasks Interior Designers are required to complete:
  • Meet with their clients and visit the space they're assigned to redesign, identifying updates as needed and how best to tackle the project.  
  • Liaise with clients, keeping them up-to-date and well-informed throughout the entire project. 
  • Advise clients on the best materials to use based on their tastes, budget, or any other relevant requirement.  
  • Oversee multiple projects at varying stages of completion, when necessary, ensuring they meet all deadlines and specifications. 
  • Order the required materials and equipment, as well as hiring the necessary staff. 
  • Supervise every step of the project, ensuring everyone's contribution integrates with the project goals.  
  • Liaise with clients, suppliers, colleagues, and subcontractors at every stage of the project (e.g., Painters and Electricians). 
  • Design innovative interior spaces that meet the clients' budget and requirements, both in functionality and aesthetics. 
  • Rethink the space distribution for it to be more practical and aligned with its intended purpose. 
  • Sketch plans and assemble models using drawing boards and specialized tools or computerized software. 
  • Map out the location of existing and envisioned walls, windows, doors, electrical outlets, and lighting fixtures. 
  • Ensure plans are compliant with all applicable building regulations and safety codes. 
  • Promote eco-friendly practices and materials and employing them whenever possible.  
  • Draft any written documentation related to the project, including agreements, invoices, meeting documentation, and memos. 
  • Review documents for compliance with building codes and regulations. 
  • Ensure project documentation and contracts comply with the standards set by the board in charge of the project, if any. 
  • Oversee coordination and quality assurance of documents required to complete the project or one of its phases. 
  • Remain updated on the industry's current trends and recent developments in techniques, materials, and tools. 
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