Competitive Job Market

The career field of interior design is constantly changing and adapting to today’s society. With change comes the need to be prepared and aware of what is to be expected of an employee within the job market. No matter where or who an employed interior designer works for, it is important to have goals and an understanding of what is needed for those goals to be met within the professional job market.

Recent changes within the job market of interior design include employability, the demand for interior designers, and the job market within each state. The number of interior designers in the United States is estimated to be around 75,400 as of 2018. This number is expected to grow in size by about 4.5% within the next 7 years. Of all interior designers within the United States, a small percentage of them are employed by and work with the construction industry, however this percentage is expected to grow as the demand for new construction rises. The areas within the field of interior design that employ the most interior designers are specialized design services with 28%, self-employed with 23%, architectural, engineering, and related services at 18%, furniture stores at 6%, and wholesale trade also at 6%. Employment opportunities in the future for interior design is rated D according to CareerExplorer. Job prospects from this career are best in high income areas, as to be expected.

Things that affect the demand for interior designers within the job market include continuously changing fluctuations in the economy, like consumer and business decreases in income and spending. Influence on employability of interior designers heavily relies on exposure to training, and previous work experience in sustainability and energy efficient design. The demand of interior designers right now revolves around industries focused on housing development, retail spaces, offices, hospitality facilities, and restaurants.

Few of the very common industry goals and philosophies in the field of Interior Design is to enhance the function, safety, and quality of inside spaces when designing. Within the field of Interior Design, becoming a professional interior designer requires the qualifications in education, experience, and examination to be able to properly enhance the function of the interior spaces. Yet, for Interior Designers their main philosophy is that creating spaces impacts the lives of the public as they use and live in these spaces. Therefore, accomplishing that and becoming a professional Interior Designer requires learning and improving knowledge in the field of study. Working in team environments with industry partners on a daily basis helps the designers lead their clients to their ultimate goals and visions.

To be able to achieve these goals for Interior Designers, or people who are wanting to become an Interior Designer in this field, it is essential that they must be properly trained. This training typically involves earning a certificate or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and maybe obtaining a license or registration in their future career to become a professional. One of the other main goals for an Interior Designer must be to be able to understand the many laws and regulations within their local state such as building permits, codes and zoning laws. Since designers often work within a team of architects and contractors, it is essential for them to be familiar with the codes and regulations to ensure proper communication within their team members.

Referencing two large commercial firms in the Houston area, Gensler and PGAL, the goals and philosophies for each company are completely different from each other and their close competitors. For example, Gensler is a Fortune 500 company nestled in the heart of downtown, their goals for the company include dedication and hard work from their employees, long hours and weekend work, and sustainable and efficient designs for the projects they work with. Gensler’s philosophy is “healthy buildings, healthy people, healthy planet”. They strongly believe that it is all about making the client content even when it is hard to make the deadline. Researching Gensler, it has come to the attention that their employees will work 50-60 hours a week, and sometimes get overlooked for their hard work, and not appreciated as they should be. By only caring for the client, the employee will be tossed to the background and forgotten. Actions like this may make a firm have a high turnover rate.

The other large company, PGAL, a Commercial Architecture firm located on the outskirts of Houston, close to the Energy Corridor, is an open book about their goals for the company. These goals include cost-conscious approaches, creative and passionate leaders, and happy employees. One of their big philosophies is by taking good care of their employees, PGAL knows that by keeping their employees happy it will reap good work from them. Some of the ways PGAL is able to keep their employees happy within the firm are by insuring great benefit plans, developing long-term relationships, and trusting the employee personally.

Professional ethics encompass the personal and corporate standards of behavior expected by professionals. It is a mode of conduct, quality of personal character and a form of workmanship. Professionalism is all about success and influence; having a reputation for excellence and being thought of as someone who exhibits professionalism under any circumstances. It can open doors in the workplace. Being honest, open, and transparent is a highly prized virtue which helps build trust in the work environment, as well as it increases personal value. Trustworthiness is an important ethic because it will help fulfil a task and exceed expectations by being dependable and reliable. Being courteous and respectful would help keep social interactions in the workplace running smoothly by avoiding conflicts, earning respect and making connections. Striving for excellence is the first rule to achieving greatness and any company would love to have an employee with this professional ethic, because it not only makes work stand out but also helps to surpass ordinary standards and be different. Being competent and wanting to improve continually helps with performing jobs properly and continuing to grow. Growth through new experiences is a very professional ethic that will eventually lead the employee to a higher and better position. Always being ethical will be shown by accepting the code of conduct of each organization and following the rules. Being accountable is a way to take responsibility for the actions taken, good or bad. Being respectful, no matter the situation, will help gain trust and respect, which will help build those professional ethics. Honor, integrity and setting a good example will help improve professionalism within an organization and eventually help prepare for career success.

Therefore, maintaining ethical standards is a must for the prosperity of an organization, as well as the development of one’s personality. Good ethics will lead to maintain an honest image. This will enable a designer to refrain from such activities that may discredit any profession. Thus, adhesion to good ethics is to let conscience be the guide at all times.

Sources within this page:

https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/interior-designer/job-market/

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/interior-designers.htm#tab-3