An interior designer is involved in the design or renovation of internal spaces, including structural alterations, furnishings, fixtures and fittings, lighting and color schemes. The designer oversees the project from beginning to end.

Interior and spatial designers work in a range of different commercial or domestic settings. The job combines the efficient and functional use of space with an understanding of aesthetics.

Typical work activities

Interior and spatial designers plan and organize the design of commercial and retail interiors. Projects may take place in a range of settings, including:

• Commercial office spaces and industrial premises;

• retail locations, such as shops, cafés, restaurants

• leisure spaces, such as hotels, cinema

• residential developments

• Exhibition Stands

Tasks may include:

• developing initial ideas and acquiring key information about potential projects, discussing requirements in detail with clients (the brief) and setting project schedules;

• understanding clients' needs and the needs of the people using the building, developing design concepts in consultation with the client and establishing final briefs;

• considering materials and costs according to set budgets and negotiating project fees;

• conducting feasibility studies for projects;

• researching and gathering information and photographs relating to the project;

• producing 'sample' or 'mood' boards for presentation to clients;

• sourcing products, e.g. fittings, furniture, lighting, finishes, decoration and dressing, and providing samples for clients;

• preparing detailed working drawings, designs, plans, models and schemes, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software;

• surveying buildings;

• working in a team with other designers;

• supervising work at the design stage and on site;

• working closely with quantity surveyors to establish costs and work schedules on larger projects, with architects and other design professionals to determine the best use of space, and with manufacturers and contractors;

• identifying new business and selling services to potential clients;

• keeping up to date with new developments in the design industry.