Interior/Exhibition Designer

Also known as:

Designer, Interior/Exhibition
Exhibition Designer

Introduction

Interior and exhibition designers use design techniques to make the best visual and physical use of space; a process known as spatial design/planning. Interior designers specialise in the design of working and living environments, whereas exhibition designers specialise in planning the design and layout of exhibition venues.

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Work Activities

Interior and exhibition designers make the most effective use of space. This is a process known as spatial design/planning. Interior designers design working environments for commercial organisations, and living environments for private homes. Interior design is sometimes referred to as 'inscape'. Exhibition designers design (as a rule, initially by computer) and oversee the creation of exhibition projects. Typical exhibition projects may include designing individual exhibition stands, or organising and designing the layout of an entire exhibition site.

Interior design projects begin with a design brief, followed by detailed research. Designers have to consider their clients' wishes very carefully and make sure that the designs they produce suit each client's image and identity. They need information about what the space will be used for, and the type and range of people likely to be using it. Research also helps the designer to understand technical processes and constraints, environmental issues, and architectural practice. Without this research designers may waste time preparing designs that look attractive on paper but may be impossible to construct in reality.

Initial sketches and drawings are made and the client consulted for feedback. Once designs are given the go-ahead, designers refine their original sketches to produce detailed working drawings, specifications and models, which contractors refer to during construction. Designers then supervise and oversee the construction of their design.

Once the interior is finished, an interior decorator builds upon the designer's ideas and makes decisions about curtains, wallcoverings and furniture, all of which add the finishing touches to an interior design and make a statement about the organisation or the resident(s).

Exhibition designers start with similar tasks to those of the interior designer:
• research
• consultation
• feedback
• sketches, working drawings and models.

Exhibitions are staged in a wide range of venues, so exhibition designers must be able to adapt their ideas to suit the setting. The arrangement and layout of a museum exhibition, for instance, may create a different mood and atmosphere than that of a trade exhibition. Exhibition stands need to be imaginative, eye-catching and easy to recognise, especially if the client is a well-known organisation. They must be designed to be put up and taken down quickly and easily, fit into confined spaces and be easily transported.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should be creative, imaginative and capable of thinking in 3 dimensions in order to make the best use of available space. Practical skills, good colour sense, accuracy and attention to detail are all important, as is the ability to use the relevant design software.

It is important to be flexible and adaptable as you may have to amend your designs to accommodate the ideas and preferences of your clients. You must also have an awareness of the relevant health and safety issues and regulations.

You must be able to visualise and communicate your ideas clearly and accurately in the drawings you produce, keep up-to-date with new design developments and work to strict deadlines and tight budgets.

As an interior designer, you must be able to work with construction specialists including architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, builders and interior decorators. As an exhibition designer you will tend to work more closely with exhibition organisers and graphic designers.

Freelance designers need a thorough knowledge of business practice if they are to remain successful in a highly competitive area of the design industry.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for interior/exhibition designers vary with the industry and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Interior/exhibition designers earn in the range of £18,000 - £21,500 a year, rising to £25,000 - £30,000. Higher earners can make around £31,500 - £40,000 a year.

Interior/exhibition designers work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. Working hours for self-employed designers may be irregular, depending on the project they are working on. Late finishes and weekend work may be required from time to time, especially to meet deadlines.

Most designers begin their careers as design assistants in design consultancies or design departments of building and construction-related organisations.

Other opportunities are with large retailers or with hotel groups. Some work for specialist studios, while others work as self-employed, freelance interior/exhibition designers.

Consultancy and fixed-term contract work may be available for experienced designers. You can obtain this work through specialist recruitment agencies.

Entry to this area of work is very competitive.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills gained as an assistant in a design studio or in a design consultancy are valued. Commercial awareness and an understanding of the industry you want to work in is an advantage.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

They can lead to relevant degree/HND courses.

Relevant courses in interior design and related subjects, at various levels, are offered by a number of centres, by distance learning.

Universities and colleges of higher education (HE) will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with experience in arts, crafts or design. You should check the admissions policy of individual universities and HE colleges.

To enter the work or relevant courses, you may need to have a portfolio of work showing your creative ability.

• 29% of people in occupations such as interior/exhibition designer are self-employed.
• 11% work part-time.
• 7% have flexible hours.

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