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Archive for the ‘Architecture and Interior Design’ Category

An interior design assistant provides design and administrative support to interior designers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of interior designers is expected to grow by 19 percent between 2008 and 2018, faster than the overall average of occupations.

However, keen competition for jobs is expected as many individuals are attracted to this profession.

Job Purpose

An interior design assistant provides all necessary support to an interior designer or team of designers. Duties tend to include design, project management and administrative support.

Responsibilities

While assisting designers with their projects, an interior design assistant may research furniture and fabrics, construct color boards, purchase accessories and produce electronic design schemes.

The assistant also may be responsible for managing the designers’ calendars, arranging meetings with vendors and clients and maintaining catalogue and fabric libraries. Administrative tasks include answering phone calls, updating databases, filing and customer service.

Qualifications

Employers often require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, with a preference given to those with a design major. Some employers may seek candidates with one to two years of experience and strong computer skills in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Office or other design software.

Skills

Other personal attributes may be sought by potential employers including strong communication skills, creativity with a sense of style, ability to work as part of a team, attention to detail, capability of managing projects and organizational skills.

Employment Settings

Interior design assistants may be employed in a variety of settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interior designers may work for large corporations or design firms, smaller design firms, as a consultant or they may be self-employed. Designers and their assistants tend to travel frequently to clients’ homes and offices, showrooms, design centers and exhibits.

Project managers in the architecture and interior design industries coordinate and oversee the project life cycle of facilities-related projects. They manage projects from conception through construction and completion.

These project managers develop construction plans; assist in evaluating and selecting architectural, construction and engineering contractors; and coordinate the work of the project and design teams, as well as the numerous contractors who contribute to facilities projects.

Primary Responsibilities and Job Tasks

Interior design project managers oversee the architectural design and construction efforts. They conduct market research and facilitate design review and build planning meetings. They approve design specifications and develop purchase justifications for materials where necessary.

In preparation for the build phase, design managers review proposals and solicitations and coordinate with field personnel. They also conduct site inspections to ensure conformance to design specifications and building codes.

Design managers review contractor performance for conformance to contracts, as well as authorize invoices for payment. They manage workflow, oversee the completion of activities and communicate progress to stakeholders.
Occupational Hazards

Project managers in the architecture, interior design and construction industries need physical stamina because their work involves frequent traveling, prolonged standing, bending, stooping and working in cramped quarters.

They are also exposed to the elements due to performing some of their work outdoors or in partially built structures. During routine site inspections, project managers increase their risk of personal injury from exposure to potentially dangerous tools and sharp objects.

Employment Qualifications

Formal education requirements vary by employer and project type. In general, ideal candidates have at least a university degree from an accredited school in architecture, building engineering or interior design and three to five years experience in design and space planning for interior or construction projects.

Many employers look for candidates with knowledge of systems furniture specifications, building codes and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Qualified candidates with licenses or certifications from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) or the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) are highly preferred. Read the rest of this entry »