Designing Spaces with Soul: How to Become an Interior Designer

When Riya walked into her freshly redesigned bedroom—with calming tones, hidden storage, and clever lighting—it sparked a new passion. “I want to create beautiful, functional spaces like this for others,” she told herself. If you’ve ever felt inspired by room makeovers, Pinterest boards, or 3D home walkthroughs, a career in interior design might be your true calling.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

Interior designers plan and design indoor spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. They work on homes, offices, restaurants, hospitals, retail stores, and more—balancing aesthetics, client needs, and structural requirements.

Core Responsibilities:

• Space Planning – Analyzing how space is used and designing layouts to optimize functionality.

• Concept Development – Creating design themes, color schemes, mood boards, and visual styles.

• Material Selection – Choosing materials, finishes, furnishings, and fixtures that suit the purpose and budget.

• Client Consultation – Understanding client preferences, needs, and translating ideas into reality.

• Budgeting & Project Management – Managing costs, timelines, vendors, and on-site execution.

• Technical Drawings – Drafting 2D floor plans and 3D visualizations using software like AutoCAD or SketchUp.

• Lighting & Acoustics Planning – Designing lighting and sound systems for comfort and ambiance.

• Sustainability Integration – Incorporating eco-friendly and energy-efficient elements.

Interior designers often collaborate with architects, civil engineers, carpenters, electricians, and other professionals. Communication, creativity, and technical know-how are key.

Job Market Trends for Interior Designers in India

Current Trends:

• Home Renovation Boom – Post-COVID, homeowners are investing in multifunctional and aesthetic living spaces.

• Rise of Co-working Spaces – Office interiors now focus on comfort, collaboration, and brand identity.

• Luxury & Hospitality Growth – Hotels, resorts, and retail outlets demand high-end, experiential interiors.

• Smart Homes – Integration of technology and automation into design is increasingly sought after.

• Influence of Social Media – Instagram-worthy and Pinterest-inspired spaces are driving client expectations.

Future Outlook:

• Interior Design Market in India is expected to reach ₹15,000 crore by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7–8%.

• Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities are seeing increased demand for professional designers as real estate expands.

• Global Opportunities – Indian designers are being hired for international projects, especially in the UAE and Southeast Asia.

Top Colleges for Interior Design

Top Colleges in India:

• National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
• CEPT University, Ahmedabad
• Pearl Academy (Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur)
• JJ School of Arts, Mumbai
• Arch Academy of Design, Jaipur
• MIT Institute of Design, Pune
• ISDI, Mumbai

Top Colleges Abroad:

• Parsons School of Design, USA
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), USA
• Royal College of Art, UK
• Politecnico di Milano, Italy
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), USA
• University of the Arts London (UAL), UK

Where Does Your Journey Start?

Your journey can begin as early as high school. Students interested in design should:

• Opt for subjects like fine arts, maths, or science (for technical grounding).

• Build a portfolio showcasing sketches, DIY room layouts, or digital work.

• Watch design shows (e.g., Dream Home Makeover, Interior Design Masters), follow Indian design influencers, and explore tools like SketchUp or Canva.

• Participate in school-level art, design, or model-making competitions.

What Should You Study to Become an Interior Designer?

Academic Path:

• Bachelor’s Degree – B.Des or B.Sc in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Space Design (3–4 years).

• Diploma Courses – 1–2 year diplomas from design institutes or polytechnic colleges.

• Master’s Degree (Optional) – M.Des or M.Sc in Interior Design or Urban Design for specialization.

Key Software Tools:

• AutoCAD – 2D drafting and floor plans.

• SketchUp – 3D modeling.

• Photoshop & Illustrator – For visual presentations.

• Revit & BIM Tools – For collaborative architecture/design projects.

• V-Ray, Lumion, Twinmotion – For realistic renderings.

Certifications:

• Certified Interior Designer (CID) – Available via online portals.

• LEED Accreditation – For sustainable building practices.

• Coursera/EdX Specializations – In design thinking, space planning, or visualization.

What Are the Entrance Exams?

• NID DAT – For NID admissions.

• UCEED – Conducted by IIT Bombay for B.Des programs.

• CEPT Entrance Test – For Interior Design and Architecture.

• Pearl Academy Entrance Test

• ISDI Challenge – For ISDI admissions.

• NATA – Though mainly for architecture, also accepted by some design schools.

What is the Growth Trajectory Like in This Field?

Career Path:

1. Junior Designer (0–2 years) – Assists with drafting, sample boards, and site coordination.

2. Interior Designer (3–5 years) – Independently handles projects, from concept to execution.

3. Senior Designer (5–8 years) – Leads teams, manages multiple clients, and oversees large projects.

4. Design Director / Studio Head (8+ years) – Drives creative vision and business growth.

5. Entrepreneur / Consultant – Starts own design firm, product line, or consultancy.

Specialization Options:

• Residential Design – Homes, apartments, vacation houses.

• Commercial Design – Offices, malls, restaurants.

• Retail Design – Boutiques, showrooms.

• Hospitality Design – Hotels, resorts, spas.

• Set Design / Exhibition Design – For film, TV, or trade shows.

• Sustainable Interiors – Eco-conscious materials and designs.

• Styling / Visual Merchandising – For magazines, stores, or events.

Growth Avenues:

• International Projects & Clients

• Real Estate Collaboration – Partnering with builders.

• Interior Blogging & Influencing

• Teaching & Mentoring

Expected Salary in Interior Design

• India: ₹3–6 LPA (entry-level), ₹8–15 LPA (mid-level), ₹20+ LPA (senior roles / own studio)

• USA: $40,000 – $80,000 per annum

• UK: £25,000 – £60,000 per annum

• UAE: AED 100,000 – 250,000 per annum

• Canada: CAD 45,000 – 90,000 per annum

Top Role Models in Interior Design

• Sussanne Khan – Indian interior designer and founder of The Charcoal Project.

• Gauri Khan – Known for celebrity homes and retail spaces.

• Sunita Kohli – Award-winning restoration architect and interior designer.

• Kelly Wearstler – American designer renowned for modern luxe interiors.

• Tanya Gyani – Indian-origin designer featured in Architectural Digest, now based in the US.

Top Recruiters & Firms for Interior Designers in India

• Livspace – One of India’s leading interior solutions platforms.

• Design Café – Focuses on turnkey home interior solutions.

• Homelane – Popular in metro cities for modular and personalized designs.

• Morphogenesis – Architecture and interior design firm with global projects.

• Studio Lotus – Known for sustainable and culturally rooted interiors.

• Talati & Panthaky Associates (TPA) – High-end residential and commercial projects.

• Godrej Interio – Offers roles in product design, furniture, and interiors.

• Urban Ladder & Pepperfry – For visual merchandisers and space stylists.

• Independent Studios – Like Purple Backyard, The Grid Architects, and more.

Interior designers can also freelance, work on a per-project basis, or build their brand via social media and portfolio websites. Many go on to style celebrity homes, luxury villas, or film sets.

Why Choose a Career in Interior Design?

• Creative Freedom – Every project is a canvas to innovate and express.

• Diverse Opportunities – Homes, offices, hospitality, styling, teaching—you can carve your niche.

• Growing Industry – Rapid urbanization and lifestyle upgrades fuel constant demand.

• Client Impact – You transform not just spaces, but lives by improving comfort and function.

• Entrepreneurial Scope – Start your design firm, decor line, or online brand.

• Global Appeal – Design is a universal language—you can work with clients across the world.

Interior design blends art, science, and empathy. It’s about creating spaces that breathe life.

Final Thoughts: Designing Your Future, One Room at a Time

From imagining cozy corners to planning luxurious lobbies, interior design is a career that combines creativity with strategy. If you love transforming spaces and solving aesthetic puzzles, the world of interior design awaits.

Ready to take your first step?

Explore Fundaspring’s Career Guidance resources for portfolio workshops, internships, and mentorships in design!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Interior Design Careers

1. Is interior designing a good career in India?

Yes! With urban growth, rising middle-class income, and increased interest in home aesthetics, interior design is a thriving career in India. From Tier-1 cities to smaller towns, demand is rising for professional interior designers.

2. What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

An interior designer works on both structural and aesthetic aspects of a space, often requiring formal education. An interior decorator focuses mainly on the styling and furnishing of interiors, and may not need technical training.

3. Do I need math for interior design?

Basic math is useful, especially for measurements, budgeting, and technical drawings. Advanced math is not required, but understanding geometry and spatial awareness is important.

4. What are the highest-paying fields in interior design?

Luxury residential design, hospitality design (hotels/resorts), and commercial office projects tend to pay the most. Designers with niche skills like sustainable design or smart-home integration also earn more.

5. How do I build a portfolio as a beginner?

Start with sketches, mood boards, DIY room makeovers, or 3D models using free tools like SketchUp. Include before-after shots of your own room, school projects, or internships. Keep it visual and updated.

6. Can I be a freelance interior designer?

Absolutely! Many interior designers in India work independently or start their own studios. Freelancing allows flexibility and creative freedom, though it requires strong marketing and networking skills.

7. Is interior design only for women?

Not at all! Interior design is a gender-neutral career. While women dominate the field in India, many successful male designers are also making their mark.

8. Which cities in India have the best opportunities for interior designers?

Metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai have the highest demand. However, growth in Tier-2 cities like Jaipur, Indore, and Kochi is rapidly increasing.

9. Do I need a license to practice interior design in India?

Currently, India does not mandate a license for interior designers. However, having a degree/diploma, strong portfolio, and client references boosts credibility.

10. What’s the difference between architecture and interior design?

Architecture focuses on the building’s structure and construction, while interior design concentrates on the functionality and aesthetics of indoor spaces. Both fields often collaborate.