Interior design career guide

This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the interior design  sector. 

A degree in interior design involves a wide array of creative and technical skills and prepares designers to cope with a broad scope of projects. These can range from structural alterations to existing buildings, to the choice of soft furnishings, fixtures and fittings working to a client’s remit.

Opportunities exist throughout the UK, with the main employers being design consultancies and architectural practices. Although designers are usually based in studios, there can be a lot of time spent on location as well - so the ability to be mobile and work flexibly is important. After building a reputation, many interior designers choose to become self-employed or work freelance.