Interior design career guide

Finding a job

Interior Design

There are many different areas within the interior design sector, and some thought as to what you would like to specialise in can make your job search easier. A designer’s work can be varied and you may find yourself working for a consultancy that provides services to a range of external clients. With many jobs going unadvertised making speculative applications may prove to be invaluable.

On this page you will find different types of employers to consider in this field, useful websites to help kickstart your job search, and top tips for finding a job in interior design!

Employers that recruit in interior design

  • Architectural firms and construction companies
  • Interior design companies
  • Exhibition centres and events management companies
  • Consultancies offering a wide portfolio of design services
  • Retailers
  • Theatre, TV or film companies
Students examining wood after using Industrial Laser Cutter
Technology Facilities Day One - NOT FOR THIRD PARTY - CONSENT

Where to look for jobs

Kickstart your job search in interior design with the below resources:

Design Jobs Board

Jobs board aims to reach designers in the UK looking to work in creative design studios

Design Week

Searchable jobs database catering for the entire design industry. Use filters to find current vacancies in interior design.

bd4jobs

Building design's recruitment and job website; use filters to browse for interior design vacancies.

Careers in Design

Recruitment agency for the design sector

British Institute of Interior Design

Jobs board for the UK's professional interior design body

CreateBritain

Create a Profile for peers, fans and business opportunities to find you.

Creative Network South

CNS is working to develop the creative industries in Hampshire and the IoW. Their prime focus is the attraction and retention of creative talent.

 

Useful social media feeds

Check out the following social media feeds for news and information about current projects and to tap into the hidden jobs market:

 

 

City Guide - Aspex Gallery

Freelancing

After building a reputation, many interior designers choose to become self-employed or work freelance. You will also need to create a strong online portfolio to get the message out to a wider audience and don't forget to make use of a variety of social media sites such as LinkedIn to market yourself. Check out the following resources:

  • Student StartUp team – Student Enterprise provide advice and support to students and graduates at the University of Portsmouth to develop their enterprising skills and set up their own business.
  • Creativepool – Online networking site for people working within the creative industries. Provides a platform from which to research and network with relevant companies as well as finding advertised vacancies.
  • Freelance UK – Information for freelancers including a forum, news and events and starting out advice.

 

 

Tips for finding a job

  • Keep up to date with sector news and trends by following the professional bodies on X, this information might help you identify opportunities to network and tap into the hidden job market.
  • Keep your on line job search flexible as some employers might use different titles to describe the same job role.
  • If you are keen to focus on a specific sector within interior design check out the specialist websites for these areas for current vacancies
  • Most companies have an X and/or Facebook account, register with them as this is often a place where new opportunities are posted and where you can keep in touch with their current activities.

 

 

Explore the Interior Design Career Guide

Interior design

Your guide to building a career in interior design.

Student halls bedroom with decorative plant
Read more

Getting started in interior design

Take the first steps to researching a career within interior design.

10th December 2018
CCI Facilities and Students
Read more

Gaining experience in interior design

Find out how to gain experience in the industry during your studies.

Read more