How to become an interior designer
Utilize and organise interiors to enrich living and working spaces for residential and commercial buildings.
What does an interior designer do?
Interior designers write specifications to create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior environments. They apply their solid understanding of how spaces function. They use their flare for design and decoration. Ultimately, the interiors they design enhance work efficiency and psychological well-being.
Duties and tasks
Create drawings, sketches or visual images of designs for clients to review.
Manage design production including working with necessary staff such as carpenters, furniture suppliers, architects, and decorators to construct the interior space.
Plan budgets and working schedules for overall interior production.
Recommend materials to create and enhance interior environments according to clients' desired atmosphere of living or work space.
Apply strong knowledge of spatial organisation, colour schemes, patterns, and material options to create interior designs.
Stay up-to-date on the latest design concepts and popular layouts.
Understand the relation between technical and visual applications of furniture, lighting, and layout of spaces to create the ideal balance between functionality and appearance.
Work with clients to interpret their requests and offer design ideas, meeting clients' desires including overall effect and budget.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Textile designer
Discover related degrees
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration
UndergraduateTUA-IDE-DIP
Graduate with a qualification to become a professional interior designer
Learn to design commercial and residential building interiors to today’s standards. Push your creativity with furnishings and finishes. Get hands-on with software. Gain real experience. Work on technical and digital skills for professional designing.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Undergraduate Certificate in Interior Design
UndergraduateCUR-HID-CTF
Your first foray in interior design
Study 4 core subjects in interior design, history and methods—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Dabble in designing interior spaces. Strive for quality interior environments. Explore the role of the interior architect.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration
UndergraduateTUA-IDD-DIP
A hands-on intro to the interior design industry
Learn popular software like SketchUp Pro and AutoCAD in this DIA-recognised course. You’ll learn about materials and finishes. Explore design processes. Build skills for both residential and commercial design and start thinking about your designer career.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateCUR-IND-DEG
Create clever solutions for interior spaces
Build expertise and professional skills in interior design. You'll explore design concepts and use technology to bring your ideas to life. An accredited design degree that prepares you for careers in home design, hotels, offices and more.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Discover related subjects
History of Interior Design and Decoration
UndergraduateTUA-DHI100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateTUA-DDW100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 16 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 14 Sep 2026
UndergraduateTUA-DBD100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 16 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 14 Sep 2026
UndergraduateCUR-BIA425
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 30 Nov 2026
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