Interior designing has become popular as a specialization only in recent years. Previously, architects would handle both exterior and interior design work. Only over the last few years have people become more mindful of the design and layout of their working and living spaces. This new importance has given professional interior designers greater opportunities.

The interior design discipline involves the arrangement of living space to attain greater functionality and the creation of the perfect atmosphere for the space's intended purpose. Interior design makes use of different aspects of other disciplines such as architecture, product design, environmental psychology and decoration. It emphasizes the essential characteristics of all design styles: color, concept, proportion, ergonomics, balance and function of design.

As an interior designer, an individual may choose to specialize in a particular area of expertise such as residential, commercial and landscape design. Further specializations include institutional design and the focus on specific rooms like bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms.

The interior design process starts with a face to face meeting with the client to determine the requirements, the client's needs and the amount of work to be done. The designer should take into consideration the purpose of the room, client's design preferences and budget.

The next step is the formulation of a design plan which includes design sketches and layouts using a computer-aided design (CAD) program and a breakdown of costs. The design proposal will then be submitted to the client for approval or revisions. The designer should work with the client closely in order to come up with a final and approved design that satisfies the client's needs.

Once a design concept is finalized and approved by the client, the designer will then source out the materials needed and technical contractors (electricians, builders, etc.). Also, if the project is complex and needs some structural work, the designer will have to consult with architects or engineers.

Before work on the project begins, the designer must formulate a timeline for the project and coordinate with the contractors to set a working schedule. Throughout the building and installation process, the designer must be hands-on and remain oversight to ensure that the design details are carried out and the project is completed according to the prescribed timeline. Once the project is finished, the designer will go through the building site with the client and make the necessary adjustments if the client is not satisfied with the final output.

Success in the interior design profession depends largely on the client's satisfaction. As such, interior designers not only need to have the essential artistic and technical skills, they must also possess important interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills are necessary because interior designers interact with numerous people through the whole design process. They need to be able to translate technical details for their clients and convey the creative and artistic ideas they have. Interior designers will also have to coordinate with other professionals such as building contractors, electricians and carpenters. Self-motivation, confidence and the ability to accept criticism are also important qualities to have.

Interior Design is offered as a specialization in 4 year Bachelor of Fine-Arts (BFA) programs. A 5 year professional program in Interior Design is also offered in the School of Interior Design in the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) in Ahmedabad. Requirements for the program are a +2 with a 55% aggregate in Math/Biology, Physics, Chemistry and English. There are also numerous part time one year diploma programs being offered in India, which requires minimal qualification. Many private learning institutions, meanwhile, offer certificate courses in interior design whose requirement for qualification is a Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC).

Below are some of the popular choices among those who wish to pursue careers in Interior Design:

1. Arch Institute of Fashion and Design
   Plot No. 9, Govind Marg,
   Opp. Block A, Malviya Nagar Institutional Area,
   Jaipur-302017
   Courses Offered:
   
   • 3 years - Advance Diploma course in Interior Design
   • 2 years - Diploma in Interior Design
   • 1 year - Diploma in Interior Design
   • 6 months - Certificate in Furniture Design
   • 2 month - Certificate in Computer Aided Design
   Website: www.archedu.org
2. Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science & Higher Education for Women
   54, Tughlakabad Institutional Area,
   Mehrauli Badarpur Road,
   New Delhi 110026
   Courses Offered:
   
   • 3 years - Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and Environment
   Website: www.avinashilingam.edu
3. Karavali College
   Location:
   NH - 17, near Kottara Chowki Junction,
   Mangalore - 575013
   Courses Offered:
   • 3 years - Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and Decoration
   Website: www.karavalicollege.ac.in
4. National Institute of Fashion Design
   NIFD Campus, 2-B, Madhya Marg,
   Sector 27,
   Chandigarh - 160019
   Courses Offered:
   
   • 3 years - Bachelor of Science in Interior Designing
   • 2 year - Advance Diploma in Interior Design
   • 1 year - Diploma in Interior Design
   • 12 months - Interior Design Professional Course
   • 6 months - Interior Design Vocational Program
   Website: www.nifd.net
5. Rachna Sansad School of Interior Design
   278, Shankar Ghanekar Marg,
   Prabhadevi,
   Mumbai- 400 025
   Courses Offered:
   
   • 3 years - Government Diploma (part time)
   • 4 years - Bachelor of Fine Arts (full time)
6. St. Francis Institute of Art and Design
   Mt. Poinsar,
   S. V. P. Road, Borivali (W),
   Mumbai - 400103.
   Courses Offered:
   
   • 3 years - Diploma in Interior Design
   • 3 years - Diploma in Commercial Art
   • 3 years - Master Diploma in Interior Design
   
   Website: http://www.sfartinstitute.com
7. School of Interior Design, Centre for Environmental Planning Technology (CEPT)
   Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus,
   University Rd, Navrangpura,
   Ahmedabad - 380009
   Courses Offered:
   
   • 5 years - Diploma in Interior Design
   Website: www.cept.ac.in
8. Shree Devi College of Interior Design
   Shree Devi Education Trust (R.),
   Maina Towers, Ballalbagh,
   Mangalore - 575 003
   Courses Offered:
   • 3 years - Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and Decoration
   Website: www.coastaleducation.com/sridevi_college/sridevi1_new.htm
9. South Delhi Polytechnic for Women
   Lajpat Nagar-1V, New Delhi-110024 Courses Offered:
   • 1 to 4 years - Interior Design
   Website: http://www.polytechnic-sdpw.com
10. UB&A Architecture and Education
    E-314A, Basement,
    Sector-27,
    Noida - 201301
    Courses Offered:
    • 1 ½ years - Advance Diploma in Interior Design
    • 1 year - Diploma in Interior Design
    • Certificate Course in Home Interiors
    Website: www.ubaworld.com

The increasing importance placed on interior design has made the profession one of the fastest growing fields in India. Employment opportunities for interior design professionals are plentiful. Fresh graduates from interior design courses can find gainful employment with independent architects or in large architectural firms, building contractors, hotels and resorts. Professionals may also find work in private design consultancy firms, theaters and exhibition organizing companies. The public sector also has a large demand for interior designers. Public institutions such as town planning bureaus, metropolitan and regional development departments and the public works department have a need for the expertise of interior designers.

This profession can prove to be very lucrative and fulfilling, especially once the interior designer has made a name for himself in the industry. The nature of the interior design profession also offers excellent prospects for individuals who want to work part time and those who aspire to be self-employed. Interior designers who wish to start their own business may find that this profession is one of the few that allows you to operate out of your own home with minimal investment.

The earnings of interior design professionals differ greatly due to a number of factors. The most significant factor influencing an interior designers' compensation package is their talent. Their specialization and the size of the firm where they are employed also plays a huge role in determining their pay scale. Depending on these factors, fresh graduates may receive monthly salaries of Rs.5,000 to Rs.8,000 or even Rs.6,000 to Rs.10,000 for those coming from reputable educational institutions. Starting from this base salary, they may then begin to work their way up to Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 75,000 monthly compensation levels when they become more established in their field.

Interior designers say that their profession is very rewarding and one will find that apart from monthly earnings, a lot of non-monetary benefits are also involved.