How to Become an Interior Design Consultant: Australian Careers in Interior Design

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MSF40122

Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

If you have an eye for inspired interiors and want to turn your flair for creating beautiful living spaces into a career, then the MSF40122 Certificate IV in Interior Decoration qualification from Open Colleges could be just the thing you’re looking for. This flexible, online course offers you the opportunity to learn all the practical skills required to join this exciting industry immediately or start your own interior decoration consultancy.

You will learn essential skills such as how to select and use colour and furnishings to create exhilarating interiors, how to produce drawings to effectively communicate your ideas, and how to research and recommend accessories, furniture, soft furnishings, hard materials and and finishes. The course will also give you all the practical knowledge in legal, administrative and promotional requirements yo need to set up your own small interior decor consultancy.

During the course you will receive a free professional design kit to ensure you have all the tools required to bring your ideas to life, as well as a membership to the Design Institute of Australia, the peak body for design professionals in Australia that will allow you to access various events, communication and networking opportunities available to members.

Please note: This is a fee-for-service course, it is not government funded

Online

Interior Decorating Consultant, Interior Decorator, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Designer, Interior Stylist, Retail Decorator

Price may vary

Maximum 24 months

MSF50222

Diploma of Interior Design

Turn your flair for creating inspiring living and work spaces into a lucrative career with this nationally recognised MSF50222 Diploma of Interior Design qualification from Open Colleges. This course will equip you with all the crucial interior design skills required to succeed in the industry, from design principles and dealing with clients, to understanding and interpreting briefs, working with suppliers and drawing up documents, and identifying and recommending materials and furniture.

You will learn how to employ your creativity and turn it into design concepts, and how to excel in using technical, creative and conceptual skills required to plan and decorate interiors for commercial, residential or heritage buildings. By the end of the course you will be able to research, conceptualise, draw and present your ideas, as well as gaining knowledge in small business operation and client communication.

Importantly, by the end of the course you will have built an extensive portfolio of work that you can proudly present to prospective employers or clients.

Please note: This is a fee-for-service course, it is not government funded

Online

Colour Consultant, Interior Decorator, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Designer, Interior Stylist, Kitchen Designer

Price may vary

Maximum 30 months

DIDD24

Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration

Start your career in interior design ready to step into industry or set up your own design studio with this Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration, delivered by Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia.

Throughout the course, you will explore various design processes and learn about materials and finishes while also developing skills in residential and commercial design. You’ll learn about the principles and trends of interior design and how they fit into the design process, you’ll explore issues of sustainability, and discover ways to design appropriately for a range of clients. You will test-run various design processes and collaborate on exciting projects based in the real world. The design work you produce throughout the interior design diploma will contribute to your professional portfolio – to help you land serious work in this ever-exciting, always evolving creative industry.

DIA-recognised course

This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.

Exclusive Sibella Court ambassadorship

Our interior design courses are built in collaboration with international design icon Sibella Court, founder of Society Inc.

Blended, On Campus, Online

NSW, Online, QLD, VIC

Assistant Designer, Design Consultant, Interior Decorator, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Designer

Price may vary

1 year full time, 2 years part time, 2 trimesters accelerated

Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential)

Start your career in interior design specialising in Residential Interiors with this Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential), delivered by Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia.

This course teaches you environmentally sustainable practices while you investigate the finer details of home interior design. You’ll discover the impact the selection of materials, lighting, joinery and furniture can have on your design, and explore professional technologies used in the industry. From a practical point of view, you will learn to design residential environments, develop technical documentation, understand contract and client management and visualisation solutions. You will graduate with a strong foundation of design best practice, prepared to embark on a creative career as an interior designer.

DIA-recognised course

This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.

Exclusive Sibella Court ambassadorship

Our interior design courses are built in collaboration with international design icon Sibella Court, founder of Society Inc.

Free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence

You’ll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you’re studying Design with us.

Master industry-standard software

Learn how to use Sketch Up Pro, AutoCAD, 3DsMax and Revit.

#1 for Student Support

Our Interior and Environmental Design courses received the highest ranking for student support in the 2021 QILT Survey.

Blended, On Campus, Online

NSW, QLD, VIC

Interior Decorating Consultant, Interior Decorator, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Designer, Interior Stylist, Kitchen Designer, Set Designer, Textile Designer

Price may vary

3 years full time, 6 years part time, 2 years accelerated

On this page

What is a Interior Design Consultant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Interior Design Consultant?

The role of an Interior Design Consultant is both dynamic and fulfilling, offering the opportunity to transform spaces into aesthetically pleasing and functional environments. These professionals work closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and lifestyle, ensuring that every design decision aligns with the client’s vision. Whether it’s a residential home, a commercial space, or a hospitality venue, Interior Design Consultants play a crucial role in creating atmospheres that enhance the user experience.

Interior Design Consultants are responsible for a variety of tasks that encompass the entire design process. They begin by conducting thorough consultations with clients, gathering information about their style, budget, and specific requirements. Following this, they develop design concepts that may include colour schemes, furniture selections, and spatial layouts. This creative process often involves creating mood boards and 3D renderings to help clients visualise the proposed designs. Additionally, they collaborate with architects, contractors, and suppliers to ensure that the project runs smoothly from conception to completion.

In their day-to-day activities, Interior Design Consultants also manage project timelines and budgets, ensuring that all aspects of the design are executed efficiently. They may conduct site visits to oversee the implementation of their designs, making adjustments as necessary to address any challenges that arise. This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Ultimately, the goal of an Interior Design Consultant is to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also function well for their intended use.

With a growing demand for innovative and personalised design solutions, a career as an Interior Design Consultant is both rewarding and impactful. These professionals have the unique ability to influence how people interact with their environments, making their work essential in today’s design-conscious society. For those with a passion for creativity and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives through design, this career path offers endless possibilities for growth and satisfaction.

Career snapshots For Interior Design Consultants

The role of an Interior Design Consultant is both creative and practical, focusing on enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces. This career attracts individuals who have a passion for design and a keen eye for detail, making it a fulfilling choice for many.

Average Age: Typically ranges from 25 to 45 years.
Gender Distribution: Predominantly female, with approximately 70% of the workforce being women.
Hours per Week: Full-time positions usually require around 38 to 40 hours per week.
Average Salary: Approximately $83,000 per year, with variations based on experience and location.
Unemployment Rate: Relatively low, around 3.5%, indicating a stable job market for this profession.
Employment Numbers: Approximately 30,000 individuals are currently employed as Interior Design Consultants in Australia.
Projected Growth: Expected growth of 5% over the next five years, driven by increasing demand for residential and commercial design services.

These insights reflect the dynamic nature of the interior design industry, highlighting the opportunities available for aspiring consultants. With a combination of creativity and technical skills, individuals in this field can look forward to a rewarding career.

What will I do?

As an Interior Design Consultant, one plays a pivotal role in transforming spaces to reflect the needs and desires of clients. This profession combines creativity with practical knowledge, allowing individuals to design aesthetically pleasing and functional environments. From residential homes to commercial spaces, Interior Design Consultants work closely with clients to create tailored solutions that enhance the overall experience of a space.

Client Consultation – Meet with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budget for interior design projects.
Space Planning – Develop layouts that optimise the use of space while ensuring functionality and flow.
Design Concept Development – Create design concepts that include colour schemes, materials, and furnishings that align with the client’s vision.
Material Selection – Research and select appropriate materials, finishes, and furnishings that meet the design specifications and budget.
Project Management – Oversee the implementation of design projects, coordinating with contractors, suppliers, and other professionals.
Budget Management – Prepare and manage budgets for design projects, ensuring that costs are kept within the agreed limits.
Site Visits – Conduct site visits to assess progress, address any issues, and ensure that the design is being executed as planned.
Client Presentations – Prepare and deliver presentations to clients, showcasing design concepts and proposed solutions.
Trend Research – Stay updated on the latest design trends, materials, and technologies to provide informed recommendations to clients.
Problem Solving – Address any design challenges that arise during the project, finding creative solutions to meet client expectations.

What skills do I need?

A career as an Interior Design Consultant requires a unique blend of creativity, technical skills, and interpersonal abilities. Professionals in this field must possess a strong understanding of design principles, colour theory, and spatial awareness to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. Proficiency in design software, such as AutoCAD and SketchUp, is essential for producing detailed plans and visualisations. Additionally, a keen eye for detail and a solid grasp of current design trends enable consultants to provide innovative solutions tailored to their clients’ needs.

Effective communication and project management skills are also crucial for success in this role. Interior Design Consultants must be able to articulate their ideas clearly to clients, contractors, and suppliers, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned with the project vision. Strong negotiation skills are beneficial when discussing budgets and timelines, while the ability to adapt to changing client preferences and project requirements is vital. Ultimately, a successful Interior Design Consultant combines artistic flair with practical expertise to transform spaces into beautiful, functional environments.

Skills/attributes

Creativity and Artistic Vision
Strong Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Project Management Skills
Knowledge of Design Software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp)
Understanding of Building Codes and Regulations
Client Relationship Management
Time Management and Organisation
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Interior Design Trends and Styles
Budgeting and Financial Management
Ability to Work Independently and as Part of a Team
Adaptability and Flexibility
Strong Visualisation Skills
Research Skills

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How to Become an Interior Design Consultant: Australian Careers in Interior Design

What is a Interior Design Consultant?

Career snapshots For Interior Design Consultants

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Skills/attributes

Resources

Career Outcomes