Top 5 skills every interior designer should learn

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied in a structure to make indoor spaces aesthetically attractive, functional, and safe. This is done by calculating space requirements, furnishings, colours, lighting, and designing materials

What comes to your mind when you think of interior design? Is it a room complete with decor, furniture and wallpaper or the texture of the fabric, the colour combination used or the pattern of the wallpaper? All these elements create an attractive and functional living environment for the people.

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied in a structure to make indoor spaces aesthetically attractive, functional, and safe. This is done by calculating space requirements, furnishings, colours, lighting, and designing materials. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology. This includes research, analysis, and incorporation of knowledge into the creative process, whereby an interior space is created to fulfil the needs of the client.

The demand for interior designers is on the rise. An interior designer might work with private residences or with commercial interiors such as hotels, hospitals, retail stores, offices, and other private and public facilities.  

Rajan Iyer, faculty, UPES School of Design says, “Creativity, the willingness to explore what’s around and passion should be on every aspirant’s list. The ability to transform a dull-looking room into a masterpiece and something functional is also essential.”

Let us have a look at the five important skills interior design aspirants would need to become successful:

Creativity

A trait of utmost importance, a designer needs to be highly creative. You will be responsible to design spaces for all sorts of clients. It is necessary to look into spaces with a creative vision and an eye for detail to understand what to apply and what to break. 

Trend identification

Trends come and go, and you need to stay ahead of the curve. A designer should be able to identify and predict trends. An interior designer should be well-versed in all design styles and be able to mix and match as needed. Having a knack for design and being mindful of the past and present trends can help you fulfil client requirements.

Spatial awareness

Making a beautiful, useful space includes ensuring that the flow of movement through space works and that space is used efficiently. An interior designer needs to be able to survey the area properly and effectively transform it through design. Being detail-oriented in taking measurements and translating an idea digitally or by hand-drawn sketches is important. Also, it is about looking ahead at the end product, and how space can be shaped to fit the client’s needs.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is important when it comes to interior designing. You will need problem-solving skills to address the challenges and use logic and reasoning to find alternative solutions. Sharp critical thinking skills with an intellectual understanding of the problems can have a positive impact on all the design projects you take up.

Communication skills

As an interior designer, you will be expected to effectively communicate your ideas to your clients. You will also need to work with contractors and vendors who will be responsible for carrying out your designs. Possessing good communication and interpersonal skills will help in all aspects of a career, whether it comes to signing contracts or unveiling your vision. 

Why choose UPES School of Design?

With an infrastructure comprising of high-end computer workstations, vacuum-forming machines, and spray-painting booths, among other creative learning aids, the UPES School of Design guides and directs young talents to their true potential in creating innovative designs.

The School offers a bachelor’s program in Interior and Retail Spaces Design. Students specialising in this field learn to design a large range of interior design spaces. The specialisation focuses on imparting skills that are needed to develop an aesthetic and functional as per the needs of the client.  Students get the opportunities to work in residential projects, commercial projects, temporary exhibition projects, as well as prestigious workplace projects.