Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Working Life

Job titles associated with this occupation inlude Interior Architect, Interior Designer, and Interior Decorator. They are similar, but with certain differences, primarily in terms of the level of education associated with each role.

Traditionally, interior design focused on the decorative and soft furnishings side of interiors, as opposed to the architectural and technical aspects. Blurring of the lines around these titles has resulted primarily from improvements in interior design education. This has increased the scope of the profession and led many interior designers to become more involved in the technical and architectural sides of things.

Interior architecture is about the art and science of designing an interior space taking into account all elements of the build. A designer with some training in interior architecture cannot call themselves an interior architect, unless they have relevant professional accreditation from an architectural body.

Interior design takes into account all aspects of planning and designing interior spaces in the built environment. The role of any two interior designers can vary greatly.

Interior decoration is concerned solely with the decoration or ‘art’ of a space including soft furnishings and colour schemes.

The interior designer's responsibilities include:

• Project evaluation and management  
• Planning of space, layouts, circulation and configuration of furniture and fittings in an interior of a building
• Selection of samples, sourcing and specifying materials, fabrics, furniture, fittings and colours  
• Aesthetic decisions in the decoration of an interior  
• Acting on behalf of the client and presenting documentation to planning authorities, building regulations and fire and safety  
• Providing estimates (using quantity surveyors) and project costing  
• Selecting architects, engineers, building contractors, craftsmen and suppliers  
• Supervising the project until its completion  

Interior Designers may specialise in residential or commercial interiors or both. Commercial contracts include hotels, restaurants, schools and universities, office buildings, factories and clubs. In addition to planning the interiors of new buildings, he or she may also redesign existing interiors.  
 
Jobs may range from accomplishing single detail in a private residence to designing and co-ordinating the entire interior arrangement of a large building complex. He or she must consider the functional needs, personal habits, and tastes of the client and design the interiors to suit project requirements, the client's personality or the corporate mission.  
 
The interior designer may be required to design unique and original interior arrangements using existing furniture or custom designed furnishings. The presentation to the client usually includes perspectives, floor plans, elevations, colour charts, photographs of furnishings, and samples of materials for upholstery, curtains, and wall coverings.  
 
Once the client accepts the plan, the interior designer undertakes all aspects of project management in accordance with the code of practice. Every item involved in design is the concern of the Interior Designer, from the final presentation to the installation of the last fitting.  
 
Interior/exhibition designers often use design software packages when creating designs.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Design plans to be safe and to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Coordinate with other professionals, such as contractors, architects, engineers, and plumbers, to ensure job success.
• Inspect construction work on site to ensure its adherence to the design plans.
• Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents.
• Advise client on interior design factors, such as space planning, layout and use of furnishings or equipment, and color coordination.
• Confer with client to determine factors affecting planning of interior environments, such as budget, architectural preferences, purpose, and function.
• Estimate material requirements and costs, and present design to client for approval.
• Review and detail shop drawings for construction plans.
• Formulate environmental plan to be practical, esthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity or selling merchandise.
• Design spaces to be environmentally friendly, using sustainable, recycled materials when feasible.

Further Information

• Interior Designer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Interior designer- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

The designation of the term 'Architect', like that of 'Doctor', is protected - it cannot be used by anyone who does not have specific qualifications and accreditation.

In Ireland, to become an architect you must first get a degree from a recognised school of Architecture, followed by two years of approved practical experience and successfully pass an accredited professional practice examination. Accredited professional practice examinations are currently provided around Ireland.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: architectural design and technology, pre-university architecture, interior architecture, design.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: architectural design and technology, pre-university architecture, interior architecture, design.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: architecture, architectural technology, interior architecture, design.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: architectural design and practice.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Recognised degree courses in architecture take five years of full-time study. Many students take a year out for practical experience between the third and fourth years. Achieving full professional qualification as an architect can therefore take seven to nine years.

Five-year degree programmes may be split into a three-year course followed by a two-year course, or a four-year course followed by a one-year course. Graduates of the initial three-year or four-year architecture courses are eligible for RIAI student membership.

On completion of your 5 year qualification in architecture with a recognised college, you are eligible for architectural graduate membership of the RIAI Accredited RIAI Training.

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Once you have achieved a minimum of two years approved post graduate experience you can take a professional practice examination provided by TU Dublin or UCD. On passing your professional practice examination you become eligible to apply for admission to the register for Architects and full membership of the RIAI. RIAI Accreditation is recognised by the Irish Government and EU legislation. You can explore ongoing CPD for continuous professional development in your career.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €85k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / Brightwater / Morgan Mckinley/ Indeed/ Payscale

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Architects; Town planners; Quantity surveyors; Chartered surveyors; Chartered architectural technologists.    

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to quantity surveyors and issues with recruitment of quantity surveyors were also evident in both the Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey data.

The supply of quantity surveyors has increased since 2016, with 336 awards in 2021 in higher education. The demand for these skills is expected to be sustained in the coming years, although the tasks may be incorporated into other occupations e.g. structural engineer. With supply increasing, issues with recruitment may lessen in future years. Demand for architects and town planners is likely to continue, although the data does not currently point to issues in relation to sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles. 

• Institute of Designers in Ireland

  • The Digital Hub, Roe Lane, Thomas St., Dublin 8
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Institute of Art Design & Technology

  • Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin
  • (01) 239 4000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here