Employment of interior designers is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Designers will be needed to respond to consumer expectations that the interiors of homes and offices meet certain conditions, such as being environmentally friendly or more easily accessible.
Although the number of home remodeling projects that use interior designers is related to economic conditions, remodeling of large public spaces and facilities, such as hospitals, hotels, and schools, is often funded as part of a long-term project. Companies typically budget money over many years so that they can afford remodeling efforts when necessary, regardless of economic conditions. In addition, as part of creating their corporate image, more companies are expected to take advantage of opportunities to use new furnishing and design concepts to make their interior space easily identifiable.
Employment for interior designers in specialized design firms is expected to grow by 27 percent from 2010 to 2020. As interior designers focus on increasingly specialized design areas, there will be a greater need for them to collaborate with other designers and in other design-related fields.
Job prospects should be better in higher income areas, because wealthier clients are more likely to engage in remodeling or renovating their homes.
Interior designers who specialize, such as those who design kitchens, may benefit by becoming an expert in their particular area. By specializing in a unique area of design, interior designers can use their knowledge of products to better fulfill customer requests.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition