With a client's tastes, needs, and budget in mind, interior designers prepare drawings and specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, furnishings, lighting, and finishes. Increasingly, designers use computers to plan layouts, which can easily be changed to include ideas received from the client.

Interior designers also design lighting and architectural details—such as crown molding, built-in bookshelves, or cabinets—coordinate colors, and select furniture, floor coverings, and window treatments. Interior designers must design space to conform to Federal, State, and local laws, including building codes. Designs for public areas also must meet accessibility standards for the disabled and elderly.

Creativity of the mind is crucial in all design fields. Decorators in this line of work must have a very strong sense of a pleasing eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an admiration for beautiful projects. Despite the advancement of of software that helps the designer with decorating, Use of a pencil is still used for design work, especially home design. Having your own portfolio of your creations is a good practice to start.

A bachelor's degree is usually preferred for a interior design to show some credabilty.there is alot of designers who go on to pursue there masters degree.

Interior design is the only design field subject to government regulation. According to the American Society for Interior Designers, 19 States and the District of Columbia require interior designers to be licensed or registered. Passing the National Council for Interior Design qualification examination is required for licensure. To take the exam, one must complete at least 2 years of postsecondary education in design, at least 2 years of practical work experience in the field, plus additional related education or experience to total at least 6 years of combined education and experience in design. Because licensing is not mandatory in all States, membership in a professional association is an indication of an interior designer's qualifications and professional standing—and can aid in obtaining clients.

Formal training for some design professions also is available in 2- and 3-year professional schools that award certificates or associate degrees in design. Graduates of 2-year programs normally qualify as assistants to designers. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is granted at 4-year colleges and universities. The curriculum in these schools includes art and art history, principles of design, designing and sketching, and specialized studies for each of the individual design disciplines, such as garment construction, textiles, mechanical and architectural drawing, computerized design, sculpture, architecture, and basic engineering. A liberal arts education, with courses in merchandising, business administration, marketing, and psychology, along with training in art, is recommended for designers who want to freelance. Additionally, persons with training or experience in architecture qualify for some design occupations, particularly interior design.

Because computer-aided design is increasingly common, many employers expect new designers to be familiar with its use as a design tool. For example, industrial designers extensively use computers in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries. Interior designers use computers to create numerous versions of interior space designs—images can be inserted, edited, and replaced easily and without added cost—making it possible for a client to see and choose among several designs.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design currently accredits about 200 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design; most of these schools award a degree in art. Some award degrees in industrial, interior, textile, graphic, or fashion design. Many schools do not allow formal entry into a bachelor's degree program until a student has successfully finished a year of basic art and design courses. Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.

Individuals in the design field must be creative, imaginative, persistent, and able to communicate their ideas in writing, visually, and verbally. Because tastes in style and fashion can change quickly, designers need to be well-read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure are important traits. People in this field need self-discipline to start projects on their own, to budget their time, and to meet deadlines and production schedules. Good business sense and sales ability also are important, especially for those who freelance or run their own business.

Home interior designers usually recieve on the job training from there employer. Many designers usually go free lance and open there open business,the only drawback to this is you have to provide your own benefits.