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Most of us are familiar with interior design from the home renovation shows we watch on tv. However, the industry is a bit more challenging and diverse than you would expect. The job of an interior designer is to make the surrounding space pleasing to the eye, efficient, and a welcoming environment for clients, employees, and visitors. The realm of interior design extends well beyond the home, with designers working in exhibitions, colleges, offices, and public spaces.
Whether you are looking at interior design programs, or have already graduated from one, here are ten career paths for someone with an interior design diploma.
1. Residential Interior Designer
A residential interior designer is an art and design professional who designs and decorates private living spaces. They must take into consideration all aspects of the home’s design when creating the interior. This includes:
- Furniture
- Rugs
- Lighting
- Artwork
- Colour schemes
Residential interior designers work with clients to help them create functional and beautiful spaces that reflect their lifestyle and taste. They may also work with other professionals such as architects, contractors, and builders to coordinate with the design process.
2. Industrial Design Specialist
Industrial design is the design of products, processes, and systems. The goal of industrial design is to develop products that people want to buy. It’s not just about appearances; it’s also about function and usability. Industrial design specialists work in many different industries to design things like transportation, medical devices, computers, and furniture. They work with engineers and other professionals to create everything from simple household items like chairs and light fixtures, to complex electronics like computers and phones. In the interior design industry, industrial design specialists are responsible for creating the overall look and feel of a space. They work closely with architects, interior designers, and clients to ensure that the space fits their needs.

3. Furniture Designer
You can find furniture designers working in small shops or large corporations, designing and building custom pieces for residential and commercial clients. Furniture design is both an art and a science, and furniture designers must be skilled at creating functional furniture that fits the client’s needs. They must understand engineering principles such as strength of various materials, how they connect together, and how much weight a piece can hold without being damaged. Customers’ preferences, sustainability, ergonomics, and practicality are all factors they consider while designing.
4. Exhibition Display Designer
Exhibits are designed to present information in an entertaining way, so they rely heavily on visual elements like graphics, text, and objects. The exhibit designer will work with other members of the team to create a cohesive look for the exhibit that will engage visitors and help them understand the message being conveyed by the content.
There are many types of exhibits that can be created for museums, galleries, or private companies. Some are permanent while others are temporary displays that are only up for a limited time before they’re taken down again.
5. Lighting Designer
A lighting designer is responsible for creating a plan for installing the lighting fixtures in a building. This includes determining where fixtures should go, how many fixtures are needed, what type of fixtures to use, and how much energy they will consume over their lifetime. A lighting designer may also be tasked with selecting colours and shades for the lights, which can help create ambiance in an area or highlight a certain feature of it.

6. Sustainable Interior Designer
Sustainable interior design is the conscious decision to use materials, processes, and systems that are environmentally friendly. Sustainable design can be applied to almost any aspect of interior design, including residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. Some sustainable design concepts include using recycled materials, eco-friendly lighting options, and installing energy efficient appliances. Sustainable interior design is about making a space that is healthy, comfortable, and attractive while minimizing its impact on the environment.
7. Universal Interior Designer
Universal interior designers strive to create environments that everyone can use, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and children. Not only do universal interior designers want to accommodate everyone, but they also want to make them feel welcome. The idea behind universal interior design is to make a space as adaptable as possible so it can be used by everyone.

8. Kitchen Designer
The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you prepare meals, entertain guests, and unwind after a long day. Your kitchen should reflect your personality. It should feel spacious, comfortable, and relaxing – a place you love to be in.
Kitchen designers can help you achieve these goals by creating functional spaces that compliment your lifestyle. They’ll look at your existing layout and design something that’s more efficient and better suited to your needs.
9. Business Owner
There are many reasons why you might want to open up your own interior design business. Maybe you love designing spaces and want to turn that passion into a career. Or maybe you’re just tired of working for other people and want to be your own boss.
Owning a design business is a great way to combine your love of design with your entrepreneurial spirit. If you’re going to own an interior design company, you have to be willing to put in a lot of work. If you do, though, it can be incredibly rewarding.
10. Freelancer
A freelance interior designer can work from anywhere, which means you can work from home or even while traveling. Many people enjoy the freedom of being able to set their own hours and not have anyone else tell them what they need to do. Freelancers can also choose how much money they want to make per project and how much time they spend on each project, making this a great option for designers who want freedom.

Ultimately, interior design is a multifaceted field that spans many industries. You don’t need to be an expert in every one of these areas – and even if you were, it’s unlikely you’d ever find a job in which you were expected to be. Instead, focus on developing your skills in the area that interests you most, and use those learned skills to do something creative and fun with your design career.
You can start your journey to becoming a great interior designer by learning from the best industry experts at CAM. Located in Saint John, close to cities like Moncton and Fredericton, CAM Institute of Design is a registered college in New Brunswick offering diploma programs in Animation, VFX & Compositing, Automation & Sculpting, Graphic Design, Game Design, Interior Design, Transportation Design, and more. For more information and helpful tips, stay updated with our blog posts and social media channels.
Apply now for our September 2024 batch!
CAM is licensed by the government of New Brunswick and registered under the Private Occupational Training Act.
- 210 Crown Street Saint John NB E2L 2X7, Canada
- +1 (506)635-3000
- info@thecam.ca