Is It Difficult To Have A Career As an Interior Designer?

Question

I have a couple of questions for those of you who are in the interior design field; I plan on going to college for interior design, Is that field hard to get into? Also, I'm looking to move to either Dallas TX or Houston Tx do one of these cities have better job opportunities in Interior Design than the other?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Dallas is just about dead as far as growth goes... you need to go north or west. Fort Worth is exploding. I don't know anything about Houston, hated it 10 years ago.
As far as the job thing goes it all depends on what kind of work you are looking for. There are self owned businesses everywhere but to date I haven't seen anyone worth a crap for the middle class income... It all depends on what you want to do.

Answer 2

Difficult?? YOU BETCHA!!!!! Acccckkkkkk! I did that for SIXTEEN LONG YEARS..I did enjoy it most of the time, however, you have to understand that most design clients are "middle" to "upper" class...and have DEMANDS..that will drive you NUTS! I have had clients CRY and pitch a FIT over a sofa that was specially ordered, and did not come in in time for their big party/holiday/whatever...OR...
You get someone who comes to you with a HIDEOUS gold velvet chair that is ratty and worn, and want you to design their room AROUND that CHAIR! OR, try as you might, you tell them something won't work, or won't look good...they don't listen, do it anyway, it looks like crap (as you warned them it would) and they blame YOU anyway!!!! Or...you order carpet/wallpaper/drapes and they come in the wrong size/color whatever...and YOU are blamed (after all, YOU did the measuring)....
I got extremely burned out after 16 years. I no longer work in that field. Your best bet, if you still want to try it, will be to intern with an established designer, or with a high-end furniture store that offers design service..and intern there..
It may be helpful in your decision to shadow an experienced designer, BEFORE you commit to a career, so you'll know whether you are cut out for it....
Larger cities, where there is "money" will bring you the most chance for developing a clientele.

Answer 3

Yes,That is a business that's hard to get into. But keep your head up if you really want this you will get it.