Is interior design a good career

If you find yourself constantly reimagining spaces, pinning aesthetic interiors, or rearranging furniture for the perfect vibe, you might be destined for a career in interior design. But is interior design a good career in Australia?

Whether you're a budding creative or considering a career change, this article unpacks the realities of working as an Interior Designer including the perks, hurdles, and what the future holds.

Understanding the interior design profession

Interior Designers do more than select colours and throw cushions. They bring spaces to life by combining design thinking, technology, functionality, and strategy.

At its heart, interior design is about shaping environments that are human-centred. Interior design is the intersection of aesthetics and usability and requires an understanding of human behaviour, ergonomics, and the built environment.

What does an Interior Designer do?

• Consult with clients to understand their needs and preferences
• Develop creative concepts and mood boards
• Select materials, furnishings, lighting, and colour palettes
• Draft floor plans and create 3D renderings using design software
• Coordinate with contractors, suppliers, and architects
• Manage budgets, timelines, and project logistics
• Facilitate compliance with local building codes and regulations

Interior Designers juggle a wide array of responsibilities, from client relations to technical documentation. A professional Interior Designer needs both creative vision and logistical savvy. The job often involves problem-solving within constraints, including spatial, financial, and in some cases regulatory aspects.

What qualifications do you need?

In Australia, you can practice as an Interior Decorator and undertake some Interior Design tasks without a formal qualification. However, if you see yourself working in field as a professional interior designer, or setting up your own practice or want to undertake advanced projects you may want to consider gaining formal qualifications.

An Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration or a Bachelor of Interior Design, both of which are offered at Billy Blue College of Design meet State regulatory requirements.

These courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, covering:

• Spatial planning
• Digital tools (including AutoCAD, SketchUp and Revit)
• Lighting and materials Client and project management
• Interior styling and sustainability principles

Becoming a DIA Associate Member (Design Institute of Australia) can add professional recognition and open doors to larger, more complex projects. An Advanced Diploma or Bachelors level degree will be needed to apply.

Pros of pursuing an interior design career

Is being an Interior Designer a good job? Absolutely. Here are some compelling reasons to consider this career path:

Creative expression

Interior design offers a dynamic and engaging outlet for creativity. Each project is a new canvas that allows you to express different aesthetics, explore materials, and push conceptual boundaries.

Job satisfaction

Designing a space that enhances how people live, work, and interact brings real emotional and psychological rewards. Watching your ideas come to life and witnessing the impact on the people using the space is deeply fulfilling.

Good income potential

Can you make good money as an Interior Designer? Yes. In Australia, the average salary for an Interior Designer ranges from $75,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and specialisation. Those who run their own studios or work on high-end commercial projects can earn significantly more.

Industry growth

Do Interior Designers have a good future? Without a doubt. Demand for thoughtful, functional spaces continues to rise, driven by trends like remote work, sustainable building, and lifestyle-focused design. Interior Designers are increasingly involved in shaping how homes, offices, retail, and hospitality environments look and feel.

Career flexibility

Whether you prefer working independently or as part of a team, interior design offers multiple career paths. There are plenty of job opportunities in interior design: you can freelance, join a large firm, work in-house for a company, or start your own business. It’s a career that evolves with you.

Diverse specialisations

Interior design isn’t a one-size-fits-all career. You can specialise in:

• Residential design: Creating liveable homes tailored to personal style and lifestyle.
• Commercial design: Crafting functional, branded spaces for offices, retail and hospitality.
• Interior styling: Focusing on the finishing touches – ideal for hobbyists or visual storytellers.
• Architectural technology: An emerging field where interior designers design and document buildings using the latest design technologies and sustainability practices

Constant learning and innovation

From sustainable materials to smart home integration and augmented reality tools, the field is always changing. Designers are lifelong learners, continually adapting to new trends and technology.

Global and local opportunities

Interior design is a globally relevant profession. Whether in Melbourne or Milan, skills in spatial planning and human-centred design are in high demand. Locally, Australia’s housing market and urban planning focus create numerous opportunities across metro and regional areas.

Cons of pursuing an interior design career

Like any profession, an interior design career has its challenges. Understanding these helps you prepare and thrive in the industry. So, what are the negatives of being an Interior Designer?

Managing people complexities

Client relationships can be complex. Some clients are indecisive, others have expectations tht may not be possible within materiality or regulatory constraints. Strong communication and people skills are crucial. These challenges, though stressful, often refine your ability to manage projects and maintain professionalism.

Project pressure

Interior design projects often have tight timelines and multiple stakeholders. Meeting deadlines while juggling materials, budgets, and design expectations can be taxing. However, once mastering these challenges it can boost your confidence and capability, enabling you to tackle more complex projects.

Creative compromise

Clients might not always share your aesthetic preferences. Sometimes you’ll need to adapt your design vision to meet client demands or budget constraints. This requires flexibility and a collaborative mindset. Most interior designers recommend agreeing if you’re the right person for their job at the outset.

It's not just about aesthetics

Many envision a career in interior design as simply choosing colours and styling furniture. In reality, it involves deep technical knowledge. Think: building codes, material specs, acoustics, and ergonomics. The ability to bring creative ideas into compliance with practical standards is key.

Financial variability

Especially early in your career or as a freelancer, income can be inconsistent. But as your network grows and your reputation builds, the financial rewards become more predictable and lucrative.

Physical and emotional demand

Design projects can be emotionally intense and physically tiring. Expect long hours, site visits, and managing suppliers and clients. You’ll need stamina. But for passionate creatives, the payoff is worth the hustle.

Despite these drawbacks, many Interior Designers view these challenges as opportunities to grow, innovate, and become more effective professionals. Overall, it’s clear that interior design is a good career if that’s the way you’re leaning.

Preparing yourself for a career in interior design

Formal education in interior design is more than a gateway to credentials. It’s a space to experiment, gain confidence, and build your design voice.

At Billy Blue College of Design, our Interior Design courses are designed to arm you with technical know-how and creative insight:

Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration

Looking to get started in the industry? The Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration is the perfect entry-level diploma, providing a balance of theory and hands-on practice in the field. You’ll explore design foundations, concept development, CAD software, and styling techniques while completing real-world briefs. If you’re looking to become a Interior Decorator or Stylist, this is the course for you.

Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration

Master advanced design skills and industry practice to create standout, sustainable interiors with the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration. Blend style with function through real-world projects, preparing for professional recognition and a career in interior design. As an AQF Level 6 Diploma, this degree meets the Design Institute of Australia’s Associate Membership recognition needs.  Whether your career goals are to work for leading firms or start your own freelance gig, this course was developed in response to shifting industry standards, ensuring you graduate with the skills you need to succeed.

Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial or Residential)

Still want more? This comprehensive degree offers in-depth learning in either commercial or residential sectors, allowing you to choose a specialisation based on your career goals. Whether your niche is shaping the future of how we work, or how we live, this course will provide you with advanced knowledge of industry-standard software to bring designs to life. You’ll cover advanced topics including spatial design, materiality, sustainable design, construction knowledge and immersive storytelling techniques. Graduates walk away with a professional portfolio ready for the market.

How does formal study prepare you?

• You get familiar with project deadlines and real-world timeframes.
• You experiment with a wide range of interior design styles.
• You develop essential skills in client communication and team collaboration.
• You build a portfolio that reflects your strengths and versatility.
• You start to build industry connections and experience from day one.

Billy Blue students benefit from:

• Access to industry mentors and expert lecturers
• Collaborative, project-based learning
• Industry briefs from real clients
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology and software
• Qualifications that have been designed to meet regulatory and industry needs

But remember that great Interior Designers never stop learning. After all, this industry isn’t one that stands still.

What will interior design look like in 10 years?

Expect a tech-forward, sustainability-driven landscape. Designers will work with AI, data analytics, and immersive digital tools. Ecoconscious materials, modular living, and hybrid environments will dominate the design brief. You’ll have to stay on your toes to keep up with the constant change.

Ready to make every inch iconic? From foundational skills to future-focused innovation, Interior Design courses at Billy Blue are designed to launch your creative career with confidence. Whether you want to style beautiful homes, design inspiring workplaces, or create the next hospitality hotspot, it all starts here.