Becoming an Interior Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design [Paperback]

Christine M. Piotrowski (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470114231 | ISBN-13: 978-0470114230 | Publication Date: December 22, 2008 | Edition: 2nd

If you're embarking upon a career in interior design, here's a highly visual overview of the profession, with in-depth material on educational requirements, design specialties, finding a job, and the many directions a career in interior design can take. Featuring informative interviews with working designers, this Second Edition includes updated educational requirements and a list of accredited interior design programs in the United States and Canada.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This guide surveys careers in the interior design field, from residential to commercial, including corporate, hospitality, and entertainment specialties. This edition has been revised and updated to incorporate information on sustainable and global design, and design for seniors, with added profiles and examples of projects." (Book News, May 2009)

From the Inside Flap

The profession of interior design has received a lot of media attention in recent years, whether it's on the many "home makeover" shows or in the movies. The reality is, interior design in the twenty-first century is much more than selecting colors and arranging furniture. Today's interior designer is a multifaceted professional, with expertise in building and safety codes, project management, designing for seniors, sustainable design, and other important areas that require increased skill and training.

If you have a vision for creating the interior spaces of residential or commercial buildings, Becoming an Interior Designer is the first step to a successful career. More than a how-to book for finding a job, this helpful guide is a road map to the early stages of forming a lifelong career and finding your special niche in this burgeoning field.

This Second Edition of Becoming an Interior Designer will prepare you for entering and succeeding in the interior design field. It covers all aspects of getting into the industry, including updated information on the following:

• Licensing and certification

• The newest educational requirements, with a helpful list of accredited interior design programs in the United States and Canada

• Professional tips on portfolio preparation

• Discussion of work environments—from home office to large firms

• Advice for finding clients and boosting revenue

• Helpful guidance on managing a successful career

• Photos of projects by professional interior designers from all major design specialties

The author interviewed nearly 100 professionals in the field who share their personal insights to help you discover what the interior design profession is really like.

With everything you need to start your journey, Becoming an Interior Designer, Second Edition will be your launch pad for a long and successful career in interior design.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons; 2nd edition (December 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470114231
• ISBN-13: 978-0470114230
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Christine Piotrowski, ASID, IIDA, is the owner of Christine M. Piotrowski and Associates in Phoenix, Arizona, which provides consulting to interior designers on planning and operational matters. She is a former professor of interior design at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, and past president of the Arizona North chapter of ASID. She has more than twenty years of commercial and residential design experience and is the author of several books on interior design, including the bestselling text, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, now in its third edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to the Field, November 30, 2006

By 

A Parent - See all my reviews

This review is from: Becoming an Interior Designer (Becoming an Interior Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design) (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my high school aged daughter who in interested in a career in interior design. The book is ideal for someone like her. It provides a good overview of the design process, design specialties (residential, commercial, hospitality, etc), educational preparation required, where jobs are, and general business aspects of the field. A defining feature of this book is that author includes several interviews with people in the field asking practical questions such as "How did you become an interior designer?", "What is the greatest challenge of your work?", "What is the single most important skill an Interior Designer needs to be successful?", "How important is Interior Design education/Certification in today's industry?", "What do you look for in Hiring a new designer?", etc. This aspect allows the reader to hear from several real people rather than just getting a dry Occupational Outlook view. The interview responses are practical, sobering (you realize how much work it is!) and inspiring. Just right for helping someone make an informed choice.
My only knock against this book is that at $23 it is a bit pricey for a paperback with only black and white photos. It strikes me more as a $15 book. I might look for a used copy. That said, it has been very valuable and I would buy it again.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for Students of Design, June 1, 2005

By 

Auburn Designer (VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Becoming an Interior Designer (Becoming an Interior Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design) (Paperback)

This book is an excellent source of information for those interested in becoming designers and those already studying interior design. This book explains commerical design well and gives truthful information on what potential employers will expect from a design education. If you are serious about becoming an interior designer, read this book - so you will be completely informed on this fun and dynamic profession. It is not decorating!

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An Interest In Interior Design, November 3, 2005

By 

Melinda S. Robson "Mindy" (Stillwater, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Becoming an Interior Designer (Becoming an Interior Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design) (Paperback)

I recently read Becoming an Interior Designer by Christine Piotrowski, ASID, IIDA, for a critical analysis paper in my english class at OSU. After reading it, I would agree that interior design is more complex than the average person might assume. Throughout this selection, Piotrowski discusses the types of design, the changes in the profession over time, and the educational preparation to gain a better understanding of the career overall. This informative "how-to" book discusses commercial and residential areas of interior design and what is important to know in order to become successful in the rapidly growing field. In her attempt at writing an educational book, Piotrowski uses techniques, variety, and tips that ultimately reveal to readers whether this career is suitable for them. This book is best for anyone who is interested in the field and is looking for a quick light read. I found the book to be repetitive, not necessarily intellectually challenging, but a fun read that can either discourage or encourage one to follow their dream to become an interior designer. So if one has the desire to learn more about this book check out this guide to careers in design.