Job with a degree in Architecture or Interior Design

When you study architecture and/or interior design, you acquire a range of very desirable creative, visual, practical and design-based skills to offer potential employers. The skills you develop are also transferable into many industries, so graduates have many options to choose from when it comes to deciding on a specific field of work. Let us take a look at the job perspectives for graduates of Architecture & Interior Design. 

Architecture

Urban design/housing

An urban designer needs a broad understanding of cities, towns and villages and ways of making them work better. This involves understanding how the planning system operates, how developers make their sums add up, how to assess what makes a particular place special, how to make places easy to move around by foot and by bike, car, etc.

Existing/historical buildings

Architectural history is a sub-discipline of architecture concerned with buildings that have a historic context. A person who works in this area can have one of several approaches and specialties. Typically, they work in an advisory service to owners and stewards about preserving the historic fabric of a building. They may work in research, trying to understand the building methods and materials, or the impact on the cultural landscape.

Interior spaces

Working across almost every building type, interior architects are responsible for pretty much everything to do with the building of interior spaces. This ranges from electrical and plumbing requirements to materials, finishing and the intelligent use of space. Combining technical knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills, interior architects frequently collaborate with engineers, electricians and building contractors to ensure that designs are safe, functional and meet construction requirements.

Landscape and performance

Landscape architects and designers advise on, plan, design and oversee the creation, regeneration and development of external land areas such as gardens and recreational areas, as well as residential, industrial and commercial sites. Essentially, they combine artistic skills with knowledge of human activity and the natural environment and can help to protect and conserve the environment.

Interior design

Residential interiors

Professional residential interior designers manage interior design projects in private homes from start to successful finish. They are responsible for the layout, design, and decoration of residential building spaces. They revamp people's homes, houses or condos. These designers should possess an artistic flair and the business acumen necessary for planning interior spaces and managing projects.

Work spaces

Space planners measure the dimensions of rooms to determine where to place cubicles, desks, equipment, and other furniture and fixtures in office buildings. They factor in the number of employees to calculate the space allotment for each workstation. Before arranging rooms, they create drawings of their plans by hand or computer. To commence projects, space planners must familiarize themselves with building codes to ensure they are in compliance with all relevant regulations.

Retail design

A retail store designer helps to create and improve the image of a store. Some positions may involve structural design of the store building. Interior design is also another important part of the job. This may involve creating art and using graphic design software in order to create an appealing store image. 

Health

Healthcare designers plan and renovate healthcare centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, hospitals, and residential care facilities. They specialize in evidence-based design, which uses data and research in design decision making to achieve positive results for patients, residents, and facilities.

Exhibition design

An exhibition designer initially works with the client to discuss and clarify the brief. This covers the themes, ideas or products to be promoted at the show or exhibition. The designer and client also discuss the budget and timescale for the work. Designers then produce plans and prototypes to show the client. 

More industries where interior designers get employed:

• Gastronomy
• Cultural spaces
• Entertainment
• Transportation
• Stage design
• Trade fair stands

What do Interior Designers do on the job?

Interior designers work to create spaces that are attractive, functional, and safe while meeting the specific needs of their clients. Clients can range from homeowners to large corporations, and the spaces designed are equally varied. 

Spatial experiences

With the creation and design of spaces, interior designers create a multi-sensorial and simultaneous experience that involves the built space, people, context and purposes and is capable of enhancing emotional connection within the space. 

Sensory experiences

Sensory experiences mean designing things by considering the total experience related to the human senses of touch, sound, smell and sight. The term also extends to designing things by considering sensations that extend from senses such as temperature, vibration and pressure.

Light, materials and colors

The choices for colors and materials seem virtually endless and you may be tempted to let your gut be your guide. But your gut probably does not know the impact the details of a space can have on the people using it. Colors, materials and lighting help interior designers build environments that influence the way the space is perceived - it can affect people’s mood, productivity level, temperature and in some cases, appetite.

Typical work environments

We went over the job perspectives for graduates of architecture and interior design, but where do they get employed? It depends on the job position but the typical work environments include:

• Architecture and urban design offices

• Construction companies

• Building materials industry

• Cultural and stately institutions

• Product design for film, TV, theater

• Design agencies and fairs

• Freelance work

Tips for getting hired 

Resume and portfolio

Architects and interior designers have the advantage of visualizing their progress and experience and communicate with the world through drawings, sketches, and models. Use the spare time between sending CVs and looking for advertisements constructively. Organize your projects, improve old concepts or create something new. Make a presentation of what you have done so far.

Do your homework

Before contacting the company you are interested in or going to an interview, do some homework. Make a search online and try to find what the company is looking for in their candidates, what is their field of work, their specialty. Try to meet people who already work there and get insights into the company’s culture and philosophy. This will help you decide whether the job really meets your expectations and ideals.

Improve your online presence

Social media shows more about ourselves than we tend to believe. Some companies actually do search for their potential employees on social media to get an overall view of the person they have to deal with. Keep your profile updated and professional. Show them that you are an active and complete member of the online society and promote yourself. You can either post your work and ideas, interesting articles on architecture and interior design or start discussions on topics that inspire you.

Networking

You may have the most impressive portfolio and resume but without the right contacts, you will not get very far in this competitive marketplace. Part of getting known is to show your presence, to get involved socially. Yes, social media is one way but there are also conferences and other events in this field where you can meet people who will consider you sooner or later. Introduce yourself to people of influence, ask questions and engage in conversations. This way you will expand your circle of contacts and increase the chances of getting hired.

Taking your BA degree in Architecture & Interior Design at Berlin International

The BA in Interior Architecture/Interior Design at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences provides comprehensive skills in the field of interior design and interior architecture. Taught exclusively in English, this program is unique in Berlin, since it is the only program offered in the city and the surrounding state of Brandenburg.

If that sounds interesting to you, here are some of the benefits of studying at our university:

• Easy, fast and online application

• Learning in small groups allows for a more personal approach

• State-recognized university with accredited programs 

• Strong international orientation and a multicultural environment

• Practice-driven courses that prepare you for the global job market

• Cooperation partners for internship and job opportunities

We hope this article helps you discover job opportunities as a graduate of architecture and interior design. And if you are interested in studying this field in Berlin, take a look at our BA in Interior Architecture/Interior Design. Feel free to reach out to our Student Affairs office at any time via studentaffairs@berlin-international.de.