5 Full-time Jobs for Interior Designers

Theatrical Set Designer
Many theater productions on Broadway have a set designer on staff to handle furniture, props and the overall appearance of each scene. These positions can be turned into Full-time Jobs for Interior Designers who do not mind working in theater. If there is a dinner scene, the set designer will usually be responsible for the dining table and surrounding lamps, tablecloths, rugs and other decorations. Larger theater productions may only hire union workers, making it harder to find fill-time jobs on mainstream shows. Theater directors and technical directors on off-Broadway and independent shows are likely to hire Interior Designers based on their portfolio and resume. This can lead to full-time jobs for Interior Designers in larger theater productions.

Retail Store Merchandising
There are numerous opportunities for Interior Designers to find full-time jobs in the retail industry as a merchandising professional. These jobs require interior designers to consult retail stores on ways to position their merchandise and sales area. Visit retail stores that are new or re-opening to get some ideas on how to increase sales and overall customer experience at these locations. Develop spec designs to show potential employers as an example of their possibilities. Retail store owners will offer full-time jobs to interior designers if their operations or marketing budget allows.

Small Business Consultant
Interior design jobs can be found at small upstart companies where the environment is important. These full-time jobs require consultations on how to design an office setting for optimum results. Small business owners may need help with positioning their company or office to give off a certain perspective. This brings opportunities for interior designers to create full-time jobs as small business consultants. Medical professionals with private practices can be taught how to position their office in a way that encourages more peace than agitation. Interior designers working as consultants can help small business professionals choose the paint, furniture, layout and other cosmetic aspects of a company.

Film Set Dresser
There are hundreds of thousands of movies made each year, providing a nearly endless supply of full-time jobs for interior designers. As a design professional, film producers will hire you to create realistic sets on a soundstage or at specific locations. This may include the design of entire scenes from scratch or decorating a pre-built area. Gain experience doing this interior design job by working on independent films. One job as a film set dresser can lead to more opportunities as you start to meet other employers in this industry.

Party Planning for Decorations
Birthday, Graduation and Anniversary parties and other celebrations offer easy opportunities for interior designers. These occasions can be turned into full-time jobs after building a sizable client base and doing several events throughout the month. While parties are not directly related to the interior design profession, designing skills can be used to provide exciting decorations for party guests. Partner with event planners that are better at organization than decorating. The skill sets from you and the event planner can be combined to create memorable affairs for parents and corporations.