Includes bibliographical references and index.

An Introduction to the Interior Design Profession -- History -- Professional Associations -- Interior Design Registration and Licensing -- "How Important Is Certification by Examination and Licensing of Interior Designers Today?" -- "How Important Is Interior Design Education in Today's Industry?" -- "Why Did You Become an Interior Designer?" -- The Design Process -- Project Development -- Programming -- Schematic Design -- Design Development -- Contract Documents -- Contract Administration -- Project Management -- Working Relationships -- "What Is the Single Most Important Skill an Interior Designer Needs to Be Successful?" -- Design Specialties -- Residential Design -- Commercial -- Corporate and Professional Offices -- Hospitality -- "What Do You Look for in Hiring a New Designer?" -- Retail Facilities -- Healthcare -- Institutional -- Entertainment -- Restoration and Adaptive Reuse -- "Can You Describe the Optimum Portfolio for a Job Applicant?" -- Related Career Options -- "What Do You Look for in Hiring a New Designer?" -- "What Advice Would You Give Someone Who Wants to Be an Interior Designer?" -- Where the Jobs Are -- Career Decisions -- Independent Design Firms -- Architectural Offices -- Furniture Retailers -- Office Furnishings Dealers -- "Can You Describe the Optimum Portfolio for a Job Applicant?" -- Facility Planning and Design -- Sole Practitioner -- "What Motivated You to Start Your Own Design Firm?" -- "What Do You Enjoy Most About Working in the Firm You Are in Right Now?" -- Interior Design as a Business -- "What Motivated You to Start Your Own Design Firm?" -- Marketing Methods -- Contracts -- Interior Design Revenue -- Legal Issues -- "How Important Is Certification by Examination and Licensing of Interior Designers Today?" -- "What Is the Greatest Business Challenge for Interior Design Firms?" -- Educational Preparation -- Four-Year Educational Preparation -- Two-Year Associate Degree -- Choosing an Educational Program -- The Importance of Internships -- Continuing Education -- NCIDQ Examination -- "How Important Is Interior Design Education in Today's Industry?" -- The Future -- "What Do You See as the Future for the Interior Design Profession?".

The essential guide for anyone entering or considering the field of interior design

This highly visual career resource is ideal for anyone who is thinking about, or embarking upon, a career in interior design. It provides an overview of the profession and offers in-depth material on educational requirements, design specialties, finding a job, and the many directions a career in interior design can take. A concise, practical guide, this richly illustrated book features informative interviews with designers working in a variety of specialty areas, including samples of their work and expert tips for getting hired.

Christine Piotrowski, ASID, IIDA (Phoenix, AZ), is the owner of Christine M. Piotrowski and Associates and a former professor of interior design at Northern Arizona State University in Flagstaff. She is author of the bestselling book Professional Practice for Interior Designers.