Pathways

Pathways

Interior Deisgn 

Shardey - Interior Design - Creative, Committed and Courageous - is who I want to be after finishing school.
Designing has always been a passion of mine but while recently renovating my bedroom, it inspired me more. I managed to plan, design and create the vision I’d hoped for and would like to make a living out of it.

At Ara they offer a Diploma in Interior Design at Level 5. The duration of this course is either full time (1 year) or part time (4 years). Fees per year range from $6,200 - $6,700 and also a fee of $1,000 covers any course related costs. Full entry requirements to study a Diploma in Interior Design are 12 credits in NCEA Level 1 English, 12 credits in NCEA Level 1 Mathematics and 36 credits in NCEA Level 2. Recommended subjects to take at school include: Maths, Arts, Design, ICT, Technology, Graphics, English-rich subjects and Relevant industry experience.

As an Interior Designer the skills and knowledge I will need to have will be an artistic flare, a creative imagination, an understanding of building constructions and aptitude for illustration and technical drawing, good communication and listening skills, excellent problem solving skills and flexibility in approaching tasks. Tasks and duties an Interior Designer has is to consider space and how it’s used, sketch design plans and electrical layouts,  place orders for materials, create a timeline for Interior Design, specify materials and furnishing, lighting, furniture wall finishes, flooring and plumbing fixtures and visit clients after the project to ensure they are happy.

The chances of getting a job as an Interior Designer in New Zealand is average because competition for vacancies is strong. Interior Designers with less than 5 years experience earn between $45k - $65k per year and Senior Designers who have more than 5 years experience earn between $65k -  $95k per year. Although people who have their own businesses earn more money. An Interior Designers working conditions are either at their home or in an office environment that is comfortable and well lighted, or at their client's home.

To achieve my goal of becoming an Interior Designer I will stay at High School to complete my Level 3 qualification. Then I will continue with my studies at either a University, D&A or Polytech.


Resources:
Ara - Creative Arts
Ara - Science Architectural Studies and Engineering
https://www.careers.govt.nz/