Library Guides: Interior Design and Decoration: Your Career

Professional Organisations

Check out these organisations and stay connected with the leaders in your industry:

Design Institute of Australia
The Design Institute of Australia is Australia’s leading industry body for local designers and provides up-to-date information on possible career opportunities, professional development and awards for students and professionals.
Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association (IDEA)
Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association (IDEA) is the major source of information on interior design courses in Australia and New Zealand. The website offers conferences and events, links to further organisations, and access to the IDEA journal.
American Society of Interior Designers
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) offers community building, education, and knowledge sharing to promote the work of interior design. This website is aimed at American practitioners, but it does host a useful resource centre for research and industry trends.
Domain Design
Domain Design is an image driven online directory and portfolio which displays the professional profiles of contemporary architects, interior designers, landscape architects and landscape designers throughout Australia and New Zealand. You can search for interior designers, consultants, suppliers and organisations.
Colour Society
The Colour Society of Australia provided interesting information on the colour spectrum, and links to other worldwide organisations which may be of interest.

Preparing For Your Career

Some of the best interior designers and decorators maintain an online presence through social media such as Instagram and pinterest. Follow the links below to find some examples of how you can manage your own digital portfolio throughout your studies and career:

Presenting your portfolio

For tips on what to ask your clients and how to perfect the initial client interview, check out the following websites, articles and blogs:

Houzz
The best decorators aren’t dictators — and they’re not mind readers either. To understand your client's tastes, you need this essential info.
Interpersonal Skills
An explanation of the most widely sought-after interpersonal skills that can be used throughout your studies and professional career.
How to prepare for consultation
Tips from the experts on how to prepare for an interior design consultation.

We've all struggled with creative block! Help overcome the frustration with tips and tricks from professional creatives on the following websites and ebooks.