Megan Cupery

Interior design is a distinct profession with specialized knowledge applied to the planning and design of interior environments that promote health, safety, and welfare while supporting and enhancing the human experience. Founded upon design and human behavior theories and research, interior designers apply evidence-based methodologies to identify, analyze, and synthesize information in generating holistic, technical, creative, and contextually-appropriate design solutions.

Interior designers contribute to the interior environment with knowledge and skills about space planning; interior building materials and finishes; casework, furniture, furnishings, and equipment; lighting; acoustics; wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior. Interior designers analyze, plan, design, document, and manage interior non-structural/non-seismic construction and alteration projects in compliance with applicable building design and construction, fire, life-safety, and energy codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines for the purpose of obtaining a building permit, as allowed by law.

Bachelors degree or associate degree in Interior Design.

After a certain amount of field experience is met is is recommend to take the NCIDQ examination. (National Council for Interior Design Qualification)

The NCIDQ Examination is the broad-based exam for all interior designers and serves as the foundation from which to build for those moving into specialty design areas. NCIDQ Certification is required for the practice of many types of interior design in regulated jurisdictions throughout North America. Certification enables designers to easily validate their knowledge, experience and skill to employers and clients alike.

In this state of MN after the NCIDQ is passed you can apply to become a Certified Interior Designer through the state. This certificate must be upheld with 24 continuing education credits every 2 years to maintain the license.

Starting $45,000 -/ $70,000-$80,000 with senior experience

The field was booming prior to COVID-19, as Interior Design is directly related to the health of the economy we are likely to see an upcoming downturn.

I love that the work I do directly affects peoples daily lives. Interior Designers have the opportunity to shape the work place to allow individuals and companies to maximize productivity and employee satisfaction. The built environment is directly related to well-being as well as employee recruitment and retention.

It is typical to manage multiple jobs at a time, all in various stages of design through final construction. You must be able to multi-task and prioritize what tasks must happen first on a daily basis. Design is not a linear process.

To be successful in this field you really must have a passion for design. If you have the passion and are excited about what you are doing it truly will show in your work. Attitude is everything! Be mindful that working in teams in being collaborative is a huge part of the job, learning to learning from others and taking critique as a learning opportunity only creates a better end product for the client.