Plans the interior design of commercial or residential premises and arranges for decorating work to be done.

Discusses design ideas and provides advice to clients; analyses clients' requirements; plans and designs whole building interiors, rooms, shops, residential and leisure spaces; plans interior infrastructure such as lighting, air-conditioning and communication cabling; prepares drawings, samples and decorating instructions; makes any necessary changes to the designs or drawings; advises on hiring trades people; designs furniture or fittings; works with architects and other contractors at the early stages of designing an interior space; keep up to date with trends and legal requirements in interior design; may be involved with project management; may run their own business.

• Works indoors in homes and businesses of client’s. Will also have an office/workshop from which they are based.
• Works directly with the public.
• Will usually work in adequately heated and ventilated spaces. Though if working on construction sites areas may be unheated and open to the elements.
• Office areas will be clean and well-maintained and set-up to provide a welcoming environment for clients. Construction and renovation sites may be dirty and dusty.

• The physical work demand is light to medium.
• Standing and walking is frequently required when walking around homes or businesses when designing plans.
• Stretching and/or twisting movements are not a significant feature of the job.
• Lifting, pulling or carrying, and bending, squatting or crouching may be occasionally required, for instance, carrying carpet and material samples.
• Repetitive hand and finger movements are occasionally to frequently required when using drawing and writing instruments to design plans and when using computers.
• Driving is likely to be occasionally required to facilitate meetings with clients and visits to sites.
• Office and hand tools are used frequently including drawing and writing instruments, measuring instruments, paint charts, carpet samples, paint brushes, colour charts, screwdrivers and computers.
• Mental skills necessary include practical, communication, design, sales and organisational skills.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.