What Does an Interior Designer Do?

As a professional interior designer here at Archiconnect, I often get asked, "What does an interior designer do, exactly?" And no—it’s not all about picking pretty pillows or fancy curtains.

Interior design is much more than just decoration. It’s about making a space functional, safe, and beautiful for the people using it. Whether you're designing your home, office, or commercial space, an interior designer brings both creative vision and expert planning to life.

Here at Archiconnect, we provide full interior design services across Bangladesh—tailored to your needs, personality, and lifestyle.

The Role of an Interior Designer

Interior designers plan and design spaces for living, working, shopping, relaxing—and everything in between. We design:

  • Homes and apartments
  • Restaurants and shops
  • Office buildings
  • Hotels and resorts

Our job is to find the perfect balance between functionality, safety, and beauty. A good design doesn’t just look nice—it works well for real people.

We also make sure your space follows rules like local building codes, safety laws, and accessibility standards. Plus, we support sustainable practices to help protect the environment.

What Does an Interior Designer Do on a Daily Basis?

Here’s a peek into my regular workday as an interior designer:

Client Consultations

I start by understanding your needs, lifestyle, likes, dislikes, and budget. A home for a growing family is different from a restaurant for fast-paced service.

Space Planning

I look at your floor plan and design layouts that are easy to move through and use. Every inch matters.

Design Concepts

I create mood boards, sketch ideas, select color palettes, and sometimes even do 3D renders so you can see your future space.

Material & Furniture Selection

From floor tiles to sofas, I pick items that fit your design, budget, and lifestyle.

Budgeting & Scheduling

I make sure your project stays on time and within budget—without surprises.

Teamwork

I work closely with architects, contractors, electricians, and many others to make sure everything comes together perfectly.

Site Visits & Supervision

I visit the site regularly to check progress, handle issues, and make sure everything is being built as planned.

Final Styling

At the end, I add the finishing touches—cushions, plants, art—to bring the vision to life.

Interior Design Process: Step by Step

Here’s how we usually work at Archiconnect:

  • Initial Meeting – We talk about your needs and preferences.
  • Space Study – We measure your space and analyze what can be done.
  • Design Concept – We build mood boards, ideas, and layouts.
  • Selections – Decide on materials, lighting, furniture, and finishes.
  • Design Drawings – Create professional drawings for construction.
  • Vendor Coordination – We place orders and coordinate deliveries.
  • Construction & Supervision – We manage the work and supervise progress.
  • Final Setup & Handover – We style the space and hand it over to you.

Where Do Interior Designers Work?

Interior designers are needed in many different spaces:

  • Residential – Homes, flats, duplexes.
  • Commercial – Offices, banks, retail stores.
  • Hospitality – Hotels, guest houses, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Healthcare – Clinics, hospitals, medical centers.
  • Institutional – Schools, libraries, public service offices.

Interior Design Specializations

Some designers choose to focus on:

  • Residential Design – Focused on private homes.
  • Commercial Design – Offices, coworking spaces, banks.
  • Hospitality Design – Interiors for restaurants, lounges, hotels.
  • Healthcare Design – Patient-friendly, hygienic facilities.
  • Green Design – Uses eco-friendly materials and techniques.
  • Accessible Design – Creates spaces for people with disabilities.

At Archiconnect, we have experience in all these sectors. View our portfolio here.

Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator

Here’s a BIG misconception:

  • An interior designer is trained in space planning, safety codes, and technical drawings. We work on the structure, flow, and function of a space.
  • An interior decorator only focuses on the look—like cushions, paint color, and accessories. They don’t usually change structural work.

So if you’re designing from scratch or remodeling, a licensed interior designer is the right choice.

Skills You Need as an Interior Designer

If you’re dreaming of becoming a designer, here are the skills you’ll need:

  • Creativity – Coming up with fresh ideas.
  • Technical Knowledge – Using CAD, drawing plans.
  • Understanding of Spaces – Creating layouts that make sense.
  • Budgeting & Time Management – Keeping projects under control.
  • Communication – Explaining ideas clearly to clients and teams.

Bonus? A love for design trends and sustainable living helps too.

Education & Career Path

You need more than an eye for design—you need education too.

Here in Bangladesh, you can study Interior Design at universities like:

  • BUET (Architecture Department)
  • Shanto-Mariam University
  • NSU & BRAC with design-adjacent electives

You’ll usually need:

  • A Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design or Architecture
  • Experience through internships or junior roles
  • Skills in tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Adobe Suite

Career path example:

Junior Designer → Mid-Level Designer → Design Manager → Studio Owner

Why Hire a Professional Interior Designer?

Let me tell you what you really get when you hire an interior designer like me:

  • Avoid Costly Mistakes – Good planning saves you money in the long run.
  • Get it Right the First Time – No more trial and error.
  • Increase Property Value – Beautiful & functional homes sell faster and for more.
  • Peace of Mind – We handle the headaches so you don’t have to.
  • Save Time – We manage the project from start to finish.

Conclusion

Interior designers don’t just make things "look pretty"—we design spaces that work for real people and real life. From the first sketch to the final styling, we focus on function, safety, and beauty.

At Archiconnect, we bring years of experience, creative passion, and technical know-how to every single project—residential or commercial.

Whether you’re building a new home, opening a restaurant, or just want a better-looking living room, we’re here to help.

FAQs

What is the main role of an interior designer?

To plan and design indoor spaces that are functional, safe, and beautiful for living, working, or relaxing.

What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?

This is a styling tip: Use odd numbers like 3, 5, or 7 when arranging decor items (like vases or photo frames) as they look more natural and pleasing.

Is an interior designer an architect?

No. Architects design the building structure. Interior designers focus on the inside space—layout, furniture, mood, and usability.

Is interior design a 9-5 job?

Not always. Some days we’re meeting clients at 10 AM, other days we’re checking sites at 7 PM. It depends on the project's needs.

Can you be a designer without a degree?

Some decorators succeed without formal training. But to be a professional interior designer, a degree or diploma gives you the technical and safety knowledge you need.