The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has released its 2012 Environmental Scanning Report, an annual report that looks at design industry demographics and trends and forecasts what’s in store for the upcoming year.
The report indicates glimmers of recovery with the ASID Interior Design Billings Index ending 2011 with positive scores supported by renovation and remodeling projects. Additionally, while the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed approximately 40,120 employed interior designers in the United States in May 2010—an almost 25 percent decrease since May 2008—interior designers are now finding employment as sole practitioners, self-employed consultants and in design-related businesses.
Technology continues to play a major role in the way designers work and communicate with clients and colleagues. Designers who adapt will find opportunities to build their practice and create interactive environments that respond to an increasingly high-tech, high-touch society. As the design industry evolves, interior designers will also play an expanding role in addressing critical environmental and societal challenges in such areas as aging, wellness and healthcare, education and urbanization.
“There is no doubt that uncertainty in the financial markets and shifting socio-economics will continue to have implications for the interior design industry,” said Randy Fiser, executive VP and CEO for ASID. “However, from the types of buildings people will need, to the types of services they will seek, there continue to be boundless opportunities for designers who recognize these changes, adapt and plan for the future.”
A copy of the ASID 2012 Environmental Scanning Report can be downloaded here.
