In which countries interior designers are in demand: Russia, Germany, USA and beyond

The profession of an interior designer is much deeper than just choosing colors and furniture. It is a complex discipline that combines architectural principles, precise design, deep knowledge of materials, and an understanding of human psychology. The demand for such specialists varies significantly, as each country forms its own preferences in the style, format, and values of this field. Let’s consider in which countries interior designers are in demand and what is driving the global growth of this profession.

### Russia

Design in Russia has ceased to be a luxury—it has become a practice. Apartments in new buildings require authorial intervention due to being “empty boxes.” Owners of old buildings invest in comfort—not in finishing for resale, but for long-term use. This has changed the nature of orders and expanded the market.

Demand is concentrated in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Krasnodar, and Yekaterinburg. Classical architecture pushes attention to detail: moldings, intricate ceilings, natural materials. All of this requires competence. Interior designer salaries start at 80,000 rubles for an experienced specialist in the capital. Beginners start at 35,000–50,000 if they work in-house. Freelancers charge starting from 80,000 to 250,000 rubles per project. In the premium segment, fees can exceed 500,000 for a full project cycle.

### Germany

Germany values order, functionality, and long service life. It is a country where the profession of an interior designer is in demand among specialists who are proficient in ergonomics, technical documentation, and cost estimation skills. Urban housing is designed with an emphasis on ecological sustainability and rational use of space. Clients often expect the designer to provide certified solutions—from insulation to built-in furniture. A designer’s income here ranges from 2,800–4,000 euros gross per month at the initial stages. After 3–5 years of practice, income increases to 5,500–7,000 euros. Freelancers and bureau owners earn significantly more—up to 10,000 euros for a large project.

### USA

In which country are interior designers particularly in demand? The USA. The American style is always a personal story. Here, a designer is not just a creator but a mediator between the client, contractors, suppliers, and logistics. The demand for the profession is explained by two factors: high cost per square meter and a culture of individualization.

Clients often divide roles: one designer for lighting, another for textiles, a third for layout. This shapes the demand for specialized experts rather than generalists. The earnings of interior designers in the USA depend on the state. In California and New York, agency income starts at $5,000 per month. Private practice can bring in up to $15,000 per project. In less expensive states, earnings range from $3,000–4,000 per month and lower if the specialist is not part of professional associations or lacks a license.

### Other Countries Where Interior Designers Are in Demand: Promising States

The growth of interest in interior design is noticeable not only in countries with established architectural culture. New demand is emerging in certain regions, often associated with economic growth, urbanization, and a reevaluation of lifestyle. The question of which countries interior designers are in demand goes beyond obvious answers.

#### UAE

The United Arab Emirates shape an aesthetic demand at the intersection of luxury, innovation, and Eastern symbolism. In the UAE, designers are invited to participate in stages from planning to furnishing, expecting integration of smart systems, eco-friendly materials, and national elements. Villas, apartments, offices, boutiques—all require a unique touch. Ready-made solutions are not suitable.

The client profile includes business owners, investors, or developers with international experience. Work is conducted in English, sometimes with the involvement of translators. The client pays for the concept, signing of specifications, and author supervision.

Project details:

– Area often exceeds 300 sq.m.
– Smart home systems and climate control are used.
– Certification requirements for furniture and fabrics are mandatory.
– Styles: neoclassical, high-tech with Middle Eastern motifs.
– Working schedule is strict, deadlines are fixed.

Income: starting from $7,000 for a basic project, excluding authorial support. Studios from the CIS can earn up to $12,000 if they include 3D visualizations and working documentation. Additional fees are provided for authorial visits.

#### Singapore

Singapore’s national policy limits housing space but emphasizes quality. A 48 sq.m. apartment must accommodate a wardrobe, kitchen, workspace, and storage system. Here, an interior designer is an engineer, logistician, decorator, and manager.

Market specifics:

– Almost all projects are designed for compact housing.
– Clients expect rationality, not just beauty.
– Focus on transformable furniture, built-in systems.
– Popular items include pull-out beds, transforming walls, zone lighting.
– Materials are highly durable, moisture-resistant, with warranties.

Suitable for professionals proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit, fluent in English, and capable of justifying each technical decision. Collaboration conditions often involve freelancing or project-based work. Local bureaus readily outsource drawings and design concepts to designers from Eastern Europe.

Fees: starting from $2,000 per studio project. Involvement in premium solutions (business center, downtown apartment) can increase earnings to $5,000–6,000. Direct work yields higher income, subcontracting is more stable but lower.

#### Kazakhstan

In which other country are interior designers in demand? Of course, in Kazakhstan. A new construction wave stimulates the market for design services. There is active construction of cottages, apart-hotels, and business centers. The market is still unsaturated, and local clients are willing to work with those who offer something fresh yet practical.

Demand specifics:

– Interiors for rental properties are actively ordered—apartments, studios, mini-hotels.
– Increased demand for cafes, private salons, dental clinics, and stores.
– Middle-class homeowners are beginning to appreciate not only tiles and paints but also ergonomics, lighting scenarios, and effective zoning.

Client preferences:

– Visualization is a must, especially 3D.
– Turnkey projects are rare, but author supervision is a plus.
– Light interiors, comfort in Scandinavian and eclectic styles are popular.
– National elements—ornament, textiles, wood—are welcomed.

Work formats:

– Remote projects (via Zoom, WhatsApp).
– On-site visits by agreement.
– Step-by-step work: planning, concept, visualization, technical drawings.

Prices: from 200,000 tenge per project to 600,000 tenge with furnishing and authorial support. Converted to rubles, this ranges from 40,000 to 120,000 ₽. Competitive amounts for the local market.

### Conclusion

Before you is a profession with international potential. Demand depends on urbanization, consumption culture, and architectural tradition. In some countries, aesthetics are valued, in others—functionality, and in yet others—speed. But in any case, a designer shapes the environment in which a person spends 80% of their life. And in 2025, the value of this work only continues to increase.