In this post I’m sharing the 10 resource books I’ve used the most in my work as an interior designer.
These are the books that have taught me the most about drafting, the interior design process, working with clients, laying out my design documentation and a whole lot more as well.
[Note: I am based in Australia and much of the information in these books is from American authors. It’s still very useful but keep that in mind when purchasing if you are outside of the USA].
1: The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book: Everything Interior Designers Need to Know Every Day
A small, easy to carry book with lots of information on measurements and specification information.
2: The Architecture Reference & Specification Book: Everything Architects Need to Know Every Day
Similar to the book above but more focused on architectural detailing.
3: Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors
Helps you prepare, read and understand construction drawings
4: Residential Interior Design: A Guide to Planning Spaces
A good overview of residential interior design principles
5: The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate, and Style Your Space
This one is fairly newly published and I don’t actually have this book but it looks like one worth getting
6: Metric Handbook: Planning and Design Data
Information on construction standards and planning information including information on sustainable design.
7: Architectural Graphics
This book is helpful for learning about visual presentation and hand drawing. I’ve not used hand drawing at all as I used SketchUp for my design work but I still found this a helpful text for learning about how to convey your design ideas visually.
8: The Interior Design Course: Principles, Practices and Techniques for the Aspiring Designer
A top level ‘course’ on the elements of interior design.
9: 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School
A helpful book to flip through with different tips and tricks for designers and architects.
10: 101 Things I Didn't Learn In Architecture School: And wish I had known before my first job
Similar to the above book - just a good book where you’ll pick up a few tips and tricks that you may not have learned in design school!
