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Becoming an Interior DesignerCreate a Rewarding Career in the Interior Design IndustryLearn about the education and skills required to work as a professional interior designer.
Do you love rearranging the rooms in your house? Are you addicted to design magazines and TV shows? Then a starting a career in interior design may a perfect choice for you. Before you start selecting paint chips and amassing fabric samples, it helps to know exactly what the job of an interior designer entails and how to get there. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) defines an interior designer as an individual “professionally trained to create a functional and quality interior environment.” More than just decorating a room, a professional designer offers design solutions built around usage and safety, as well as the aesthetic of a space. Education Through an Accredited Design Program Starting a career in interior design begins with enrollment in an accredited design program. Through this program, you can work towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. This formal education is necessary for licensing in 26 states, according to ASID. Without it, the title interior designer does not apply. Whether you choose a two-year or four-year program, you will learn important skills to carry you through to an interior design career. Assessed every six years by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), these schools work to prepare students for real world situations in the areas of elements and principles of interior design, professional values, business practice, and laws and regulations. Acquiring Design Experience With your education completed, you start acquiring experience as a practicing design professional. This can come in the form of an internship or a full-time or part-time entry-level position. Any job you obtain should provide experience in all aspects of the interior design process. While working in the field you can expect to do any of the following:
Professional Licensing Examination With education and experience requirements in place, the final step for a professional interior designer is to sit for the professional licensing exam. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination works like licensing exams in other professions by making sure practicing designers meet the minimum standards for professional practice. Six years of combined education and work experience is required to sit for the exam, which is offered twice a year in the spring and fall. The exam takes place over two days and is in three parts covering these areas:
By meeting the requirements of these areas of the profession, you will be ready for a rewarding career in interior design.
The copyright of the article Becoming an Interior Designer in Career Planning is owned by Karen Perkins. Permission to republish Becoming an Interior Designer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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