Interior Designers: Salary Career Path Job Outlook Education And More
- Education Required
- A bachelors degree is usually required in order to become an interior designer, as are classes in interior design, drawing, and computer-aided design . A bachelors degree in any field is acceptable, and interior design programs are available at the associates, bachelors, and masters degree levels.
- Job Outlook
- The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 5%
- Licenses/Certifications
- Licensure requirements vary by state. In some states, only licensed designers may do interior design work. In other states, both licensed and unlicensed designers may do such work however, only licensed designers may use the title interior designer. In still other states, both licensed and unlicensed designers may call themselves interior designers and do interior design work.
- Median pay: How much do Interior Designers make?
- $49,810 Annual Salary
- $23.95 per hour
Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials. They read blueprints and must be aware of building codes and inspection regulations, as well as universal accessibility standards.
Savannah College Of Art And Design
Savannah College of Art and Design consistently appears on top lists for interior design colleges near and far in fact, 2020 marks the eighth time in 12 years that it received the top ranking on DesignIntelligences list of best interior design schools. SCAD also ranked second on the prestigious Red Dot Design Rankings in 2019. The program encourages collaborative projects, innovation, critical thinking, effective communication, and professional ethics. Of course, SCADs offerings extend beyond its classrooms. Each year, SCAD hosts SCADstyle, a three-day event filled with industry-renowned designers, architects, and editors. Plus, its collaborative design studio called SCADpro offers a way for top students to gain real-world experience. Career prep is also paramount résumé and portfolio development, mock interviews, and self-promotion are all built into the curriculum. And satellite campuses in Atlanta and Lacoste, France, offer students access to a global education.
Program: Interior Design
Degree offered: BFA, M.A., and MFA
CIDA accredited: Yes
Local opportunities: Yes. High-level internships are encouraged in Atlanta and Savannah.
Cost: $38,340
Job placement: 99% placement in design positions or enrollment in graduate school for interior design graduates
Notable alumni: Christian Sottile, Maruja Fuentes
Do You Need A Degree Specific To Interior Design
Of course it helps but I did not.
I own a successful firm. I hire new grads- have two right now whom I adore- but you think their schooling, both at prestigious design schools, taught them how to be a designer? Ask them- after a short time working for us they understand quite well school prepared them with TECHNICAL skills and a general body of knowledge and their experience is what will actually teach them the tenets of design- further- experience teaches you how to handle people and listen to understand their wants versus their needs and how to solve their problems.
Education is important especially for the younger set- but what about people who have successful careers in related fields?
Experience is the best education- it teaches you how to handle the execution of design which honestly is far far more important than being able to draw perspectives.
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Create An Interior Design Portfolio
Anyone who wants to become an interior designer needs an interior design portfolio. If youre fresh out of school and dont have examples of paid client work, use student work, internship experiences, non-client, self-initiated work, and side projects to help illustrate your design capabilities. David Sprouls, president of NYSID, says, We evaluate many portfolios at the New York School of Interior Design, and there are a few characteristics that make some stand out. First and foremost, we like to see a portfolio that demonstrates design thinking We want to see that designers understand process. He notes that a portfolio should demonstrate more than merely the finished project: It should also weave a narrative that showcases how you interpret the clients preferences, project goals, and challenges through the execution of beautiful designs.
A few points to keep in mind when creating your interior design portfolio:
Interior Design And Interior Decoration
Often people confuse interior design for interior decoration and conversely. The main difference between the two is the level of education required. Any person can do business as an interior decorator if they have a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior spaces. On the other hand, doing business as an interior designer necessitates a formal education and in a number of states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelors Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are educated to make living or work spaces functional as well as attractive. On many projects they may collaborate with architects and building engineers. There are 2 broad areas that an interior designer in Stockholm ME may specialize in:
- Residential Designing. Interior Designers frequently work on new construction and existing homes. They can design essentially any room of the home, including bedrooms, basements and closets. Or they may specialize in designing one specific room, for example kitchens or bathrooms.
- Commercial Design. When dealing with commercial or public areas, designers often focus primarily on either aesthetic appeal or functionality but pay attention to both. For instance, business meeting rooms and reception areas are areas where aesthetics may be emphasized over function. Designs for hospitals and banks might focus more on functionality over appearance as the main consideration.
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Go To School And Earn An Associate Or Bachelors Degree In Interior Design
Interior designers must be creative, technically proficient, and business-savvy in order to be truly successful. Lucky for you, there are several options to get your interior design education, from the associate level all the way to a doctorate.
The most traditional way to learn the skills you will need is through a bachelors degree program at a university or college. But if youre unsure if interior design is the career path you want to take, or arent ready to fully commit to a bachelors degree program, an associates degree is a good way to start and get your foot in the door.
If you are a creative person or have some sort of artistic ability, and someone who is particularly intrigued by interior design, an associates degree program might be the perfect way to learn the fundamentals. From here, you can continue your education if you decide an interior design career is the career path you want to take. In most cases, you can later transfer your earned credits into a bachelors degree program.
You can go in several different directions with an associates degree program. If you want to start working in the professional world as soon as possible, you should consider an Associate of Applied Science degree as an assistant interior designer. But if you find that you want to continue your education in interior design and earn your bachelors degree, you should go for an Associate of Arts.
Do I Need A Degree To Be An Interior Decorator
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Degree Finder
Interior decorating refers to the art and science of making an interior space more aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful for its inhabitants. While the exterior of a building can sometimes also be included in interior decorating, the term usually refers solely to the interior design. The job of an interior decorator is to select the components of an interior space that best meet the wishes of the client. When faced with the task of decorating a room, an interior decorator has an array of techniques from which to choose. Some of the elements that must be considered include the furniture style and arrangement traffic flow bright or dull colors blinds, curtains, and drapes paint, wallpaper, and fabric carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, or other materials for the floor and accessories such as lamps, sculptures, fans, etc.
Interior design is the art and science of understanding peoples behavior to create functional spaces within a building. Decorating is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design. Interior designers apply creative and technical solutions within a structure that are functional, attractive and beneficial to the occupants quality of life and culture. Designers respond to, coordinate within the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project.
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Online Interior Design Schools
There are many renowned interior design programs offering online learning options for students seeking a nontraditional education. Still, anyone interested in obtaining a degree online should do some research before enrolling at an institution. Review the list below for a few things to look for in a potential distance program.
Proper Accreditation
Prospective students need to check that the Council for Interior Design Accreditation accredits the programs they are considering. While a school can choose not to apply for accreditation from this specific organization, but it should be accredited by an agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education to ensure that it meets quality standards. In addition, students should ensure that institutions as a whole have appropriate regional or national accreditation.
Faculty With Experience and Education Relevant to Your Goals
While all faculty members have a baseline of interior design experience and qualifications, students looking to specialize should see if the department has a faculty member focused on that area. For instance, if a student wants to specialize in historic preservation, he or she should find out if the school has professors who are experts in that area.
Proper Preparation for Certification
Opportunities to Build a Portfolio
Do You Need To Go To Design School To Become An Interior Designer
In order to become a licensed interior designer, a bachelors degree is usually required. The degree may be in any field, but your coursework should include interior design, drawing, and computer-aided design . Its not necessary to specifically go to a design school, as there are interior design degree programs available at the associates, bachelors, and masters levels at many colleges and universities. But it is critical to carefully plan a course of study that includes a range of design classes.
Look for classes that cover a broad range of interior design topics. Course titles to look out for include:
- Principles of Interior Design
- Business Practices
- Building Codes & Standards
Be sure to take advantage of the career services department at your college or university. Nansi Barrie, a career advisor consultant and the former career services and internships coordinator at the New York School of Interior Design , advises, Work with your career services advisor and pinpoint your goals, so you can hit your target or come close to the sector of the industry you are interested in.
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The New School Parsons School Of Design
With the very first interior design curriculum launched in the U.S. in 1906, Parsons has long framed interior design as an intellectually rigorous creative force in everyday life. Today this research-based, intensive curriculum provides a solid foundation for a career in interior design. As part of Parsonss School of Constructed Environments, interior design students work closely with faculty, peers, and outside professionals to design spaces that consider sustainability, diversity, and well-being. Coursework ranges from study of materiality, art history, and design theory to hand drawing, renderings, and three-dimensional modeling. While Parsons offers a four-year BFA as well as graduate programs for concentrated fields, its two-year Associate of Applied Science interior design degree is a great option for anyone with prior college education. But, no matter which program they choose, graduates will leave well prepared to pursue work in interior, lighting, set, event, and exhibition design, as well as historic preservation.
Program: Interior Design
Degree offered: BFA
CIDA accredited: No
Local opportunities: Abundant. Parsonss excellent connections and location give students access to influential firms and showrooms, museums, galleries, and auction houses.
Cost: $25,861
Job placement: 87% employment for Parsons School of Design graduates at large within the first year after graduation.
Create Your Own Education Path Or Continuing Education
This is key. You cannot just start doing design work with no background. You will be in over your head in no time. So look for seminars, short courses, self taught study or any classes you can take. Some of my preferred are listed below!
Veronica is a great source for information and has done amazing things in her own career! The NKBA has online seminars and other self study and while I think there is far more experience you need to do tackle kitchens and baths- this is a great place to start if you are brand new.
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Prepare For Interior Design School The Right Way
These five tips will help you start school on the right foot.
So you’ve decided to follow your passion into a career as an interior designer. Good for you for taking the first step.
But there’s more to preparing for interior design school than watching “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”.
The more information you have the easier it will be to make the right decision. Arming yourself adequately with school and career information will help you choose a program that fits your personality and will meet your ultimate career goals.
Start implementing these five action items now to ensure your time at interior design school is well spent:
What Kinds Of Interior Design Jobs Are Out There
There are many different avenues you can explore when it comes to your interior design career. For instance, interior designers can be independent or work for companies such as design firms or home and office builders.Interior designers can specialize in areas such as residential, commercial, or restoration and preservation.
In each of these areas, there are many niches that interior designers can focus on.
- Residential interior designers could specialize in areas such as kitchen design, bathroom design, or accessibility design.
- Commercial interior designers work in spaces such as offices, restaurants, and hotels. Areas they could specialize in include healthcare facilities or governmental buildings.
- Restoration interior designers work with historical spaces. These jobs require specialized knowledge of preservation practices and ways to maintain a buildingâs historic designation. The spaces they work on can range from historic homes or landmarks to museums.
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Traits Of Successful Interior Designers
A good eye for design and aesthetics is a given for someone who is an interior designer at heart. But what puts the best designers ahead of the pack? Here are a few traits that successful designers possess.
- Communication skills to work effectively with teams of engineers, architects and builders
- Technical skills to use complex drawing software and read blueprints
- Flexibility to work nontraditional hours and travel to design sites to meet with clients
- Detail and precision skills for measuring spaces and creating drawings
- Troubleshooting skills to minimize schedule delays and budgeting issues
How To Find The Best Interior Designer Course Near Muddy Illinois
Once you have made a decision to enroll in an interior design degree program near Muddy IL, its time to start the process of selecting a school. Even if you have always had a gift for designing residential or commercial spaces, its essential that you receive the right training to put your natural abilities to work. And since several states do require that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you could need training to pass a licensing examination also. So its crucial that you perform the proper research in order to assess and compare each school that you are looking at before you make your ultimate choice. But where do you begin? Some potential students will begin their research by looking for interior design courses near their residence and then comparing tuition costs. While cost and location are important variables when making a decision, they are by no means the sole ones. Qualifiers such as reputation and accreditation need to be taken into account as well. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, lets cover a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and training options are available.
Start Your Interior Design Career By Requesting Free Info on Local Schools Below
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New York School Of Interior Design
With its comprehensive interior design programs and focus on the liberal arts, NYSID produces apt critical thinkers who can look at design through social, cultural, and historical lenses. Students learn about presentation as well as business, legal, and administrative necessities, garnering effective communication skills and technical proficiency. NYSIDs curriculum also satisfies educational requirements for membership in industry associations and prepares them for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination.
Another reason NYSID is one of the best interior design schools? Its variety of programs. While its Bachelor of Fine Arts or Associate in Applied Science offers ample flexibility to earning an interior design degree, the schools one-year Basic Interior Design Certificate Program offers a time-efficient way to learn the fundamentals. With required internships, study-abroad programs, and more than 100 faculty members who are practicing designers , NYSID amply prepares graduates to enter the real world of interior design.
Location: New York City
Degree offered: AAS, BFA
CIDA accredited: Yes
Local opportunities: Many. NYSIDs extensive network of connections means internships and professional networking is easy to access.
Cost: $1,095 tuition per credit
Job placement: 95% of undergraduates, 98% of graduates, and 100% of MFA graduates have received jobs within 12 months of graduation.
Notable alumni: Rose Tarlow, Penny Drue Baird
The Best Interior Design Certification Programs Of 2022
- Best for Live Classes: Interior Designers Institute
- Best for Beginners: MasterClass
- Best for Professionals: Berkeley College
Why We Chose It: Udemy offers affordable self-paced online courses in interior design for both professionals and hobbyists with loads of topics to choose from.
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Wide variety of course topics
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Take classes anytime on any device
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Website is a bit chaotic
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Each class is a different price
Udemy was founded in 2009 in California to provide adults and students with interesting, easy-to-use course content and now has more than 180,000 courses available. In addition to multiple interior design courses, you can take classes on web development, digital marketing, business analytics, and more.
Udemy combines the best of both worlds and offers a robust selection of online interior design courses for both professionals and beginners that can be taken at your own pace on any device from anywhere. Each course is priced individually, lists what it includes, what you will be taught, and provides a certificate of completion. Udemy is a great place to start if you have an interest in interior design and find a course topic interesting but dont want to commit to an entire semester.
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