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How much schooling does an Interior Designer need to have?

What colleges in the midwest, specialize in design? #colleges

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Doc’s Answer

Lainy a bachelor’s degree in interior design is recommended for entry-level positions. These undergraduate programs place heavy emphasis on studio work. Students should expect to take drawing, 2-D design and 3-D design, including learning CAD software. Additional core coursework in an undergraduate program might include building compliance, sustainable technology and design theory, such as topics in environmental design. The work completed in a 4-year interior design program leads to building a portfolio and fulfilling an interior design internship. They are skilled in both architectural and decorating aspects of interior space. When interior designers begin working with a space, they consider the purpose of the rooms. An interior designer could also be called an interior architect or artist. They have the ability to create and recreate interior spaces. Interior design is more than just decorating. Designers must be able to coordinate with building engineers and architects to make interior spaces functional, accessible and pleasing to the consumer. A designer must be artistic, have the ability to read blueprints, understand building codes and follow inspection procedures. Designers should have experience in meeting with clients, creating and following timelines, estimating budgets, as well as, having an eye for coordinating colors, lighting, wall fixtures, plumbing fixtures, furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Many designers work in hotels, hospitals and homes, and some focus on specific areas of the home such as kitchens and bathrooms.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for interior designers was expected to grow 4% between 2018 and 2028. The highest growth was predicted for interior designers working in specialized design companies. The BLS stated that interior designers specializing in areas such as kitchen design and those working in high income areas might have the best job prospects. The average Interior Designer salary is $54,900 as of December 28, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $45,500 and $61,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

Hope this was helpful Lainy

Doc recommends the following next steps:

Seek out formal training. After graduating from your degree program, it’s time to seek out experience-building career opportunities to start building a portfolio. In general, you need a minimum of two years of full-time, on-the-job training and experience before you can officially market yourself as an interior designer, so look around for design jobs like internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs at interior design firms.
Get licensed. After schooling and two years of experience, you’re eligible to take the NCIDQ, which is the official standard for interior design in many areas in the U.S. and Canada. A NCIDQ certification will show clients that you are qualified and serious about the profession, so it’s a great jumping-off point for an interior design career.
Work for a firm or branch out on your own. Once you’re licensed, you’re free to pursue any kind of interior design work you want—whether that’s working for an established firm or starting your own small business for design services and seeking out new clients on your own.
Thank you comment icon Thank You Sarah. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. Doc Frick
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Sarah’s Answer

Hi! John's advice is awesome. I also think it's never too early to reach out to local interior designers and see if you could shadow them (a "day in the life") or if they have any internships available. If they don't have those, you could ask to do an informational interview (https://hbr.org/2016/02/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-an-informational-interview).
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