3 answers
Arianna
Student
New Port Richey, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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I want to become a interior designer and I want to know where to begin?
I have always dreamed of beging an interior designer and to express my artistic personality and give people amazing house's for people who need it. I love to help always.
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3 answers
Sierra Holland
Retail Design
4
Answers
Copenhagen, Denmark
Updated
Sierra’s Answer
The best way is to nurture your interest and passion as much as possible in a way that is fun and easy for you. I am 33 and run my own Interior Design business now (which was also always my dream) but when I was young I explored as many creative activities as I could. I would ask my mom to let me help with tasks around our house like painting, or if I could re-decorate my room. I would spend most of my free time watching home improvement shows which helped me get a good understanding of the design and build process. There's also great access to free resources with social media and Youtube, so you can follow established designers you like and get valuable insights as they share their works in progress. I also recommend any arts and crafts activities that interest you even if they seem unrelated - I dabbled with photography, painting, drawing, sewing, and each of them helped me form skills that I use in other ways when designing interiors.
I personally went on to pursue an education in Design and have a Bachelor's and Master's degree (though you don't necessarily need either or both to have a successful design career. I have worked with other designers who have natural talent and gained personal experience over a longer time period in lieu of a degree. For example, one former colleague's father was a contractor, so she grew up around design and construction and studied something completely different in college. Now she just enlists support from assistants for some of the more technical skills like drawing floor plans so she can focus on the parts she likes. I'm somewhat different as I enjoy doing all the different pieces myself.
What is important is to follow what inspires you! Interior Design can require a lot of unique skills like artistic creativity, spatial reasoning, understanding of construction methods, business and budgetary management, marketing, and interpersonal / social skills so your clients can feel really comfortable and trust your vision and expertise. The earlier you can get involved in hands on experience the quicker you can find your specific niche and the best path depending on if you want to work for a small studio, a large firm, or build your own business.
Consider doing some research on some local design businesses of different sizes and reach out to see if they would be willing to offer you a tour, mentorship, or allow you to interview a team member.
I personally went on to pursue an education in Design and have a Bachelor's and Master's degree (though you don't necessarily need either or both to have a successful design career. I have worked with other designers who have natural talent and gained personal experience over a longer time period in lieu of a degree. For example, one former colleague's father was a contractor, so she grew up around design and construction and studied something completely different in college. Now she just enlists support from assistants for some of the more technical skills like drawing floor plans so she can focus on the parts she likes. I'm somewhat different as I enjoy doing all the different pieces myself.
What is important is to follow what inspires you! Interior Design can require a lot of unique skills like artistic creativity, spatial reasoning, understanding of construction methods, business and budgetary management, marketing, and interpersonal / social skills so your clients can feel really comfortable and trust your vision and expertise. The earlier you can get involved in hands on experience the quicker you can find your specific niche and the best path depending on if you want to work for a small studio, a large firm, or build your own business.
Sierra recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice.
Clare
Anahi diaz
84
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Anahi’s Answer
1. Research the field: Start by researching the field of interior design to gain a better understanding of the profession. Learn about the roles and responsibilities of interior designers, the skills and qualifications required, and the different areas of specialization within the field.
2. Education and training: Consider pursuing a formal education in interior design. Look for accredited programs offered by colleges, universities, or specialized design schools. Choose a program that provides a comprehensive curriculum covering design principles, space planning, materials, color theory, drafting, and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
3. Gain practical experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in the field. Look for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions at design firms, architecture firms, or construction companies. This hands-on experience will allow you to apply your knowledge, develop your skills, and build a portfolio.
4. Build a portfolio: As you gain experience and work on design projects, create a portfolio showcasing your best work. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your design skills, creativity, and ability to solve design problems. Your portfolio will be a crucial tool when seeking employment or applying to design programs.
5. Develop technical skills: Familiarize yourself with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, or other 3D modeling and rendering tools. Proficiency in these software programs will enhance your ability to create professional designs and communicate your ideas effectively.
6. Network and connect with professionals: Attend industry events, join design organizations or associations, and participate in design-related workshops or conferences. Networking can help you establish connections with professionals in the field, gain insights, and learn about job opportunities.
7. Stay updated on design trends and innovations: Keep yourself informed about the latest design trends, materials, and technologies. Read design publications, follow design blogs and social media accounts, and attend design exhibitions or trade shows. Staying updated will help you develop a strong design aesthetic and adapt to evolving industry standards.
8. Obtain certifications or licensure: In some regions, interior designers may need to obtain certifications or licensure to practice professionally. Research the requirements in your area and consider pursuing certifications such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam.
2. Education and training: Consider pursuing a formal education in interior design. Look for accredited programs offered by colleges, universities, or specialized design schools. Choose a program that provides a comprehensive curriculum covering design principles, space planning, materials, color theory, drafting, and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
3. Gain practical experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in the field. Look for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions at design firms, architecture firms, or construction companies. This hands-on experience will allow you to apply your knowledge, develop your skills, and build a portfolio.
4. Build a portfolio: As you gain experience and work on design projects, create a portfolio showcasing your best work. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your design skills, creativity, and ability to solve design problems. Your portfolio will be a crucial tool when seeking employment or applying to design programs.
5. Develop technical skills: Familiarize yourself with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, or other 3D modeling and rendering tools. Proficiency in these software programs will enhance your ability to create professional designs and communicate your ideas effectively.
6. Network and connect with professionals: Attend industry events, join design organizations or associations, and participate in design-related workshops or conferences. Networking can help you establish connections with professionals in the field, gain insights, and learn about job opportunities.
7. Stay updated on design trends and innovations: Keep yourself informed about the latest design trends, materials, and technologies. Read design publications, follow design blogs and social media accounts, and attend design exhibitions or trade shows. Staying updated will help you develop a strong design aesthetic and adapt to evolving industry standards.
8. Obtain certifications or licensure: In some regions, interior designers may need to obtain certifications or licensure to practice professionally. Research the requirements in your area and consider pursuing certifications such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Arianna
elaine lopez
communication Manager
5
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
elaine’s Answer
Hi there! I'm Elaine, an Architecture enthusiast.
I have a couple of nuggets of wisdom I wish someone had shared with me during my university days:
1. Develop your portfolio:
- Discover your unique style and hone in on it
- Compile all your work, both digital and handmade, in one accessible spot
- Choose your most impressive pieces to showcase
- Utilize high-resolution images to make your work pop
- Include detailed descriptions of each project
- Display before and after photos to demonstrate your skills
- Exhibit a wide range of abilities to show your versatility
- Regularly refresh your portfolio with new work
- Don't shy away from constructive criticism, it's key to growth
2. Consider a part-time job in interior design: This will not only help you make an informed career decision, but also provide valuable experience and give you a head start in establishing your professional network.
I have a couple of nuggets of wisdom I wish someone had shared with me during my university days:
1. Develop your portfolio:
- Discover your unique style and hone in on it
- Compile all your work, both digital and handmade, in one accessible spot
- Choose your most impressive pieces to showcase
- Utilize high-resolution images to make your work pop
- Include detailed descriptions of each project
- Display before and after photos to demonstrate your skills
- Exhibit a wide range of abilities to show your versatility
- Regularly refresh your portfolio with new work
- Don't shy away from constructive criticism, it's key to growth
2. Consider a part-time job in interior design: This will not only help you make an informed career decision, but also provide valuable experience and give you a head start in establishing your professional network.