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How can I get into interior design
How can I get into interior design
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Terrell’s Answer
Getting into interior design and becoming a decorator is different on paper but can have the same results. Becoming a certified interior designer requires classes and your ability to learn CAD software. I would look into art schools. You can also take a continuing education course through your local community college to get your feet wet. If you love to decorate and have an eye for the craft, redo a few rooms in your house and show your work on social media. I am not minimizing a designer's craft and skills, but I have seen decorated rooms that look like the skills of a designer. Some people have a natural eye for decorating and can makeover a room like an interior designer. I've seen people with an excellent eye for decorating create a following for themselves on social media, resulting in paid jobs.
Updated
Julianne J’s Answer
Hi, Chris! Interior design is a fun and exciting profession. I have a few recommendations for you.
First, decide if you want to be an interior DESIGNER or an interior DECORATOR. Do some research as these are actually two different professions!
“Interior design is the art and science of understanding people's behavior to create functional spaces within a building. Decoration is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design.” - Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ)
Decide if you want to be an interior designer or decorator.
Interior designer: look at CIDA accredited college programs
Interior decorator: investigate certificate programs
Set up a time to talk to interior designers and decorators you admire about what they do and how they got there!
Take art and engineering classes in high school.
First, decide if you want to be an interior DESIGNER or an interior DECORATOR. Do some research as these are actually two different professions!
“Interior design is the art and science of understanding people's behavior to create functional spaces within a building. Decoration is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design.” - Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ)
Julianne J recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Hamza’s Answer
1. Get Education: Study interior design or related fields.
2. Develop Skills: Cultivate creativity and software proficiency.
3. Gain Experience: Start with internships or freelance work.
4. Build Portfolio: Showcase your best projects.
5. Stay Updated: Follow design trends and innovations.
6. Consider Certifications: Look into NCIDQ and others.
7. Choose Path: Decide on freelance or firm work.
8. Specialize: Focus on residential, commercial, etc.
9. Market Yourself: Create an online presence.
10. Keep Learning: Stay current and adaptable.
2. Develop Skills: Cultivate creativity and software proficiency.
3. Gain Experience: Start with internships or freelance work.
4. Build Portfolio: Showcase your best projects.
5. Stay Updated: Follow design trends and innovations.
6. Consider Certifications: Look into NCIDQ and others.
7. Choose Path: Decide on freelance or firm work.
8. Specialize: Focus on residential, commercial, etc.
9. Market Yourself: Create an online presence.
10. Keep Learning: Stay current and adaptable.
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Don't just stick to what's shown on the TV screen. Embrace the power of technology and let your creativity soar. I suggest exploring programs like Photoshop or AI. They offer a playground for you to try out various styles and tools before diving into a significant project. It's all about expanding your horizons and pushing your boundaries.
Updated
Yassine’s Answer
Hey Chris, glad to hear about your ambitions! To get into interior design, there are several paths you can take. You can start small by working from home or for a local interior design firm as a freelance designer. A more formal option is to pursue an Interior Design degree at a university or college, which would give you the experience and knowledge to pursue internships and jobs in the field. Additionally, networking and building connections within the Interior Design industry is important to land job opportunities. Regardless of the path you take, dedication and passion are key for success.
Updated
Yvonne’s Answer
Embarking on a career in interior design entails particular steps and groundwork. Here's a comprehensive roadmap to aid you in chasing your dream of becoming an interior designer:
1. **Educational Prerequisites:**
- **Investigate Programs:** Begin by exploring interior design programs. Seek accredited programs provided by universities, colleges, or dedicated design schools. Make sure the program matches your career aspirations.
- **Select Your Route:** Determine if you want to obtain a bachelor's degree (usually a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interior Design) or an associate degree in interior design. Your decision may hinge on your educational history and career goals.
- **Required Courses:** If you're enrolling in a bachelor's program, some institutions may demand specific high school courses, like art, mathematics, or computer-aided design (CAD).
2. **Join an Interior Design Program:**
- **Submit Applications:** After pinpointing suitable programs, go through their application procedures. Make sure you fulfill admission criteria and respect deadlines.
- **Financial Support:** Look into scholarship and financial aid options that can subsidize your education.
3. **Assemble a Portfolio:**
- Start early and compile a portfolio of your design creations. Incorporate sketches, drawings, and any design tasks or personal renovations you've carried out. This will be vital for admission to design programs and future job applications.
4. **Acquire Hands-on Experience:**
- **Internships:** Pursue internships or part-time roles in interior design firms or related sectors. Practical experience can offer valuable insights and networking prospects.
- **Offer Services:** Provide your design services to acquaintances or family, or volunteer for local entities that require interior design help.
5. **Hone Technical Skills:**
- **Master Software:** Acquire skills in industry-standard software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite. These tools are key for crafting design plans and presentations.
- **Understand Building Codes:** Get to know local building codes and regulations. This understanding is vital for ensuring the safety and compliance of your designs.
6. **Networking:**
- Participate in industry events, such as trade fairs, design expos, or local design association gatherings, to mingle with professionals in the sector.
- Establish an online presence via social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to display your work and connect with potential mentors or employers.
7. **Certification and Licensing:**
- Verify the licensing prerequisites for interior designers in your area. Some regions mandate interior designers to be licensed or certified.
- Get ready for any necessary exams or evaluations.
8. **Stay Updated:**
- Continually enlighten yourself about current design trends, materials, and technologies. The field of interior design is constantly evolving.
9. **Kickstart Your Career:**
- After finishing your education and obtaining practical experience, begin applying for interior design roles. Search for entry-level positions in design firms, architectural companies, or as a junior designer.
- Network with professionals you've encountered during internships or events, as they may have job leads or advice.
10. **Establish a Client Base:**
- As you gather experience, think about offering freelance interior design services or launching your design firm.
Bear in mind that interior design is a competitive sector, so tenacity, creativity, and a robust portfolio are crucial. Continually polish your skills and stay abreast of industry trends to forge a successful career in interior design.
1. **Educational Prerequisites:**
- **Investigate Programs:** Begin by exploring interior design programs. Seek accredited programs provided by universities, colleges, or dedicated design schools. Make sure the program matches your career aspirations.
- **Select Your Route:** Determine if you want to obtain a bachelor's degree (usually a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interior Design) or an associate degree in interior design. Your decision may hinge on your educational history and career goals.
- **Required Courses:** If you're enrolling in a bachelor's program, some institutions may demand specific high school courses, like art, mathematics, or computer-aided design (CAD).
2. **Join an Interior Design Program:**
- **Submit Applications:** After pinpointing suitable programs, go through their application procedures. Make sure you fulfill admission criteria and respect deadlines.
- **Financial Support:** Look into scholarship and financial aid options that can subsidize your education.
3. **Assemble a Portfolio:**
- Start early and compile a portfolio of your design creations. Incorporate sketches, drawings, and any design tasks or personal renovations you've carried out. This will be vital for admission to design programs and future job applications.
4. **Acquire Hands-on Experience:**
- **Internships:** Pursue internships or part-time roles in interior design firms or related sectors. Practical experience can offer valuable insights and networking prospects.
- **Offer Services:** Provide your design services to acquaintances or family, or volunteer for local entities that require interior design help.
5. **Hone Technical Skills:**
- **Master Software:** Acquire skills in industry-standard software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite. These tools are key for crafting design plans and presentations.
- **Understand Building Codes:** Get to know local building codes and regulations. This understanding is vital for ensuring the safety and compliance of your designs.
6. **Networking:**
- Participate in industry events, such as trade fairs, design expos, or local design association gatherings, to mingle with professionals in the sector.
- Establish an online presence via social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to display your work and connect with potential mentors or employers.
7. **Certification and Licensing:**
- Verify the licensing prerequisites for interior designers in your area. Some regions mandate interior designers to be licensed or certified.
- Get ready for any necessary exams or evaluations.
8. **Stay Updated:**
- Continually enlighten yourself about current design trends, materials, and technologies. The field of interior design is constantly evolving.
9. **Kickstart Your Career:**
- After finishing your education and obtaining practical experience, begin applying for interior design roles. Search for entry-level positions in design firms, architectural companies, or as a junior designer.
- Network with professionals you've encountered during internships or events, as they may have job leads or advice.
10. **Establish a Client Base:**
- As you gather experience, think about offering freelance interior design services or launching your design firm.
Bear in mind that interior design is a competitive sector, so tenacity, creativity, and a robust portfolio are crucial. Continually polish your skills and stay abreast of industry trends to forge a successful career in interior design.
Updated
Taj’s Answer
You need to learn the basic skills in drawing, and learn about the principles and elements of design to empower your knowledge, and creativity. To do so, you can take a class of sewing and a class of basic design, and a class of AutoCAD in a community college.
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Chris
Interior design is a very exciting field, where you will use your art skills and knowledge about the field to design homes, retail stores, workplaces and other places for individuals and businesses. Today, people become interior designers by getting a degree or certificate in interior design from an art school or a university or college with an interior design program. Usually, students who major in interior design will do an internship and work under an established interior designer for 6-12 months before they get their first job.
As a student in high school or middle school, you can begin to prepare for this career by taking art classes in middle and high school. All types of art classes, including computer graphics and 3-D art. These basic art skills in general design, color, drawing, painting, sculpture and 3-D art crafts, computer graphics, and so on will help you get into art school or colleges and universities with interior design programs, and of course they will be useful in your career as an interior designer.
You could also start looking at magazines, in print or online, that feature interior design, such as "Home & Gardens" or "Architectural Digest" and websites that feature interior design. Maybe start some Pinterest Pages of what you like and the type of interiors you would like to design . Talk to the librarians at your school or local library for some suggestions of where you could see examples of interiors. Also, talk to your art teachers and tell them about your career interest and see what their suggestions might be in terms of your artwork. Also, another area that interior designers work is on TV and movie sets, so talk to your school's drama teacher, and see if you could get some experience working on sets for school plays and other school or community productions.
If you are looking for a part time job, see if you could find work that are part of interior design: a hardware store's paint and wallpaper section, or a store that sells curtains or window treatments, or a fabric store, or a department store's furniture department, or maybe even a position assisting an interior designer, and so on. In all of these places, be sure to tell people your future career plans, you never know who knows whom, and who could help you in the future.
I hope this helps! Best wishes!
Interior design is a very exciting field, where you will use your art skills and knowledge about the field to design homes, retail stores, workplaces and other places for individuals and businesses. Today, people become interior designers by getting a degree or certificate in interior design from an art school or a university or college with an interior design program. Usually, students who major in interior design will do an internship and work under an established interior designer for 6-12 months before they get their first job.
As a student in high school or middle school, you can begin to prepare for this career by taking art classes in middle and high school. All types of art classes, including computer graphics and 3-D art. These basic art skills in general design, color, drawing, painting, sculpture and 3-D art crafts, computer graphics, and so on will help you get into art school or colleges and universities with interior design programs, and of course they will be useful in your career as an interior designer.
You could also start looking at magazines, in print or online, that feature interior design, such as "Home & Gardens" or "Architectural Digest" and websites that feature interior design. Maybe start some Pinterest Pages of what you like and the type of interiors you would like to design . Talk to the librarians at your school or local library for some suggestions of where you could see examples of interiors. Also, talk to your art teachers and tell them about your career interest and see what their suggestions might be in terms of your artwork. Also, another area that interior designers work is on TV and movie sets, so talk to your school's drama teacher, and see if you could get some experience working on sets for school plays and other school or community productions.
If you are looking for a part time job, see if you could find work that are part of interior design: a hardware store's paint and wallpaper section, or a store that sells curtains or window treatments, or a fabric store, or a department store's furniture department, or maybe even a position assisting an interior designer, and so on. In all of these places, be sure to tell people your future career plans, you never know who knows whom, and who could help you in the future.
I hope this helps! Best wishes!
Updated
Brooke’s Answer
Chris,
The Interior Design field has many different careers to offer that can be very rewarding. There are huge differences between different types of design such as residential, commercial, retail, and model home design so you should keep an open mind when approaching this career path.
You should expose yourself to as much interior design as possible by watching design television programs, looking at design magazines, and visiting home retailers to look at their merchandise and displays. Working for one of the major retailers (Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate n Barrel) is a great way to get started. Even if you work in the stock room, you will so much about the industry.
There is a common misconception that all you need in this career is talent and an art background, but actually, this career requires a good balance of your right brain (creative) and your left brain (logical). Keep this in mind as you explore this exciting career choice.
The Interior Design field has many different careers to offer that can be very rewarding. There are huge differences between different types of design such as residential, commercial, retail, and model home design so you should keep an open mind when approaching this career path.
You should expose yourself to as much interior design as possible by watching design television programs, looking at design magazines, and visiting home retailers to look at their merchandise and displays. Working for one of the major retailers (Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate n Barrel) is a great way to get started. Even if you work in the stock room, you will so much about the industry.
There is a common misconception that all you need in this career is talent and an art background, but actually, this career requires a good balance of your right brain (creative) and your left brain (logical). Keep this in mind as you explore this exciting career choice.
Updated
Elisha’s Answer
This is all about interior design Go winn Champ.
To get into interior design, consider these steps:
Education: Obtain a degree or diploma in interior design or a related field to learn design principles, techniques, and software skills.
Develop Skills: Hone your creativity, spatial awareness, color sense, and attention to detail. Familiarize yourself with design software like AutoCAD and 3D modeling tools.
Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your design projects, including personal or mock assignments, to demonstrate your skills and style.
Gain Experience: Start with internships or entry-level positions in design firms or related industries to gain practical experience and learn from professionals.
Networking: Attend design events, workshops, and join professional organizations to connect with others in the field and stay updated on trends.
Licensing/Certification: Depending on your location, you might need a license or certification to practice as an interior designer. Research local requirements.
Freelancing or Employment: Decide whether you want to work for a design firm, start your own business, or freelance. Each path has its own benefits and challenges.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on design trends, materials, and technologies by attending workshops, taking courses, and reading industry publications.
Market Yourself: Create an online presence through a website, social media, and networking platforms to showcase your work and attract potential clients.
Practice and Patience: Interior design is a competitive field, so be patient and persistent as you build your career and reputation.
Remember, success in interior design comes from a combination of education, skills, experience, and a passion for creativity.
To get into interior design, consider these steps:
Education: Obtain a degree or diploma in interior design or a related field to learn design principles, techniques, and software skills.
Develop Skills: Hone your creativity, spatial awareness, color sense, and attention to detail. Familiarize yourself with design software like AutoCAD and 3D modeling tools.
Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your design projects, including personal or mock assignments, to demonstrate your skills and style.
Gain Experience: Start with internships or entry-level positions in design firms or related industries to gain practical experience and learn from professionals.
Networking: Attend design events, workshops, and join professional organizations to connect with others in the field and stay updated on trends.
Licensing/Certification: Depending on your location, you might need a license or certification to practice as an interior designer. Research local requirements.
Freelancing or Employment: Decide whether you want to work for a design firm, start your own business, or freelance. Each path has its own benefits and challenges.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on design trends, materials, and technologies by attending workshops, taking courses, and reading industry publications.
Market Yourself: Create an online presence through a website, social media, and networking platforms to showcase your work and attract potential clients.
Practice and Patience: Interior design is a competitive field, so be patient and persistent as you build your career and reputation.
Remember, success in interior design comes from a combination of education, skills, experience, and a passion for creativity.