There are no specific educational or degree requirements to become an interior designer. However, there are certain interior design qualifications that will give you a competitive edge in the field. This article will outline how to become a well-rounded interior designer.
Do You Need a Degree to Be an Interior Designer?
As mentioned, you do not need a degree to become an interior designer. However, having one will give you a competitive edge in the field. There are many interior design programs that offer Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. If you’re looking to get into the interior design field without a degree, consider pursuing an online certification program. These programs typically take less time and money to complete than a degree program.
Interior Design Qualifications
If you decide to work for a firm, they will most likely require that you have a degree or certification in interior design. If you’re self-employed, your qualifications will be up to you. That being said, it’s always a good idea to stay current with trends and developments in the field by taking continuing education courses.
Interior Design Programs
There are many different types of interior design programs. Some programs focus on residential design, while others focus on commercial design. There are also programs that focus on sustainable design, lighting design, and universal design.
Design Theory
Most interior design programs will include coursework in design theory. These courses teach you the basics of color theory, space planning, and furniture placement.
History of Interior Design
Many interior design programs will also include coursework in the history of interior design. This type of coursework will teach you about the origins of interior design and how it has evolved over time.
Blueprint Reading
If you’re looking to work in the commercial sector, it’s important that you have experience reading blueprints. This type of experience will come in handy when you’re working on projects like office buildings and retail stores.
Interior Design Schools
There are many interior design schools across the country. The best way to find an accredited program that meets your needs is to do a search online. Although you do not need a degree to become an interior designer, having a degree from an accredited program will give you a competitive edge.
Become a Well Rounded Interior Designer
In order to be successful in the field of interior design, it’s important that you become a well-rounded designer. This means that you should have experience with all aspects of the field, including color theory, space planning, furniture placement, and blueprint reading. It’s also a good idea to stay current with trends and developments in the field by taking continuing education courses.
How to Become an Interior Designer without a Degree
To become an interior designer without a degree, take courses at a community college or online. These courses will give you a basic understanding of the principles of interior design. Another way to get into the field is to find an internship or entry-level position with an experienced designer, which will give you the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day tasks of an interior designer and get a feel for the industry. Then, get certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
Your goal is to obtain clients. In order to do this, you need a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and style. Start by taking on small projects for friends and family. Once you have a few projects under your belt, start marketing yourself to potential clients. Use social media, word-of-mouth, and other marketing strategies to get the word out about your business.
Conclusion
There are no specific education requirements to become an interior designer. However, there are certain interior design qualifications that will give you a competitive edge in the field. It’s also a good idea to stay current with trends and developments in the industry by taking continuing education courses.