If you are considering a career as an interior designer, you are in for a fulfilling and exciting journey!
Interior designers play an important role in the lives of their clients, helping them to create attractive and practical spaces that meet their needs. But how to become an interior designer? What skills and training do you need to become successful in this field?
Well, in this in-depth article, I will answer these questions and more. So, get ready to learn more about this fascinating profession!
Contents
What Does An Interior Designer Do?
Interior designers are responsible for creating usable yet beautiful spaces within homes and businesses. They work closely with their clients to understand their needs and desires and create custom designs that reflect the client’s style.
In addition to being creative, interior designers must also be good at problem-solving, as they often have to find creative solutions to space constraints and other challenges.
Where Do Interior Designers Work?
Interior designers can work in a variety of settings, including residential or commercial design firms, architecture firms, or they may go out on their own as freelancers. Some interior designers also teach at colleges or universities.
Salaries and Job Growth
The median salary for Interior designers is $51,500 per year. The job outlook for this profession is good, with an expected growth rate of 4% between 2023 and 2028. This means that there will be plenty of opportunities for those looking to enter the field. Depending on the client’s budget and the scope of the project, designers may work on a freelance basis or as part of a design firm.
The Steps To Take
If you are interested in becoming an interior designer, there are a few steps you will need to take. First, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field.
Once you have gained your degree, you’ll need to pass the National Council for Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. This exam is required in order to become a certified interior designer. After passing the NCIDQ exam, you will need to find a job with a design firm or start your own business.
What Universities are recommended for Interior Design?
There are a number of universities that offer degree programs in interior design. Some of the most highly respected schools include:
- Rhode Island School of Design.
- Parsons School of Design.
- Art Institute of Chicago.
Preparing For An Interior Design Career
Courses in interior design are offered at many colleges and universities, and there are also online programs available. During your studies, you will take classes on topics such as color theory, furniture design, and fabrics.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in internships, which can give you valuable real-world experience. After completing your degree program, you will be ready to take the NCIDQ exam and begin your career as an interior designer!
What is the National Council for Design Qualification (NCIDQ)?
The National Council for Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is a professional organization that provides certification to interior designers. In order to become certified, you must pass the NCIDQ exam. This exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills in all aspects of interior design. The exam consists of three parts: written, practical, and oral.
Components of a successful career
In order to be successful in this field, it is important to have a strong portfolio. Your portfolio should showcase your best work, and it should be updated regularly with new projects. In addition to a strong portfolio, you will also need excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
As an interior designer, you will often be working with clients to understand their needs and come up with creative solutions to challenges. If you have these skills, you will be well on your way to a successful career!
Related careers resources
If you are interested in pursuing a career in interior design, there are many resources available to help you get started. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) offers educational resources and information about the profession.
The Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) also offers resources and information about careers in interior design. Finally, the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) provides information about the examination required to become a certified interior designer.
Similar professions
When considering a career as an interior designer, it is important to understand the difference between this profession and similar ones. For example, architects design buildings, but they do not typically work on the interior design of these buildings.
Landscape architects may design outdoor spaces, but they typically do not work on indoor spaces. If you are interested in designing both indoor and outdoor spaces, you may want to consider a career as a landscape architect or an architect.
Skills Needed To Be An Interior Designer
Interior design is a profession that involves the creation and enhancement of interior spaces. Interior designers must have a strong understanding of color theory, furniture design, and drafting in order to create beautiful and functional spaces.
They must also be good at problem solving, as they often have to find creative solutions to space constraints and other challenges. Excellent communication skills are also important, as designers must be able to communicate effectively with clients and team members.
A Day In The Life Of An Interior Designer
As an interior designer, you will spend your days creating and enhancing the interiors of homes and businesses. You will work with clients to understand their needs and come up with creative solutions to challenges.
Tasks will involve everything from selecting furniture and fabrics to creating floor plans and designing lighting schemes. In addition to creative work, you will also spend time on administrative tasks such as keeping project files organized and preparing proposals for clients.
Be The Best Designer You Can Be!
Passing your exam is the most important step to moving forward! So, we recommend using the NCIDQ Exam Secrets Study Guide: NCIDQ Test Review for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination, and the Interior Design Reference Manual: A Guide to the NCIDQ Exam, or perhaps the PPI NCIDQ Fundamentals Practice Questions and Mock Exam as excellent study guides for your exams.
Everyone starting out needs a bit of advice, so take a look at Become an Interior Designer – An Essential Guide to Achieving Your Interior Design Career Dreams, and Interior Design For Beginners: Basic Interior Design Principles, the New York School of Interior Design: Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces, and Starting Your Career as an Interior Designer to help find your unique design style.
But that’s not all; we also have The Interior Design Productivity Toolbox: Checklists and Best Practices to Manage Your Workflow, the Universal Principles of Interior Design: 100 Ways to Develop Innovative Ideas, Enhance Usability, and Design effectively and The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate, and Style Your Space all available online in 2023.
Final Thoughts
If you have a creative streak and enjoy working with people, a career in interior design may be right for you! This profession offers the opportunity to work on interesting and varied projects. It also allows you to use your creativity to make statements.
Working as an Interior designer, you must have strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and must be able to work well under pressure. If you have these skills and since you now know the steps involved, a career in interior design could be a very rewarding job option!
All the very best in designing the interior of your first home!