How to become an interior designer

Start preparing for a career in interior design by looking for inspiration in everything: books, magazines, the internet, store displays.

Practise your math skills – because they will be useful in completing scale drawings and understanding measurements, both of which are part of the interior designer’s work.

Most design firms require designers to hold at least an undergraduate degree. Students wishing to enter the field should verify that the program they are considering is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

These 10 U.S. schools are renowned worldwide for their interior design programs:

• Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York
• New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury
• University of California, Berkeley Extension
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Architecture
• Florida International University
• The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• International Academy of Design & Technology, Tampa, Florida
• West Valley College, Saratoga, California
• Interior Designers Institute, Newport Beach, California

Here is a summary of the curricula covered by most associate and bachelor’s degree programs in interior design:

Two-year Associate Degree Programs

The first year of associate level programs generally covers the fundamentals of design and basic skills in both hand drawing and digital drawing. The focus of the second year is typically on more specialized topics such as architectural lighting, color theory, furniture history, and introductory business and marketing concepts.

Students who earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree can generally enter the field in an assistant role. An Associate of Arts Degree prepares students to continue their interior design education. The Associate of Science Degree is often pursued by students who intend to further pursue education in architecture or industrial design.

There are also online associate degree programs available, such as the one offered at Penn Foster, that give credits towards meeting the educational requirements for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination.

Common coursework includes the following:

Modern Architecture & Design
Focus
A review of designs of the last two centuries, highlighting the emergence of specific design theory and stylistic elements; traces modernization of style back to origins
Target Skills
• Foundational knowledge in design history and different styles
• Ability to adapt past designs for present and future use
• Understanding of the connections between interior and exterior design

History of Building Types
Focus
An overview of how specific purpose-built spaces have evolved over time; examples often include corporate spaces, museums, hotels, government buildings
Target Skills
• Recognition of the evolution of common spaces
• Grasp of what has and has not worked in past designs
• Framework for understanding modernization of existing buildings

Color Theory
Focus
The cultural, social, and psychological implications of color use; the effects of color, including productivity and tranquility; examination of varied theories, optical illusions, the Bezold Effect (how our perception of a color is affected by its surrounding colors), and contrasts.
Target Skills
• Awareness of how colors affect the human brain, moods, and emotions
• Guidelines for use of colors in particular spaces

Drawing
Focus
Various drawing techniques and how to translate an idea into a reality by hand or using digital drawing practices and tools
Target Skills
• Familiarity with multiple drawing techniques
• Architectural drafting and digital drawing software skills

Four-year Bachelor’s Degrees

These programs comprise courses that address the aesthetic, technical, and business skills required of the well-rounded interior designer. Students are immersed in several topics: drafting, design, 3-D imaging, space planning, project management, marketing, sales, and business development.

Coursework includes the following:

Design Theory
Focus
Examination of the literature and portfolios of leading designers of the past, including William Morris, Claude Perault, and others; analysis of how their theories informed contemporary designs and how they can be used in modern design
Target Skills
• Understanding of historical influences on design approaches to various projects
• Insight into the mindset of influential practitioners
• Understanding of how to renovate existing spaces and create designs relevant to present and future use

Textiles for Interiors
Focus
A survey of the historical production and use of fabrics throughout significant decorative arts periods; a review of how various kinds of fabrics are produced
Target Skills
• How to estimate yardage and how to select fabrics for specific projects
• Knowledge of historical code requirements for outfitting protected properties and maintaining fabric properly

The Business of Interior Design
Focus
An overview of the practical skills needed to succeed in the field, including project management, research and problem solving, client interviewing, client presentations, and contract negotiation
Target Skills
• Effective handling of clients and negotiations
• Ability to develop client proposals and pitch ideas to prospective employers
• Communication skills to ensure proper translation of clients’ wishes

Materials and Assembly
Focus
Examination of the use of both hard and soft materials in developing spaces, creating partitions, and changing environments; review of materials’ historical applications
Target Skills
• Knowledge of how to use hard and soft materials such as room dividers, drapery, and furniture
• Theoretical knowledge to inform design decisions
• Developing personal aesthetics for design implementation

Several U.S. states and jurisdictions and seven Canadian provinces have laws that require professional designers to hold an interior design license.

To qualify for licensure, candidates must pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. The NCIDQ is the most recognized interior designer credential.

A professional online portfolio that showcases your credentials, vision, and work is crucial to your success as an interior designer.

This article presents 12 Carefully Curated Interior Design Portfolios and a Build Your Portfolio template.

Some interior designers choose to specialize and become an expert in a particular design area. The following are among the most common specializations:

Residential Interior Design
• Kitchen Designer
• Bathroom Designer
• Accessibility (special needs) Designer

Restoration and Preservation
• Landmark Design Preservationist
• Historic Residential Designer
• Museum Consultant

Commercial Design
• Healthcare Facility Designer
• Corporate Office Designer
• Government Building Designer

Many organizations that serve the interior design industry offer conferences, workshops, and summits which provide members with continuing education and networking opportunities. Some offer professional designations, as well. These credentials, however, do not meet the same regulatory requirements as the NCIDQ. Other organizations offer specialty designations in areas such as healthcare, residential kitchen and bath, remodeling, and green building.

The following is a list of some prominent industry associations:

• National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)
• Interior Design Society (IDS)
• American Society of Interior Designers
• British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
• Designers Guild
• Designer Society of America
• Society of British and International Design (SBID)
• Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC