How to Become an Interior Designer
Interior designers are talented professionals who can bring out the maximum beauty of any space. They possess many of the skills used by interior decorators such as using color, lighting, space, furniture, art, and fabric to create beauty. Unlike decorators, however, interior designers must also possess many of the skills used by architects such as reading blueprints, using CAD software, and understanding building codes. As such, becoming an interior designer requires that you go back to college to get your career training. Following the steps of how to become an interior designer will give you the knowledge you need to take your place in this exciting career field.
Education and training requirements
The first step in how to become an interior designer is to get your degree. There are a couple of options for completing this step successfully. The first option is to get a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an interior design program, preferably one that is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. You may be able to find a qualified bachelor’s degree program from a traditional or online college of interior design. Your program should include a minimum of 120 semester credit hours, 60 of which should be in interior design coursework. You will also be required to complete 1,760 hours of supervised interior design work experience before graduation and 1,760 hours of supervised experience after graduation.
After meeting the requirements, the next step in how to become an interior designer is to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Test. You may then apply for membership in the Association of Interior Designers. In the beginning, you will need to find employment with an established interior design firm. Later on, after you have built a reputation among clients, you may wish to start your own independent firm.
Other Requirements
There are many qualities required for becoming a successful interior designer that cannot be taught in a classroom. You must possess a strong work ethic and be prepared to put in as many hours as necessary to meet your goals. Many design firms measure their employees based on the number of billable hours they complete. In addition, you need to have strong computer skills, good listening skills, and a strong desire to provide customer satisfaction.
By completing the steps of how to become an interior designer, you are starting yourself on a path toward an exciting career filled with beauty and passion. If you are willing to work hard and put in the necessary hours and effort, you will soon be enjoying a lucrative career as a successful interior designer. Interior design is one of the best careers for those who love beauty and art and who want to make everything they touch better through design. Once you have established your reputation, you can easily earn a salary of over $60,000 a year. If this sounds like the career for you, find a great interior design degree program and get started on making your dreams come true.
