How to Become an Interior Designer

Interior designers seem to have a knack for everything. They possess an artistic sense of what is aesthetically beautiful, an intuitive understanding of spatial design concepts, and a keen eye for creatively planning and designing the interior space of room or building, and that’s just for starters. Good communication and social skills are a must since they with such a wide variety of people including clients, agencies, architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers. They also need good business and computer skills. A working knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) programs is required. They need to be flexible, self-disciplined, and well organized. Does this sound like you? If you are looking to get started in a career as an interior designer, here is a guide on what you need to do.

Step 1: Your first step is to find a good college or university where you can receive your education. Obtaining a degree is a must in the quick changing world of interior designers. In the field of interior design obtaining your license from the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) will be a necessary part of the process. To do this you will need a minimum of 6 years work experience that is achieved through 2 years of schooling and 4 years of interior design training experience, or a 4-year FIDER accredited interior design degree along with 2 years of on field experience. You can go to fider.org and ncidq.org for more information on approved interior design schools and programs. There are 2-year associate programs available in some colleges if you only plan on being an assistant to an interior designer.

Step 2: Make sure to include computer-aided design (CAD) programs in your electives while obtaining your degree.

Step 3: Upon completion of your degree you will need to find a good internship program. Your school should be able to guide you to a quality internship program.

Step 4: Find out the specific requirements of your state for getting certified, registered and licensed.

Step 5: Spend the next 2 years after graduation working at a firm in the field of interior design. Remember that 2 years of work experience along with your 4-year degree are required before you can take your license examine. Getting certified and licensed is very important in this career even if your state does not require it. To be accepted in professional interior design organizations you will need to be licensed.

Step 6: Work on building up a portfolio of your design work. Companies and future clients will want to see the kind of work you do before hiring you to design for them.

Step 7: If you plan on having your own interior design business one day you will want be continually working on building up a your prospective clientele list.

Step 8: Stay current on popular designs, and trends. Interior design trends change quickly.  Try to stay one step ahead of the rest. Continue to develop and refine the skills you have acquired and you will be well on your way to a successful interior design career.