How to Become an Interior Designer
Professionals in this field design and furnish the interiors of commercial, industrial and residential buildings. They must be up on federal, state and local codes and able to wear many hats.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- College Catalogs
- Architecture And Design Magazines
- Computers
- Computer-aided Design (CAD) Programs
- Online Career Search
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Understand that as an interior designer you will need to know more than how to decorate a space. For example, you will need to fully understand flammability and toxicity standards, be able to easily read a blueprint and know how to communicate with engineers, architects and clients.
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Obtain a bachelor's degree in interior design from a college whose design program has been accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER). Peruse FIDER's Web site (fider.org) for a list of approved programs.
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Include computer-aided design (CAD) courses in your electives. As a designer you will be expected to know how to use computers to create your space designs.
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Apply for internships through your school. Your contacts might lead to a future job.
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Contact your state's regulatory agency to confirm its licensing requirements for interior designers. State-by-state information is located in the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Web site (ncidq.org).
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Spend a year or two working in the field after graduation, prior to taking and passing the NCIDQ qualification exam. It is a prerequisite to your receiving a license. Take the exam even if your state does not require licensure. You will need to pass it to be accepted in professional organizations that are key to the success of designers.
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Tips & Warnings
Subscribe to interior design and architecture magazines for the latest trends.
Designers work irregular schedules, at the convenience of their clients.
Related Searches
Comments
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kcck
Oct 15, 2009
I am a college student using “Career Exploration” as my topic for my research paper in English class. Because of shows like Knock First, Trading Spaces, Top Design, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, I have always been interested in becoming an interior designer myself. I also love looking through magazines or pictures online of decorated spaces. I have so much passion for interior designing that I took all of these ideas from the pictures, and redecorated my own room. In order to further my research in this field, I would like to know what a day in the life of an interior designer would be like; and also if you have any advice for me. -
bri924
Aug 04, 2009
ok wat if you have no clue when it comes to construction and all that... is it just not a good idea to go into it then? or is it ok to have no knowledge at all of this stuff? do they teach it all to you when you go to school?
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ilivetoteach
Apr 17, 2009
I love interior design, and I should have studied it. *5
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Autumn Esposito
Apr 13, 2009
Really great information on design careers!
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mimi1330
Apr 07, 2009
I would like to comment you on this article. It is very interesting. My husband is a paint contractor and that naturally causes me to have interest in your article. Great Job!
