How to Become an Interior Designer in the United States

Color selection is one of the many responsibilities of an interior designer.

If you enjoy working with colors and have an eye for design, then a career in interior design may be for you. Some similarities exist between interior decorators and interior designers but also many differences. Unlike an interior decorator, you need a degree and experience to become an interior designer. An interior designer is able to work with large companies and contractors to design buildings from the ground up, while interior decorators usually decorate existing spaces.

Instructions

1. Get a degree in interior design from a university or community college. You can also complete an online program. Make sure the program you take is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Visit the CIDA website to find a list of accredited interior design programs (see Resources).

2. Gain qualified work experience once you get your interior design degree. The type of degree you obtained will determine the amount of experience you need. You must have a combined total of about six years of experience and schooling; thus, you will need four years of experience if you earned a two-year degree and two years of experience if you earned a four-year degree.

3. Get certified. Certification is not required, but it can help you gain credibility and make it easier to get licensed to practice in your state. You must pass an exam through National Council for Interior Design Qualification (see Resources).

4. Check if your state requires interior designers to be licensed before they can practice. You will have to show that you have a degree, suitable experience; plus, in some states you must show your certification and perhaps take a test. If you move to a new state, you will have to get a new license.

Tips & Warnings

• Different types of experience count differently toward the required total. The NCIDQ website has information about how to count your experience hours.

• Check with your state's licensing department before beginning any interior design program to make sure you can fulfill the requirements.

References

• BeLight Software: Becoming an Interior Designer

Resources

• Council for Interior Design Accreditation: Accredited Programs
• National Council for Interior Design Qualification: NCIDQ Exam Dates & Deadlines