How to Become a Home Interior Designer

A professionally-designed home interior is the product of years of work and study.

Interior design takes more than just an ability to create pretty rooms. A home interior designer is a well-educated individual with knowledge of architecture and safety, as well as an eye for design. She also manages craftspersons, custom orders and customer service. Since interior design appeals to highly creative and talented individuals, the Bureau of Labor Statistics sees a tight competition for jobs, even as more opportunities open for new workers. Many states also require interior designers to obtain a license before practicing or opening a business.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma
• Two to four year interior design degree
• Cash for testing fees

Instructions

1. Attend a school recommended by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. An entry-level designer needs to have at least an associate's degree, though a bachelor's degree is preferred. Without a degree, most firms and interior design businesses won't consider a candidate for necessary experience-building internships and job opportunities.

2. Take an additional course to learn software programs that facilitate interior design practice. Drafting programs like AutoCAD and AutoDesk are crucial for plotting and illustration purposes, and enhance a designer's starting salary prospects.

3. Enroll in a course that teaches marketing strategies and business planning in detail. The extra business skills make it easier to start and run a home interior design business successfully. Good business skills keep clients happy, increase efficiency and minimize costly errors.

4. Find an internship program or job at a reputable, established interior design firm, furniture shop or architecture firm. While volunteer work or low-paid jobs don't seem glamorous, the hours are necessary for official certification. To sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) test, a designer must have "a combination of six years of work experience, two years of schooling plus four years of work experience, or four years in a [CIDA] accredited university or college plus two years of work experience," according to My Interior Designer, an interior design information clearinghouse.

5. Take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification test and pass. The test is administered twice a year, with each of the three sections priced between $300 and $400 as of 2010. Most states host a test near their biggest metropolitan area in one or two locations.

6. Secure licensing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Once candidates have passed the qualifying exam, they are granted the title of Certified, Registered, or Licensed Interior Designer, depending on the State." At that point, the student can now pass the licensing fee and practice home interior design. Many states also mandate continuing education in order to maintain licensing.

7. Build business. If you are opening an independent firm, set up an office with a portfolio and interior that features strong and unique interior design ideas. Also get in touch with past clients and contacts, register with job portals and respond to classified ads to get employment leads.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advantage of continuing education to enhance earning potential. Classes in Feng Shui, accessible living and green design offer a designer the opportunity to serve a niche clientèle and increase profitability.

References

• My Interior Designer: So, You Want to be an Interior Designer?
• American Society of Interior Designers: Is Interior Design for You?
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Interior Designers

Resources

• Council for Interior Design Accreditation
• National Council for Interior Design Qualification