What Kinds of Requirements Are Needed for an Interior Designer?
Interior designers work with architects and homeowners to create attractive and pleasant environments. Designers use color, light and textures to design the interior and establish an atmosphere in a property that will suit the taste and desires of the home or building owner. Interior designers work on public spaces such as shopping malls, office buildings, airports, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and theaters. The work of an interior designer requires detailed knowledge of blueprints and building codes, unlike an interior decorator. Some states require licensing for interior designers to ensure the professional has the education and expertise to design interior spaces.
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Education
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Education and training programs can take the designer between two and four years to complete. An associate's degree or certificate program qualifies the student to work as an interior designer's assistant. Interior designers completing a bachelor's degree education can qualify for an apprenticeship program to gain experience in the field. States requiring a license to practice as an interior designer can require the student to complete an education and apprenticeship program to qualify. An interior design program includes courses in drawing, architecture, computer-aided design, spatial planning, furniture design and ergonomics.
Experience and Apprenticeship
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Apprenticeship programs provide interior designers with experience and an opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals. The programs can take between one and three years. Design and architecture firms offer apprenticeship programs for budding interior designers. Students may also enter the Interior Design Experience Program the National Council for Interior Design Qualification offers to graduating students. The program provides experience in the field for students as well as the opportunity to mentor with seasoned professionals.
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State License
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In some states, interior designers must meet the requirements for licensing to work as a designer legally in the state. Florida, for example, requires interior designers pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination to obtain a state license. Eligibility for the examination requires the designer to have a minimum of two years education in an interior design program. Applicants for the examination must have a combined total of six years education and experience. States also require interior designers complete continuing education courses to maintain licensure. For example, Florida interior designers must complete 20 hours of training in the two-year renewal period to maintain the interior designer's license.
Skills
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While interior designers must complete education and training programs to prepare to work in the field, they must also have talent and skills to succeed. Interior designers must have the vision to provide clients with creative interior spaces. The position also requires individuals to have strong communication to discuss plans for the interior space in writing and verbally. Interior designers can operate their own business, which requires business and organizational skills.
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References
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