3 answers
Hannah
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
762 views
What kind of degree would I need to become a interior designer?
I want to decide what I want to do for a job before I get into college. A big part of this decision is knowing how long I will have to go to college for and what degrees I will need. #design
Login to comment
3 answers
David E. Patnaude, CPE
Director of Facilities
15
Answers
Scarsdale, New York
Updated
David E.’s Answer
There are degrees that are specific to Interior Design. A great many of the interior designers that I work with have degrees in Architecture. Studying architecture gives one a very broad exposure to all of the elements that an interior designer should have. A complete understanding of interior design is based on a strong understanding of the base-building architecture and should also include aspects relating to the site and circulation of the overall building. There are many aspects of interior design that will even relate to understanding how traffic will work at the entrance.
Understanding how base building architecture affects the inhabitants will include understanding the base building architect's intent for the massing of the building which will impact the interior geometry of the space and, the interior geometry of the space is where the interior designer takes over. In a great many cases the base building designer works with the interior designer in a collaborative way because the two specialties overlap but require different areas of expertise.
There are many AAS and AAA degrees in Interior Design
Understanding how base building architecture affects the inhabitants will include understanding the base building architect's intent for the massing of the building which will impact the interior geometry of the space and, the interior geometry of the space is where the interior designer takes over. In a great many cases the base building designer works with the interior designer in a collaborative way because the two specialties overlap but require different areas of expertise.
David E. recommends the following next steps:
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Hannah
Leslie Bamburg
Hybrid Workplace Experience
2
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
Hi Hannah - most people don't know what career they want to have before they start college (or if they do, they often change their minds), so don't feel pressured to have it all figured out before you start. College is a great way to explore different subjects and see what resonates with you. That being said, I was a residential interior designer for many years and did not have an interior design degree. I had a degree in studio art, and then took interior design courses after college specific to the skills I wanted to have (space planning, drafting, kitchen & bath design).
Some states require you to be licensed to call yourself an interior designer, and some do not. If you want to operate in a state requiring licensing I do recommend getting an interior design degree and then interning/ assisting at a design firm while you complete your license.
As others have mentioned, there are different specialities within interior design - some focus on interior architecture, which is more technical, some on decoration, which is more creative. And there is residential design, where you work with individuals on their homes, commercial design, where you work with businesses on offices and hospitality design where you work with hotels. They each have their pros and cons and people generally tend to like one best. School can give you a taste of each type to get to know where you lean.
Best of luck!
Reach out to local interior designers to request an informational interview - find out what their job is like and about their schooling
Research interior design programs at local universities - reach out to the department head to see if you can tour & learn more
Some states require you to be licensed to call yourself an interior designer, and some do not. If you want to operate in a state requiring licensing I do recommend getting an interior design degree and then interning/ assisting at a design firm while you complete your license.
As others have mentioned, there are different specialities within interior design - some focus on interior architecture, which is more technical, some on decoration, which is more creative. And there is residential design, where you work with individuals on their homes, commercial design, where you work with businesses on offices and hospitality design where you work with hotels. They each have their pros and cons and people generally tend to like one best. School can give you a taste of each type to get to know where you lean.
Best of luck!
Leslie recommends the following next steps:
F M
Designer
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
F’s Answer
Interior Design degrees are available in many collages and a good option if you want to work in the industry. It would benefit you greatly if you are highly creative and don't mind working long hours on projects (in school & at work). Make sure you like space planning and working with products such as furniture, finishes and all interior selections. Choose whether you want to focus on commercial or residential sectors, they are very different.
Thank you, F!
Hannah