4 answers
4 answers
Updated
Davana’s Answer
As long as I can remember I have been an Interior Designer—my obsession with color, pattern and furnishings began at a young age and was seemingly second nature. However there are many technical aspects and theories that must be learned through design degree programs. Some classes and experiences are more difficult than others—but when you love the curriculum it softens the learning curve.
As with any career choice, interior design can be challenging and stressful, but it can also be very fulfilling and rewarding.
As a designer you have the ability to create spaces and environments where people live, work and play. Your work can affect productivity in an office environment, buying habits in the retail sector, create a sense of calm and peace in a spa or medical facility, as well as a comfortable home for relaxing with friends and family.
Interior designers generally specialize in Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Healthcare, Higher education, Retail, Lighting, Corporate and executive office design.
Interior designers can also specialize in Furniture design, Exhibition design, Kitchen design, Architectural technology, Product design, Textile design, Stylist, Staging and Product design.
Residential interior design is probably the most popular specialization.
Interior designers typically need a bachelor's degree in a fine arts related field. Courses should include interior design principles, color theory drawing, and computer-aided design (CAD).
To become a licensed interior designer, you need to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. To qualify for this exam, you need a combination of education and experience, typically a minimum of a bachelor's degree and two years of on-the-job training.
As with any career choice, interior design can be challenging and stressful, but it can also be very fulfilling and rewarding.
As a designer you have the ability to create spaces and environments where people live, work and play. Your work can affect productivity in an office environment, buying habits in the retail sector, create a sense of calm and peace in a spa or medical facility, as well as a comfortable home for relaxing with friends and family.
Interior designers generally specialize in Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Healthcare, Higher education, Retail, Lighting, Corporate and executive office design.
Interior designers can also specialize in Furniture design, Exhibition design, Kitchen design, Architectural technology, Product design, Textile design, Stylist, Staging and Product design.
Residential interior design is probably the most popular specialization.
Interior designers typically need a bachelor's degree in a fine arts related field. Courses should include interior design principles, color theory drawing, and computer-aided design (CAD).
To become a licensed interior designer, you need to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. To qualify for this exam, you need a combination of education and experience, typically a minimum of a bachelor's degree and two years of on-the-job training.
Updated
Kellie’s Answer
It depends! Residential vs. commercial is something you will need to consider. I have personally worked in commercial, and found it to be very fun and rewarding, but like with most jobs, there can be stress with tight deadlines, large projects, etc. The thing I like about working in commercial design is that the clients are generally not as involved directly and can therefore then to be easier to work with.
Personally, I never became NCIDQ certified because at the time it didn't seem necessary, and I got an internship my senior year of college and they hired me on to work full time. From there, I've changed jobs and advanced without ever having to get certified. However, the NCIDQ certification can definitely help when applying for jobs.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Personally, I never became NCIDQ certified because at the time it didn't seem necessary, and I got an internship my senior year of college and they hired me on to work full time. From there, I've changed jobs and advanced without ever having to get certified. However, the NCIDQ certification can definitely help when applying for jobs.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Hey Jake, things you need to know, make a 25 foot or longer tape measure your best friend and learn how to use it in tight places and read it with laser accuracy. Always have plan B at the ready, always. Be a happy and positive thinker and your clients will follow your lead. Never pretend you know what your doing when you don't, no one expects you to know it all and learning new way to do things is fun. So always seek advice from the expert your clients will be better for it and so will you. Take ownership of your mistakes you will gain the respect of others and remedy any issues the misstep causes quickly. Be honest above all, always honor your clients with the truth. Never assume your contractors, assistants, or anyone charged with helping complete your project knows what you want always keep a close eye on the details. When you find what you are looking for STOP looking. Never ask anyone to do something your not prepared to do yourself. Don't be tempted to hang art too high, no one lives up there by the ceiling. Put it so it can be loved. My first visit to a new clients home I always know when they have a tall husband, the art is hung too high. If it feels wrong in the design it is wrong don't be afraid to change your mind, your designs will evolve and show you things you hadn't considered, fix it before you move on. Learn how to use tools for small details you can help with when your on site and you deadline is tight. I always carry old tennis shoes and t-shirt incase I am needed. Lighting is very important so learn as much as you can about the use of different types of lighting, you will be fanicinate at the outcome once you have mastered lighting techniques. The list is endless and one day you will have your own made up of the experiences Interior Design brings to you. These are but a few I am happy to share. Becoming a Interior Designer starts with you and a creative dedication to solve everyday life's movements around us with good design. This is a career with a lot of moving parts and requires constant study and focus to keep your head in the game, but the rewards are deep and plentiful and most of all for me it's just so darn fun. I love my job and I am grateful everyday for the chance to participate. I hope you join us with happy success!!!!
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Becoming an interior designer is a multifaceted journey, with both challenges and rewards. To embark on this career path, you typically begin by earning at least a bachelor's degree in interior design or a related field, with some fields requiring professional licensure.
Education and training are fundamental and provide future designers with the necessary knowledge of design principles, space planning, color theory, materials and building codes. In addition to formal education, you must also have profound creativity because the field thrives on aesthetic innovation, requiring a natural talent to imagine and create functional and visually pleasing spaces. Besides creativity, technical skills play a central role. Proficiency in design software tools such as AutoCAD and 3D modeling software is essential to turning concepts into reality and effectively communicating design ideas to clients and collaborators.
Education and training are fundamental and provide future designers with the necessary knowledge of design principles, space planning, color theory, materials and building codes. In addition to formal education, you must also have profound creativity because the field thrives on aesthetic innovation, requiring a natural talent to imagine and create functional and visually pleasing spaces. Besides creativity, technical skills play a central role. Proficiency in design software tools such as AutoCAD and 3D modeling software is essential to turning concepts into reality and effectively communicating design ideas to clients and collaborators.