8 answers
Cece
Student
New York, New York
3
Questions
Updated
1445 views
My college doesn’t offer interior design focused majors or courses. Would a concentration in Digital Design be a useful fit for this career field ?
I’m currently attending the City College of New York with a major in Art. The other concentrations offered to me among digital design were studio art, photography, and art education. I picked digital Design thinking it would be the best fit but I’m having doubts. I just want to feel confident in the college path I’m on.
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8 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
64
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hi Cece,
Good question, and the answer is yes a concentration in Digital Design can definitely be a valuable fit for a career in interior design, even if your college doesn’t offer a specific interior design major. Here’s why:
1. Building the Right Skills:
Digital Design will teach you essential skills like 3D modeling and rendering, which are key in interior design. Learning how to use design software will help you bring your ideas to life, whether it’s creating floor plans or realistic room layouts.
2. Flexibility in Design:
The principles you’ll learn in Digital Design are highly adaptable and can easily be applied to interior design. This flexibility will allow you to create beautiful, functional spaces with a strong aesthetic sense.
3. Creating a Strong Portfolio:
Through your coursework, you’ll have the chance to build a portfolio that showcases your design talents. A well-rounded portfolio is crucial when pursuing internships, jobs, or further studies in interior design.
4. Expanding Your Knowledge:
While concentrating on Digital Design, you can also explore online courses or certifications in interior design. This extra learning will enhance your skills and make you even more prepared for the industry.
In short, Digital Design is a great stepping stone towards a career in interior design. With the right mindset and additional learning, you can make your passion for interior design a reality!
Best of luck on your journey.
Good question, and the answer is yes a concentration in Digital Design can definitely be a valuable fit for a career in interior design, even if your college doesn’t offer a specific interior design major. Here’s why:
1. Building the Right Skills:
Digital Design will teach you essential skills like 3D modeling and rendering, which are key in interior design. Learning how to use design software will help you bring your ideas to life, whether it’s creating floor plans or realistic room layouts.
2. Flexibility in Design:
The principles you’ll learn in Digital Design are highly adaptable and can easily be applied to interior design. This flexibility will allow you to create beautiful, functional spaces with a strong aesthetic sense.
3. Creating a Strong Portfolio:
Through your coursework, you’ll have the chance to build a portfolio that showcases your design talents. A well-rounded portfolio is crucial when pursuing internships, jobs, or further studies in interior design.
4. Expanding Your Knowledge:
While concentrating on Digital Design, you can also explore online courses or certifications in interior design. This extra learning will enhance your skills and make you even more prepared for the industry.
In short, Digital Design is a great stepping stone towards a career in interior design. With the right mindset and additional learning, you can make your passion for interior design a reality!
Best of luck on your journey.
Thank you so much for the advice. I never thought about #4 in your answer. I will definitely try looking for an online or in person course that’ll give me the extra necessary skills I’d be missing.
Cece
I'm glad it was helpful! ☺
Garima Lajras
Pam Ode-Woznick
interior designer/photographer
13
Answers
Novi, Michigan
Updated
Pam’s Answer
Hello! It's fantastic to see you seeking advice from experts - that's an excellent first step! I would also suggest that you consider reaching out to HR professionals in the companies you admire the most. If your aspiration is to be a part of the architectural community, residential interiors, or the kitchen and bath industry, it would be beneficial to understand their specific requirements.
Working part-time, regardless of the level, can be a great way to familiarize yourself with the industry while pursuing your dream. You'll soon discover that each sector has its unique needs. For instance, an architectural firm might require proficiency in several computerized specialties like CAD, Revit, Illustrator, etc. On the other hand, a residential firm might prioritize your understanding of window treatments, flooring, furnishings, and more. A kitchen and bath company might value your training in 20/20 and knowledge of cabinetry and construction.
While the requirements vary greatly across industries, all of them will expect you to have a good grasp of spatial dimensions, color schemes, communication skills, and accuracy.
Regarding your current education, if you're planning to switch to another college or university, it's crucial to find out which of your classes can be credited towards a degree at the new institution. Perhaps you could focus on completing core courses like English, math, history, and science first, as art-related courses might not be transferrable. Simultaneously, if you can find a job that aligns with your career goals, it would be extremely beneficial.
If you're particularly interested in cabinetry and kitchens, a college degree might not be necessary. Some firms in Michigan don't require a degree, although having one can be advantageous. If you're keen on earning a 4-year degree, make sure to check with your prospective university and complete the basic requirements. You can also take art and computer classes to keep your motivation levels high, but remember, they might not be transferrable.
Best of luck on your journey! Stay focused and keep your creative juices flowing!
Working part-time, regardless of the level, can be a great way to familiarize yourself with the industry while pursuing your dream. You'll soon discover that each sector has its unique needs. For instance, an architectural firm might require proficiency in several computerized specialties like CAD, Revit, Illustrator, etc. On the other hand, a residential firm might prioritize your understanding of window treatments, flooring, furnishings, and more. A kitchen and bath company might value your training in 20/20 and knowledge of cabinetry and construction.
While the requirements vary greatly across industries, all of them will expect you to have a good grasp of spatial dimensions, color schemes, communication skills, and accuracy.
Regarding your current education, if you're planning to switch to another college or university, it's crucial to find out which of your classes can be credited towards a degree at the new institution. Perhaps you could focus on completing core courses like English, math, history, and science first, as art-related courses might not be transferrable. Simultaneously, if you can find a job that aligns with your career goals, it would be extremely beneficial.
If you're particularly interested in cabinetry and kitchens, a college degree might not be necessary. Some firms in Michigan don't require a degree, although having one can be advantageous. If you're keen on earning a 4-year degree, make sure to check with your prospective university and complete the basic requirements. You can also take art and computer classes to keep your motivation levels high, but remember, they might not be transferrable.
Best of luck on your journey! Stay focused and keep your creative juices flowing!
Thank you Pam. Your abundance of advice was very eye-opening for me. Not to mention valuable, considering you are an interior designer yourself. I will definitely focus on the suggestions you gave about reaching out to interior design firms and looking for current part time jobs that align with interior design. Those are very great ideas that I think will set me up to have a successful future in interior design.
Cece
Danielle Mcmillian
Art Director
2
Answers
City of Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hi Cece,
Digital design is a great place to begin building a foundation in interior design. As many of the other professionals answered, there are design programs that you'll learn to use that you'll need to know for a career as an interior designer. Additionally, there are basic skills that you'll begin to hone that include preparing sketches and mood boards, presentation and taking critiques, color theory, use of space, and more.
What's also important is understanding now are the specialty of interior design you want to be involved in. Do you want to do interior design for corporate retail company? Private clients/homeowners? Maybe set design in the film/commercial photography industries? The quicker you get to that answer, the better you'll understand what skills you need to start building now.
I'd also say to find as many internship opportunities as possible between now and graduation. There's so many skills that you'll learn via doing the work and having access to mentors. It's so important to start building those critical relationships so that you can better navigate your college experience and develop the skills and network needed to stay booked and busy! But also, remember learning doesn't end at graduation. You'll continue to learn new programs and develop new skills throughout your career.
Digital design is a great place to begin building a foundation in interior design. As many of the other professionals answered, there are design programs that you'll learn to use that you'll need to know for a career as an interior designer. Additionally, there are basic skills that you'll begin to hone that include preparing sketches and mood boards, presentation and taking critiques, color theory, use of space, and more.
What's also important is understanding now are the specialty of interior design you want to be involved in. Do you want to do interior design for corporate retail company? Private clients/homeowners? Maybe set design in the film/commercial photography industries? The quicker you get to that answer, the better you'll understand what skills you need to start building now.
I'd also say to find as many internship opportunities as possible between now and graduation. There's so many skills that you'll learn via doing the work and having access to mentors. It's so important to start building those critical relationships so that you can better navigate your college experience and develop the skills and network needed to stay booked and busy! But also, remember learning doesn't end at graduation. You'll continue to learn new programs and develop new skills throughout your career.
Elina Singh
Interior Design
5
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Elina’s Answer
Hi Cece!
I think digital design skills are increasingly important in the interior design field and taking those classes will be beneficial for you. You'll likely gain an understanding of design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign. These tools are essential for creating digital renderings, mood boards, and presentations in Interior Design. Although the digital design course will give you a strong foundation in the technical and visual aspects of design, it may not cover the specific principles of interior design, such as space planning, color theory specific to interiors, materials, or furniture design and learning how to use 3D modeling tools like SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Rhino. I think supplementing this course with relevant electives or self-study in interior design will help you a lot! Also getting some practical experience through internship is a good way to understand what skills need to be worked on.
I think digital design skills are increasingly important in the interior design field and taking those classes will be beneficial for you. You'll likely gain an understanding of design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign. These tools are essential for creating digital renderings, mood boards, and presentations in Interior Design. Although the digital design course will give you a strong foundation in the technical and visual aspects of design, it may not cover the specific principles of interior design, such as space planning, color theory specific to interiors, materials, or furniture design and learning how to use 3D modeling tools like SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Rhino. I think supplementing this course with relevant electives or self-study in interior design will help you a lot! Also getting some practical experience through internship is a good way to understand what skills need to be worked on.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1886
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Cece !
This is an important question as you map out your academic path for Interior Design. I have some suggestions for you even though I don't know which college you are attending. There is definitely a way to major in Art (great choice) and have a career in Interior Design in the future.
I would say to take Digital Design/Computer Graphics and Studio Art. There are additional courses you can take that you will get the feel of why they apply to Interior Design. Take a Theatre Graphics course as well as a Stagecraft/Set Construction course in the Theatre Department at your college. Both of these courses (if they are good courses taught by professionals) will take you up close and personal with perspective, sketching, and scale model building. Most likely in Stagecraft you will work lab hours and classroom hours working on sets and become familiar with how sets are designed and put together. Even though it's for the stage, you will learn some similar skills that you can use in Interior Design. Check with your Art Department Chairperson whether you can apply the credits for Theatre Graphics to your major. It would be much easier to suggest courses if I knew what college you are attending.
Research online what skills you need to become an Interior Designer and then choose courses that relate to those skills. You can take many courses in college that are related to your career interest. You don't have to take ALL of these, but just so you know that you have a choice, here are some college courses that can be considered : Architectural History, Computer Imaging, Environmental Design, Lighting and Sound (often given through a theatre department or film department), Sculpture, Painting, and 3D Modeling, Textiles for Interiors, Basic Design Theory, Color Theory and Application and Computer-Aided Design. If you are in doubt about taking courses outside of the Art Department, consult with your academic advisor so that you can find out exactly what can be applied to your major. Do take all the required art classes for your major. You can also consider taking any of the mentioned classes online.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best this semester and in all that you do !
This is an important question as you map out your academic path for Interior Design. I have some suggestions for you even though I don't know which college you are attending. There is definitely a way to major in Art (great choice) and have a career in Interior Design in the future.
I would say to take Digital Design/Computer Graphics and Studio Art. There are additional courses you can take that you will get the feel of why they apply to Interior Design. Take a Theatre Graphics course as well as a Stagecraft/Set Construction course in the Theatre Department at your college. Both of these courses (if they are good courses taught by professionals) will take you up close and personal with perspective, sketching, and scale model building. Most likely in Stagecraft you will work lab hours and classroom hours working on sets and become familiar with how sets are designed and put together. Even though it's for the stage, you will learn some similar skills that you can use in Interior Design. Check with your Art Department Chairperson whether you can apply the credits for Theatre Graphics to your major. It would be much easier to suggest courses if I knew what college you are attending.
Research online what skills you need to become an Interior Designer and then choose courses that relate to those skills. You can take many courses in college that are related to your career interest. You don't have to take ALL of these, but just so you know that you have a choice, here are some college courses that can be considered : Architectural History, Computer Imaging, Environmental Design, Lighting and Sound (often given through a theatre department or film department), Sculpture, Painting, and 3D Modeling, Textiles for Interiors, Basic Design Theory, Color Theory and Application and Computer-Aided Design. If you are in doubt about taking courses outside of the Art Department, consult with your academic advisor so that you can find out exactly what can be applied to your major. Do take all the required art classes for your major. You can also consider taking any of the mentioned classes online.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best this semester and in all that you do !
I appreciate how keen you are to give me the best and most fitting advice. I never knew of such courses but I will take your advice of reaching out to the chairman of my school’s art department to find out about these courses you mentioned. I’m also not lost on what courses to take now if I decide to do some online courses at another college.
Cece
You are very welcome for the advice. Have an awesome day !
Michelle M.
Mauricio Chaves
Interior Designer
28
Answers
Doorn, Netherlands
Updated
Mauricio’s Answer
Hi Cece,
It’s great that you’re taking the time to assess your educational path and how it aligns with your career aspirations in interior design! A concentration in Digital Design can absolutely be a valuable asset for this field. Interior design increasingly relies on digital tools for conceptualising and presenting ideas, especially with software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite, which are commonly used for floor plans, renderings, and presentations. A strong foundation in digital design could give you an edge in creating visually compelling, professional-grade designs.
Here’s how your chosen path and other options might fit into interior design:
- Digital design: this is a great fit if your programme covers skills like 3D modelling, digital rendering, or graphic design. These are essential for creating realistic representations of spaces and layouts that clients can visualise. Additionally, digital skills can transition into roles like visual merchandising or set design, which overlap with interior design.
- Studio art: if the coursework involves sketching, sculpture, or mixed media, it can help you develop an eye for aesthetics and proportions—both key in interior design. Pairing this with your digital skills could make you a well-rounded designer.
- Photography: while not a direct match for interior design, photography skills are invaluable for documenting your projects and creating portfolios to showcase your work to potential clients or employers.
- Art education: this path is less directly tied to interior design unless you aim to teach or integrate design education into your career.
Additional steps to build confidence:
- Learn Interior design software: while pursuing your degree, consider self-learning tools like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp through online platforms such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy.
- Look for internships or workshops: hands-on experience in an interior design studio can help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Network in the industry: join interior design associations or local events to connect with professionals who can offer mentorship and advice.
Your ability to combine technical digital skills with artistic sensibility could set you apart in interior design. Trust that the path you’re on has value, and remember that learning and adapting are key in creative careers. Confidence often comes with experience, so keep exploring, experimenting, and growing.
Wishing you the best on your journey, may the force be with you!
It’s great that you’re taking the time to assess your educational path and how it aligns with your career aspirations in interior design! A concentration in Digital Design can absolutely be a valuable asset for this field. Interior design increasingly relies on digital tools for conceptualising and presenting ideas, especially with software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite, which are commonly used for floor plans, renderings, and presentations. A strong foundation in digital design could give you an edge in creating visually compelling, professional-grade designs.
Here’s how your chosen path and other options might fit into interior design:
- Digital design: this is a great fit if your programme covers skills like 3D modelling, digital rendering, or graphic design. These are essential for creating realistic representations of spaces and layouts that clients can visualise. Additionally, digital skills can transition into roles like visual merchandising or set design, which overlap with interior design.
- Studio art: if the coursework involves sketching, sculpture, or mixed media, it can help you develop an eye for aesthetics and proportions—both key in interior design. Pairing this with your digital skills could make you a well-rounded designer.
- Photography: while not a direct match for interior design, photography skills are invaluable for documenting your projects and creating portfolios to showcase your work to potential clients or employers.
- Art education: this path is less directly tied to interior design unless you aim to teach or integrate design education into your career.
Additional steps to build confidence:
- Learn Interior design software: while pursuing your degree, consider self-learning tools like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp through online platforms such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy.
- Look for internships or workshops: hands-on experience in an interior design studio can help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Network in the industry: join interior design associations or local events to connect with professionals who can offer mentorship and advice.
Your ability to combine technical digital skills with artistic sensibility could set you apart in interior design. Trust that the path you’re on has value, and remember that learning and adapting are key in creative careers. Confidence often comes with experience, so keep exploring, experimenting, and growing.
Wishing you the best on your journey, may the force be with you!
John Lee
7
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
John’s Answer
Absolutely, Cece! Digital design is a unique field, distinct from traditional art, and it often leads towards a career in marketing. However, if you can incorporate digital design skills such as mastering Adobe Creative Suite into your repertoire, you'll become a highly sought-after professional with versatile skills. Fields like studio art or photography typically focus on disciplines such as drawing, ceramics, painting, sculpture, and of course, photography. My advice would be to consider what truly sparks your passion and choose your major accordingly. This way, you'll not only enjoy what you're studying, but you'll also be setting yourself up for a career you love.
Kelly Coffey
Interior Design
3
Answers
Arvada, Colorado
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
I recommend creating a solid LinkedIn profile. This has helped me a lot in my professional endeavors with networking, presenting my credentials, and learning what various job postings look like.
In the design industry they often are looking for a bachelor's degree (in interior design or related field) and relevant experience. Take a look at some job postings that look interesting to you and really examine the qualifications they’re looking for. Often times they ask for more than you really need and don’t let it discourage you if the standards appear to be high.
While education is great, certifications can add value to your resume as well. I recently was accredited as a LEED Green Associate. I pursued this because sustainability is important to me. It’s not a bad idea to look into some certification options that align with your values and skill set.
Hope this helps you on your journey and good luck!
In the design industry they often are looking for a bachelor's degree (in interior design or related field) and relevant experience. Take a look at some job postings that look interesting to you and really examine the qualifications they’re looking for. Often times they ask for more than you really need and don’t let it discourage you if the standards appear to be high.
While education is great, certifications can add value to your resume as well. I recently was accredited as a LEED Green Associate. I pursued this because sustainability is important to me. It’s not a bad idea to look into some certification options that align with your values and skill set.
Hope this helps you on your journey and good luck!