Do you want to work in the exciting field of interior design? You need to get yourself the right post-secondary college education. Interior designers are responsible for designing the interior and sometimes exterior areas of residential, commercial, and public areas that people frequent. Interior designers must have excellent artistic skills and awareness of function and form. They need to be able to read blueprints, know fire and buildings codes, and work with the needs of their clients, including those who are disabled. Interior designers plan spaces for all kinds of buildings including airports, schools, hospitals, shopping locations, offices, and individual homes.
Education Requirement and Degrees for Interior Designers
Entry-level positions in the interior design field, almost always require some college training beyond high school. Colleges and professional design schools offer excellent 2 and 4 year training programs in interior design. Those who graduate from a 2 or 3 year program are granted an associate's degree (2 year degree) or a certification. Those who complete a 4 year program, bachelor's degree, are generally eligible to qualify for a formal interior design apprenticeship program. Interior designers that complete such programs find it easier to be hired by high end design groups.
Completing an apprenticeship is critical to most interior designers, if they want to work for high end design firms. These apprenticeships generally take 1 to 3 years to complete and provide designers with excellent experience. The apprenticeships also prepare designers with experience and potential clientele if they wish to become self-employed, which many are. Many states require interior designers to have a license to work in their state. The requirements to take the exam vary by state but generally include at least 6 years or working experience in the interior design field, 2 years of which must be college training.
Courses in an interior design program include color design, fabrics, furniture design, architecture, ergonomics, ethics, drawing, perspective, CAD-computerized drafting software, and other courses. Some programs may also include basic business courses like finance and accounting, along with courses about building codes and function in living spaces.
Earning Potential for Interior Designers
Once, you have completed the correct education requirements, you can work as an interior designer doing something you love. In 2008, the average wages for an interior designer were around $44,900 annually, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The architectural and engineering industries employed the most interior designers and paid average wages of around $49,200 annually.
If you are interested in earning a degree in Interior Design, click here to request more information.
* Area of Study
