If you enjoy creating beautiful spaces and are a natural at problem-solving, then interior design might be the career for you. You can study interior design at a variety of levels, from certificate courses to associate’s degrees to bachelor’s degrees and beyond.
While formal credentials still remain less important than the ability to hone your visual creativity, earning a degree can help you create a strong portfolio that will lead to your first job.
Studying Interior Design
If you’re considering a career in interior design, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important is deciding where your interests lie and whether a specialized area of interior designer in Naples is right for you.
In this way, you can determine a possible career path and prepare for the long haul. You may decide to focus on residential or commercial spaces, health care or education, retail, hospitality, or historic restoration design.
Once you’ve decided which area of design you’d like to specialize in, you can begin your formal education. Obtaining a degree will help you build and hone your skills and give you the credentials you need to pursue your dream job.
Earning an associate’s degree can help you land your first professional job, but a bachelor’s degree will take you a step further and prepare you for more complex challenges. You’ll also gain broader knowledge in business and aesthetics to help you thrive as an interior designer.
Associate’s Degree
If you want to start an interior design career, but aren’t ready to commit to a bachelor’s degree program, an associate’s degree is a good option. It’s a two-year program that introduces students to the basic skills of interior design, including drawing and planning.
Graduates from an associate’s degree program are qualified to work in entry-level interior design positions, such as residential lighting advisers who create client lighting plans and make recommendations for lighting fixtures and electrical systems. They may also find employment as sales representatives or assistants to designers or project managers.
A bachelor’s degree in interior design gives students a more well-rounded education in aesthetic, technical and business aspects of the field. It also helps prepare them to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, which is required by most states in order to get licensed as a practicing interior designer.
Bachelor’s Degree
Interior designers often need a bachelor’s degree to start their career, but they can also earn a master’s or doctorate. A graduate degree is a way to signal commitment to a specialty or to accelerate your advancement within a firm.
Interior design graduates often go on to work in a number of different roles. They can become architects, industrial designers, art directors, or even managers of a design company.
You can also study a specialist Masters, such as sustainable design or architectural visualisation. These tend to be shorter courses than a full degree, so you can continue working while you study.
Parsons offers a top-ranked BFA in interior design that focuses on the latest technology and deep industry partnerships. You’ll learn specifications, modeling, and 3-D visualization, while developing your personal design practice through innovative design challenges and the study of contemporary issues like sustainability and new materials. You’ll also benefit from competitions, workshops, and other events with industry partners to make crucial connections and gain hands-on experience.
Online Courses
If you are interested in studying interior design, but don’t have time to enroll in a full-time program, there are many online courses available. These courses offer a number of benefits, including the opportunity to learn from professionals in the field without having to travel to a physical classroom.
One of the best benefits of taking an online course is the ability to study at your own pace and on your schedule. This is especially beneficial for those who are busy with work or family commitments.
Another advantage of online courses is the fact that they can cover a wider range of topics than traditional on-campus classes. This allows students to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the industry and explore new areas that interest them.
For example, Shaw Academy offers a variety of online interior design courses that focus on subjects such as product selection, room design techniques, and color theory. The courses are interactive and offer a certificate after successful completion.
