A Guide to Becoming an Interior Designer

Interior design is a very popular career choice, but what many don't realize is that you need a degree to go into this particular career. Another thing that people fail to realize is that interior designing is not as simple as just decorating. To be good at interior designing, you have to do research, plan, and draw out the sketches, all the while taking into consideration what your client's style is and what look they are trying to achieve for that particular room. It's not a simple job and that's why it takes a lot of training before you can actually get a job as an interior design. If this a career you think you are interested in, be sure you know what you're getting into before making your final decision.

Four year degree or two year degree?

A two year degree sounds appealing to most because they figure that they can get school over with and get a job quicker, but this may not be the best option for everyone. Those who only have an associates degree in interior design, there is a good chance that you will become an assistant to a designer rather than a designer yourself. This is not to say that having a bachelor's degree in interior design will allow you to start at the top, you have to work you way up in this career as you do with many others. There are many colleges that have interior design programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and/or the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. With a bachelor's degree, you will likely start out as an apprentice rather than an assistant and have greater opportunities presented to you.

Do I have to get a license?

This is not required for everyone, it depends on where you live, some states require their interior designers to be licensed, others do not. Whether or not you have to be licensed, if you are hoping to become a great interior designer, knowing the safety codes and state and federal building statutes is a must. If you happen to live in one the states that require an interior design license, you will have to have a total of six combined years of education in the interior design field and work experience. Once you have those requirements, you will need to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination and pass it to get your license.

What kind of money can I make?

It is important for people to realize that they will most likely not start out earning a high salary, most jobs don't work that way. When you start out, you will start from the bottom and as you prove your talent and ability for this job, you will be promoted and gradually start to earn more and more. There is no average salary for interior designer, it depends on what you specialize on and who your clients are. It is well known that some interior designers make well over $100,000 per year, but you cannot expect this to just happen to you, you have to work for it.