Interior Design School: What to Expect and What it Can Do for You

The primary role of an interior designer is to determine what a client needs for the interior of their home or business place, develop a plan to achieve that concept, and implement that plan, ultimately bringing the vision forth into a real-life space. This process requires that the competent interior designer merge creative, spatial, financial, and interpersonal skills.

The skills and knowledge needed to be a successful interior designer can be gained through an interior design program. Even for an entry-level interior design position, a bachelor's degree or at least two to three years of classes must be completed after completing high school.

The following general concepts and skills are taught in an interior design program: sketching and drafting, computer-aided design, furniture craftsmanship, building structure, and standard professional business practices. An interior design program will prepare a student to work independently and/or with architects and contractors to see a concept realized.

The interior design program will cover traditional topics directly related to decorating such as fabric selection, color schemes, and lighting. It will also teach students to aid building designers in choosing optimal locations for the construction of entryways, windows, and storage spaces in buildings that are being remodeled or newly built.

Depending on what state the designer will work in, he or she may be required to obtain a license. There are 23 states that require interior designers to be licensed. The educational requirements for these licenses vary from state to state and should be researched before choosing an interior design program to ensure adequate preparation or accreditation. For states that do not require licenses, the interior design program will still serve to prepare students for professional certification.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design is one of the bodies that accredits interior design programs. The National Council for Interior Design Accreditation is another institution that accredits these programs that may exist in a university or design school.

A degree in interior design can be used in a variety of places. About one quarter of all interior designers work for themselves. Half of all designers work in larger firms that design buildings, craft furniture, build homes and businesses, or supply materials to these types of companies. The remaining quarter of interior designers specialize in a design niche such as bathroom design.

If an interior design program leads one down a path to a staff position in a firm, it is still possible to use design skills in the open market as a freelancer. Therefore, it would be wise to choose a program that teaches the financial management and detailed business practices of the industry.

The future of interior design is in ergonomics and environmentally friendliness. Even if a student does not pursue either of these as a sub-specialty in their interior design program of choice, related skills and knowledge should still remain on their radar. This can achieved through apprenticeships and/or continuing education. Doing so will allow the one to remain on the cusp of this developing and lucrative trend as they transition from student to experienced professional.