Interior design may sound like something that any artistically-inclined person could easily do; however, because of all the different aspects involved in the career, this isn't the case. If you plan to become an interior designer, you'll need to pursue some type of secondary education before beginning the licensing and accreditation process.
The educational programs available range from those offering a standard bachelors degree to those that offer a shorter two or three year program in interior design. However, even after acquiring a bachelor's degree in interior design, you still may need to participate in a professional apprenticeship program.
Education for Prospective Interior Designers
If you attend a two or three year program at a professional interior design school or vocational school, you'll receive either an associate's degree or a certificate at the program’s completion. This type of certification from a school will help you to get accepted as an assistant to an interior designer and sometimes that can be a foot in the door that ultimately leads to a career in interior design.
Whichever way you decide to pursue the schooling necessary to work as an interior designer, you'll also need to check to see if the state you're living in has any separate licensing requirements. Some states may require additional testing or apprenticeship service to become a registered interior designer.
According to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, there are close to two hundred and fifty schools with programs in either design or art. When looking through their list, check to make sure that they offer a program in interior design complete with interior design courses. While many do, there are a few schools that don’t offer a full program or have different types of interior design options. You'll need to look into the program to make sure that it fits all of the requirements you'll need to fulfill in order to become an interior designer in your chosen specialty.
There's also a separate National Council for Interior Design Accreditation, which is responsible for accrediting bachelor degree programs for interior design. According to the group, there are close to one hundred and fifty of these programs listed with the council in the United States. These programs are typically found in the school’s art or architecture departments, and will include a greater depth of courses than an associate's or certificate program. Again, it's a good idea to check into the school you're considering to make sure that their degree program will cover the specific areas you're looking for.
Even after you earn your degree from a school in interior design, you may still need to undergo an apprenticeship for up to four years under the supervision of an experienced designer. Afterwards, you may need to take a licensing exam, depending on your state's requirements. To be eligible for the exam, you must have six years of combined schooling and experience as an apprentice, according to the National Council for Interior Design Accreditation who administers the exam. Afterwards, you'll be given an official title and will be required to undergo continuing education courses to keep your accreditation up to date.
When you enroll in the interior design program at the Academy of Art University, you will learn the design, business, and communication skills you need to succeed as an interior designer. You will learn to combine practical knowledge of materials with creativity and design skills. Learn more about the Academy of Art University | Request free info
Interior design programs at the Art Institutes teach you how to combine space planning, livability, and design in residential and commercial interiors. You will study fundamental design concepts along with industry-related technology.
