Opting to enroll in an interior design program can be a life-changing decision. Not only can you pursue a fascinating career, but you will also be creatively challenged, which keeps you engaged. You are less likely to lose interest or get bored with your profession. An increase in population means less space. People are moving towards creating designs that accommodate a larger family with limited resources. Individuals with an interior design degree from a renowned institute like the American International College are in huge demand.
What Is an Interior Designer?
An interior designer is an individual that works to improve interior space and architecture. They develop plans after thorough research and are responsible for project management and coordination. Designers must plan effectively while ensuring the space remains aesthetically pleasing and cohesive. They can work in offices, homes, and other areas that require a particular design. Interior designers specialize in particular fields like:
- Residential design
- Commercial design
- Environmental design
What Is an Interior Designer’s Job?
Designers have a ton of design elements to look after. Other responsibilities include:
- Understanding client’s needs, budgets, and goals
- Following the space plan and interest in achieving desired project results
- Designing, planning, and creating area sketches
- Keeping the number of people that will be using the space in mind
- Estimating project costs and creating timelines
- Using computer software to produce final plans
- Looking for new clients and projects through self-marketing
Interior Designer Vs. Interior Decorator
An interior decorator and an interior designer are not the same due to different education. An interior designer requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or design college. On the other hand, anyone can become an interior decorator regardless of education and training.
Interior Designing Degrees
Interior designers can obtain several qualifications ranging from a simple associate degree to a complete doctorate. The best option is to opt for a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. However, if you are unsure about your career, you can start with an associate degree to see if you enjoy the field.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is perfect for understanding basic interior design concepts. Credits are also mostly transferable to a Bachelor’s program if you opt for a higher degree later. Associate degree holders can pursue a professional career if they opt for an Associate of Applied Science degree. However, if you want to gain higher education, then an Associate of Arts is better to transition smoothly into a Bachelor’s program.
- The first year of an Associate degree teaches fundamentals
- The second year moves on to color theory, architectural lighting, business, and marketing
Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s program takes learning a notch further by helping individuals learn business, technical, aesthetic, and further artistic skills:
- Students are taught about interior design history and theory
- They learn to build 3D models using CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
- They learn to draw sketches and gain an understanding of best construction practices, building materials, and furniture technology
- Students are taught about designing homes, offices, buildings, and retail spaces. This may also include bathroom, kitchen, and environmental design
- Students are taught about lighting design, acoustics, traffic flow, psychological and social needs of a space and its occupants
- Business knowledge and marketing allow individuals to market themselves and get projects if they do not wish to work at a firm
Master’s Degree or Doctorate
If you wish to attain even more knowledge, you can opt for a Master’s program or Doctorate in interior design. A Master’s degree will help you land senior roles and existing polish skills. A doctoral program will help you move towards consulting, conducting independent research, teaching, or researching design theory. You can opt for an online degree if attending a school is not an option. High-quality programs also offer internships to help you build a portfolio so you can dive into the industry as soon as you graduate.
Endnote
Opting for an interior design program is a great idea if you are passionate about the field and have an artistic approach. A degree can help you enhance and polish existing skills and foster new ones.
