How Do I Become a Certified/Licensed Interior Designer?

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Interior designers can work in homes, offices, or construction sites. They can work alone or with a group of consultants. Understanding building construction, lighting, furniture design, and color themes are essential to the job of an interior designer has. Interior designers tend to work long hours, due to having very demanding clients. However, the field is very lucrative, and many who have a passion for matching color themes and patterns should consider this as a career path that can lead to opportunities worth trying. They must typically complete a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design at an accredited college.

Duties of an Interior Designer

An Interior designer has many responsibilities to each client he or she is assisting. One task is making sure the space is up to building codes and adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines. Functionality and safety are always necessary. Advising the client on interior design factors is also important. Giving them a heads up on the appropriate layout, space planning, and color coordination will make the job move forward more easily in regard to the client’s requests. An Interior designer also may need to meet or arrange schedules with the craft owners, regarding purchases and deliveries. An interior designer offers a proposed sketch for a particular space. They are tasked with selecting the right materials for each piece of furniture or equipment as well. Formulating designs that are practical and aesthetically pleasing are some of the objectives of an interior designer. It can be done to raise productivity for a company or can help sell merchandise to clients, improving their lifestyle. Interior designers must be familiar with graphic design software programs. Many different types of software are used to plan a design and demonstrate to clients how the project may look at its end.

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Skills and Education needed for Interior Design

To become an Interior designer, interpersonal and communication skills are essential. They must understand the main concepts of design and the ability to create patterns or scales, along with a working knowledge of how to use solids, stripes, and florals. Many of these skills are learned by receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. However, once a student graduates, a passing grade on the NCIDQ exam is required for employment in many contexts. The exam provides the employer or clients with proof of your credentials as a Certified Interior Designer.

Job Options for an Interior Designer

The Job market for Interior Designers is very competitive. Many graduates who earn a degree in any Art and Design field, including interior design, will find it useful to complete an internship along with their education. The professional networking aspects of internships make job hunting less stressful. Internships, however, do take up to two years to complete, depending on state requirements. Many clients prefer experienced designers who have been in the business for some time. An internship may mean the difference between getting a good bid on a job or not.

New graduates may not receive the salary they had hoped for at first. On average, the starting rate is between $20-30 per hour. With time and experience under your belt, an interior designer may charge anywhere between $45 and $60 per hour. References from teachers and supervisors will also help when looking for that dream job. The 2017 average median salary for Interior designers is $51,500 annually, according to the BLS. Experience and education are the factors that impact an interior designer’s pay. These are both details that make a huge difference for some clients looking to redecorate their personal space.

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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

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ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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