Training, other qualifications, and advancement for US interior designers
Post-secondary education—especially a bachelor's degree—is recommended, but not required, for entry-level positions in interior design. Three states plus the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico license interior designers and 19 states certify or register interior designers. Following formal training, graduates may enter a 1 to 3-year apprenticeship to gain experience before taking a national licensing exam or joining a professional association. Designers in states that do not require the exam may opt to take it as proof of their qualifications. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) administers the licensing exam. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least six years of combined education and experience in interior design, of which at least two years constitute post-secondary education in design. Once candidates have passed the qualifying exam, they are granted the title of Certified, Registered, or Licensed Interior Designer, depending on the state. Some states require continuing education units in order to maintain one's license.
Training programs are available from professional design schools or from colleges and universities and usually take two to four years to complete. Graduates of 2-year and 3-year programs are awarded certificates or associate degrees in interior design and normally qualify as assistants to interior designers, upon graduation. Graduates with bachelor's degrees usually qualify for entry into a formal design apprenticeship program. Basic coursework includes computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM), building and life safety codes, ADA regulations, building systems, space planning, drawing and sketching, perspective, color psychology, materiality, interior and architectural history, ergonomics, anthropometrics, ethics, business principles, and human psychology.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits approximately 250 post secondary institutions with programs in art and design. Most of these schools award a degree in interior design. Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation is the preeminent accreditor of interior design programs that lead to a bachelor's degree. In 2016, there were 182 accredited programs in interior design worldwide, located primarily in schools of art, architecture, and design.
After the completion of formal training, interior designers enter a 2-year to 3-year apprenticeship to gain experience before taking a licensing exam. Most apprentices work in design or architecture firms under the strict supervision of an experienced designer. Apprentices also may choose to gain experience working as an in-store designer in furniture stores. The NCIDQ offers the Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP), which helps entry-level interior designers gain valuable work experience by supervising work experience and offering mentoring services and workshops to new designers.
Following the apprenticeship, designers may choose to take the national licensing exam. Recent graduates may also choose to become members of a professional association. Because registration or a license is not mandatory in all states, membership in a professional association is an indication of an interior designer's qualifications and professional standing.
Employers increasingly prefer interior designers who are familiar with CAD and BIM software. Interior designers also need to know the basics of architecture and engineering in order to ensure that their designs meet building safety codes and ADA requirements. Other skills obtained through an education in interior design include space planning, architectural lighting, textiles, rendering, ergonomics, etc.
In addition to possessing technical knowledge, interior designers must be creative, imaginative, persistent and must be able to communicate their ideas in writing, visually, and verbally. Because technology and human experiences change rapidly, designers need to be well read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing experiences. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and the ability to work independently and under pressure are important traits. People in this field need self-discipline to start projects on their own, budget their time, and meet deadlines and production schedules. Good business sense and sales ability are also important, especially for those who freelance or run their own business.
Beginning interior designers receive on-the-job training and normally need one to three years of training before they can advance to higher level positions. Experienced designers in large firms may advance to project designer, project manager, or some other supervisory position. Some experienced designers open their own firms or decide to specialize in one aspect of interior design. Other designers leave the occupation to become teachers in schools of design or in colleges and universities. Many faculty members continue to consult privately or operate small design studios to complement their classroom activities. [6]
There are different types of Interior Design such as residential and commercial. Residential design creates a specific atmosphere within the home of the client to produce an environment that is comfortable and functional, while commercial design works on the retail aspect by communicating with the client about the design of a restaurant, hotel, etc. Designers create a visually appealing and functional space for their clients. Overall, Interior Designers recognise it is important to discuss the clients' wants and needs in order to bring their visions to reality and provide the specific atmosphere they are looking for.
