While working as an interior designer is a very creative field, mastering the necessary technical skills can make it difficult to work as an interior designer. Designers often need to be adept at sketching, digital imaging, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D modeling. As long as an interior designer has some work to show in their portfolio, whether commissioned or not, they can submit an application and be considered for inclusion in the AD PRO directory. Otherwise, if interior design is your thing, evaluate your skills and get started and make your career as a designer a reality.
AD PRO also offers an extremely valuable resource with its AD PRO directory, which connects clients to interior designers, architects and landscapers who have been thoroughly vetted and meet strict AD standards. Next, you'll need to translate that ideal visually into an interior design website and a social media profile. When deciding where to go to a design school, looking for degree programs that are accredited by the Interior Design Accreditation Council (CIDA) is a wise decision, as the organization keeps abreast of the most current trends, regulations and practices in the interior design industry. In addition, plan to take some continuing education units (CEUs) throughout the year to keep abreast of current industry trends and earning CEUs annually is also a requirement for industrial organizations such as AIA, ASID, IIDA, IDC, and ASLA, as well as for maintaining certified interior designer (CID) status. ASID offers tips on how to become an interior designer, including making an appointment with a faculty member from the schools that interest you most to evaluate if a program is right for you or not.
The NCIDQ is the most common interior design certification, recognized in the United States and Canada as a benchmark for mastery of the profession. But don't focus too much on any particular topic right now; instead, consider a wide range of interests within the field of interior design. A degree in any field related to interior design is acceptable, but your courses should include interior design, drawing, and computer-aided design (CAD). With the pandemic, there were many transitions and many interior designers found innovative ways to adapt, which sometimes meant venturing outside the specific sector of their choice.
Once you graduate from design school and take the NCIDQ exam (if applicable), your design education shouldn't end. Research different interior design jobs and learn more about the different roles within a design firm to see what types of positions best fit your background and skills. Detailed information on the CIDA website provides lists of schools and programs that meet the quality standards of the interior design profession. While it's not essential that your design school be on the CIDA list, it's a useful qualification to consider as you begin your research.
Being an interior designer involves more than creativity, impeccable taste and a keen eye for designers.
