Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive.
Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfils the project goals.
Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of the public.
Things to know before started to pursuing Interior Design:
Interior design is not limited to home renovation or residential design.
Interior design is different from interior decoration.
Professional requirements for interior designers in your country or region.
There are both international and local interior design associations and organizations that could provide valuable resources.
Being good at drawing is not a prerequisite, but having strong spatial thinking skills is.
Interior design is not usually a high-paying profession.
As with any design profession, interior design is not about realizing the designer’s dream design, but the client’s.
Communication and people skills are just as important as design skills.
A career in Interior design has many overlaps with architecture, and it is important to question exactly where your interests lie within the larger building industry.
Be prepared to hear the phrase “Will you design my house/apartment/condo?” for the rest of your career.
Education for Interior Designers
A bachelor's degree is usually required in order to become an interior designer, as are classes in interior design, drawing, and computer-aided design (CAD). A bachelor's degree in any field is acceptable, and interior design programs are available at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 350 postsecondary colleges, universities, and independent institutes that have programs in art and design. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation accredits more than 180 professional-level (bachelor's or master's degrees) interior design programs.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association accredits kitchen and bath design specialty programs (certificate, associate's degree, and bachelor's degree levels) in more than 40 colleges and universities.
Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability for admission to interior design programs.
Skills
An interior design degree gives you specialist skills in drawing techniques, concept development, computer visualisation, multimedia, graphic design and model-making.
It also allows you to develop transferable skills that are valued by a range of employers. These include:
Research skills
Creative thinking
Presentation and communication skills
Organisational skills
Team working
IT proficiency
If you like to view tertiary programs related to this article, click here to go to the list of recommendation. If you are not sure which path you want to pursue for your tertiary education, you should find this psychometric test here to be helpful in providing some aptitude breakdown and course suggestions upon completion of the test. Feel free to proceed to the test, it's free after all.
