There’s nothing quite like something that fits perfectly. Whether it’s your favorite pair of running shoes, a fall sweater, or a personal relationship, when something clicks, it can be very fulfilling.
When it comes to interiors, seamless design can change the vibe of a room. That’s where talented architectural and interior designers come in. If you’re interested in interior design, there are several paths you can take to pursue your career. Taking interior design courses at a design college or institute is a fantastic start.
But first, let’s briefly explore some of the basics of interior design so you know what to expect from this unique occupation.
Crafting Interior Spaces: More Than Just Rearranging Furniture
Interior design is not just moving a couch to one end of the room to the other. It’s a bonafide and diverse field, filled with creative individuals that transform houses into homes.
Interior Architecture designers are masterful at turning bland rooms into the focal point of a building. They consider many factors when designing the layout of a home or office. These professionals must be aware of their client’s design preferences, what furniture matches with the space, and also keep track of budgets.
Another crucial aspect of the job is planning intricate designs of what a room will look like, and to do this you must have a keen grasp on dimensions and geometry. You need to have a sense of the size of the space that you are working with.
Where Should You Take Interior Design Courses?
While many schools offer online interior design courses, there are a few that genuinely stand out. Let’s see which interior design programs are worth your time.
New York School of Interior Design
The online learning interior design classes at New York School of Interior Design allow for various learning formats, both in real-time and at your own pace. In real-time classes, you simultaneously attend classes online with professors and other students.
If attending the New York School of Interior Design’s self-paced course in interior design, you will take classes on your own time. This consists of logging in to watch recorded lectures and completing various assignments.
As with any online learning program, there are options for full-time or part-time schedules, depending on how busy you are. Among the programs offered are:
- Interior Design Certificate Program
- Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design
- Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Interior Environments
The New York Institute of Art and Design
The online interior design class offered by the New York Institute of Art and Design will set you up with everything you need to succeed as a knowledgeable and savvy interior designer.
This online learning class includes sessions on design history and trends, furniture design, and more. Students will learn about decades of furniture and fabric history and partake in interactive assignments over a period of several weeks.
The experience includes one-on-one sessions with professionals in the field of design and round-the-clock access to valuable learning materials.
Arguably the most useful part of this experience is the certificate earned at the end. This allows graduates of the class to pursue their Residential Interior Design Qualification Certification (RIDQC). The RIDQC is an impressive certification in interior design and is the industry standard for design professionals.
Interior Design Institute
The online interior design course at the Interior Design Institute (IDI) is a notable self-paced program that will prepare for the real world of design.
You can choose to learn either full-time or part-time, as you can start and stop the online learning experience at any time. There is no hand-holding at the IDI. The school encourages its online students to harness their inner designer and wants students to experiment with what design means to them.
The user experience consists of 12 learning modules filled with interactive assignments, followed by a design exercise. These assignments aim to build confidence and get students’ creative juices flowing.
At the conclusion of IDI’s online interior design course, the school assists students with building an attractive design portfolio, which is a key aspect of job-hunting in the field of design.
What Are the Next Steps?
After completing any of these impressive classes or degree programs, you will be ready to apply for work. Before you shoot off resumes and cover letters, make sure your portfolio is in good shape. It should induce pictures of your work along with detailed sketches and notes on successful projects.
Should You Take an Interior Design Course?
If the idea of taking interior design courses to learn how to make a room come to life, then pursuing a degree or certification may be right for you.
There are various subsets of designers, like those who specialize in kitchen or office design. Which one speaks to you the most? Depending on which you choose, you could be earning an impressive salary.
You will likely need a bachelor’s degree and an impressive certification to get things moving. As soon as you’ve taken the proper interior design courses and shown clients and employers your skills, it’s time to get to work.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
