8 steps to become a pro interior designer

Hi, I am David, let me share all of you about top 8 steps to become a pro interior designer as below. I hope you enjoy it.

1. Earn a degree in interior design

While a formal education is not an absolute must, most interior design firms require designers to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. A degree in the specific field is preferred, but one in another area is generally acceptable as long as it is accompanied by coursework in interior design, such as drawing and computer-aided design (CAD). Degrees on the associate, master’s and doctoral levels are also available.

Programs in interior design can be found at many major colleges and universities, as well as specialized art and design institutes. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredit approximately 300 post-secondary institutions with art and design programs. Additionally, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation recognizes more than 150 professional-level interior design programs nationwide, and the National Kitchen & Bath Association accredits design specialty programs at 45 colleges and universities.

Quality degree and certificate programs in the field may also be found online but interested students should always check a program’s accreditation before enrolling.


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2. Pass the national council for interior design qualification exam

Not all states require the licensure of interior designers. There are several, however, prohibiting unlicensed designers from doing interior design work. Others permit both licensed and unlicensed designers to practice design, but only allow licensed professionals to use the title of “interior designer.”

Licensure requires passing a state-approved exam, typically the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. To qualify for taking the NCIDQ exam students must have a combination of education and experience, typically the minimum of a bachelor’s degree and two years on-the-job training. California residents must take the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) exam.

Interior designers may also consider voluntary certification in a specific area. Specialty certifications are independent of the NCIDQ and are commonly available through professional and trade associations.

3. Learn the Basics of Interior Design

As members of a service profession, designers work with a wide range of clients and complete both commercial and residential projects. Although most favor one or the other, many designers work at least part time in both fields, or try one field for a time and switch later on in their career.

To succeed in the fast-paced interior design industry, it’s essential to not only be creative, artistic, and imaginative, but also disciplined, organized, and business-savvy. After all, interior design is about more than just achieving an aesthetic vision – it’s about finding clients and satisfying their need for a functional space; on budget and on time.  Interior designers must be comfortable meeting and dealing with potentially difficult clients. They listen effectively, convey ideas clearly, work collaboratively with contractors, architects, and service providers; and have excellent time management and budgetary skills.

About 3 out of 10 interior designers are self-employed. Many more provide design services in architecture, furniture, and in home furnishing stores. Still others perform freelance design work while holding a salaried job in design or another field.

To achieve any of these career paths, your inherent creativity and design prowess probably aren’t enough. This is an extremely competitive field, and to get noticed, you should seek a college degree in interior design, experience in the field, and professional certification.

4. Learn Formal Concepts, Methods & Theory

Formal concepts are the terms and ideas that shape your design. These include color, shape, line, texture, scale, proportion, and other concepts. Having knowledge of these terms helps you figure out how to design an interior space.

Design methods create the systematic framework for how you implement your designs. Perhaps one designer’s method includes hand-drafting and space planning while another prefers to walk around the space to be redesigned and make changes on an iPad they carry with them. It’s common for two designers to use the same design methods and come to completely different conclusions on how to design a space. That’s what makes interior design specific to each individual, and individually distinct.

Design theory attempts to attach a reason to why some designs work and others don’t. Certain colors, shapes, lines, and textures evoke different feelings. Other principles of design such as balance, symmetry, contrast, and repetition make a space desirable or undesirable, depending on how they’re used.

Interior design technique is all about “how.” How to use CAD and Google SketchUp to create floor plans, how to render drawings by hand, how to find the right furniture, and ultimately how to please the client.

5. Build a Strong Portfolio & Personal Brand

While still in design school, take high-quality photos of every completed project to start building a strong portfolio from day one of your training. Include pictures of hand-drawn sketches and drafts, sample boards, CAD and SketchUp drawings, models, as well as your resume.

An impressive portfolio is the key to landing a job after graduation, where you can continue to build your portfolio and achieve your career goals.

Get involved in career-related extracurricular activities to start crafting a personal brand. Participate in art, architecture, language arts, and other programs. Take business classes that teach you the basic fundamentals of how to run a business. The goal of self-branding is to highlight your talents, interests, and accomplishments.

A great way to start making industry connections is to become an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) student member while still in school. Participate in a local chapter or organize your own if your school doesn’t have one. Then, participate in ASID chapter events to meet future colleagues and employers, receive additional training, and get your name out there.

6. Take some pro bono projects

Interior designers, particularly those starting out, may find it difficult to get hired without existing work experience. The trouble is, of course, that it is impossible to gain experience without doing work. Many new interior designers start out by practicing their craft for free. Designers can offer their services to friends and family, or volunteer to help local non-profit services or organizations, or even small business unable to pay a professional designer. New designers can even work on their own homes. The important thing is to develop the skills needed when real paying jobs come along.

7. Look for continuing education opportunities

There are many professional certifications designers can undertake as well as staying abreast of trends and changes through attending interior design conferences. A number of institutions have certificates in specialty areas, including: sustainable design, spatial theory, corporate interior design and designing historic spaces. Furthermore, lots of conferences, workshops and summits are offered by many organizations throughout the year. The International Interior Design Association regularly hosts events, as do the American Society of Interior Designers and the Interior Design Society.

8. Continue Growing Your Skills

To certify your professional status, you must sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. To qualify to take the exam, you must have six years of combined education and professional work experience.

Technical skills, design prowess, and business knowledge aren’t learned all at once and continuing education can keep a designer's competencies and skills up-to-date. You can also participate in life-long learning through the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC), or receive training for established interior designers through a variety of nonprofit organizations. This training and business support is especially helpful for self-employed and freelance designers looking to better market their skills.