Having an interior design degree can put someone at the forefront of a lucrative career. The problem is, some people jump head first into obtaining a degree in interior design before they really know what the degree is all about, and before they know the jobs that they are eligible for once they have their interior design degree. There is nothing worse than having a degree and not being able to do something with it.
Not many people will argue with the fact that most interior designers have a talent that cannot be taught. Even if that is true, most employers require that candidates have at least an associates interior design degree. An associates degree takes two years to complete at a vocational or technical college, however a bachelor’s degree can also be achieved, and is recommended by most. An associated degree in interior design usually consists of 66 credit hours. Courses in drafting, math, architecture, business, people skills, personal relations, customer service, fashion design, and more, are required to obtain an interior design degree. Keep in mind that an associates degree in interior design in only entry level and may only get an interior designer a position as an interior designer's assistant. After college and interior designer is still considered, in most cases, to be inexperienced. After two to three years of on the job training as an apprentice, the interior designer will be considered a professional. This is not true in every situation, but it is the standard practice for this occupation. There are many online degree programs that allow students to receive an interior design degree online at their own pace.
There are many tasks that interior designers carry out on a day to day basis. There is more to interior design than matching colors, and sketching designs. Of course, interior designers have to be able to work well with their clients. Almost everything will be approved by the client before the designer can move forward with the project. An designer has to plan out spacing, work with subcontractors, order supplies and materials, be able to work under stressful conditions, think on the spot, and more. Interior decorators need extensive knowledge in Customer and Personal Service, design, administration and management, sales and marketing, clerical skills, computers and electronics, building and construction, mathematics, and production and processing.
As of 2006, there were 72,000 active interior designers in the United States. That number is expected to grow to 105,000 interior designers by the year 2016. Interior design is growing at a “faster than the average” rate over other US occupations. In 2006, the midpoint annual average salary for an interior designer was $42,260. In order to work in this field, a passing grade on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam is required for registration or licensure in most states. This is an important step in getting a job as in interior designer. All this information is important to know when considering obtaining an interior design degree.
Interior Design Degree Resources:
• American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
• International Interior Design Association |
