Architectural Designs

Do i really need a degree to become an interior designer?

I LOVE interior designing. I've been very creative since i was a child. But currently im doing a degree in health management. I would love to follow my dreams and instead open an at home office and start and interior design business. Does this really require a degree? or no? please help. or are there diplomas/certificates i can do?

Public Comments

1. It will always help to have the appropriate certificates in the field you focus on in business, because people will "take you seriously" and be prepared to pay more for your service. However, if you are passionate and motivated enough to go ahead without the certificate, then you are almost if not just as equipped. Starting off with family and friends is best, because they will actively spread the word of your 'wonderful business'. From her the ball will start rolling, and if you are good, you will slowly build a positive reputation and potentially go as far as those who have the certificates. But ask yourself before you go ahead 'am I willing to put in that extra work without the certificate?'. Keep in mind that it can only take ten weeks to complete an interior design course and have a diploma. http://www.theinteriordesignacademy.com/index.asp?gclid=CL-Vw9GmoaECFQgSawod7EoWyQ -Click on "Free Prospectus Click Here". Good luck!
2. well at-least you should have enough information about 1-Drawing plan 2D and 3D 2-Fabric material 3-Building material 4-Gardening and landscape 5-Furniture and styles 6-Paint and colors 7-Electrical and plumbing features 8-Carpentry and custom jobs 9-Molding (wood and plaster) 10-Tiles- counter tops(marbles) carpet and flooring
3. Yes. It is an important aspect of gaining success in this area of discipline. Through a degree, a person's innate talents, creativity and imagination will be honed and further improved. The different courses will let you harness your potential as well as apply the abilities that you have learned along the way.
4. YES! To become an "Interior Designer", you not only need to get a degree from a design school or university that is FIDER accredited (FIDER is the abbreviation for the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research. Its purpose is to accredit interior design programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree), but you need to take a test and pass it to get your NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualifications). The test is really difficult and has questions relating not only to design as used in applications anbd projects but also questions regarding building codes and structures. Each state has a different test. Florida and California's are extra tough because they have extreme buildnig codes that have to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. Texas's test is pretty tough too. Only once you've gotten your degree and passed the NCIDQ can you then call yourself an "Interior Designer". If you haven't met those requirements and you call yourself that, especially in print (ads, business cards, etc.) you can get sued and will never be allowed to become an interior designer. However, you can call yourself a Design Consultant, Interior Decorator or just plain Designer without having your NCIDQ or any degree. You just don't have the clout that comes with it. Honestly, most people don't realize that the only real money that is made for interior designers is if they are a partner or own their own company. Most underlings do nothing but research codes and call to check on the availibility of fabrics, products, etc. all day - it's very boring. Plus it's not much money at all. There is very little creativity involved. I'm not trying to be a downer, just want to shed some facts on the reality. There are actually very few Kelly Wearstlers out there, mostly people that do a lot of grunt work. I don't know where you live, but if you live in/near a big metropolitan city I'm sure you can find a high-end design showroom or funriture store that employs people as design consultants. You basically meet with people and help them put together entire rooms at their home or just maybe a few furniture pieces and accessories.You can try your hand at that to see if you like it. Depending upon the company and how good you are at it, you can make pretty good money.