Architectural Designs

Is Interior Design right for me?

Hello, I am 15 and I dream of the day I decorate my home and I've always wanted to decorate my mother's home, and I think interior design would be the perfect job for me. I want to get a little bit more info. About it to see what it would take to be a interior designer. How much do they make? Is it hard to fine a job? Do they have offices? Do they have to find clients or can they work under some one and be told what to do? How many years of education would it take? I would love if anyone could answer my questions Please/Thank You :) :)

Public Comments

1. Yes, they have offices. What you can do now to prepare yourself for studying interior design is to do well in school so that you'll be accepted in the school that you eventually apply to. Pay special attention to math, because that is one of the requirements for interior design school. Interior design isn't only about aesthetics but also about understanding and calculating materials and construction, lighting, plumbing, appliances and electrical wiring---especially in this age of complex digital gadgets. So hit the books and good luck! Another job you might be interested in would be real estate professional home stager: http://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/
2. 1. What you earn is up to you & how you take your career. You may make more being self-employed, but you need to determine whether you are the type to have your own business or whether you like structure more. Are you a leader or a follower??? 2. It's easier to find a job in larger markets. In smaller markets, or when you start out, it might be good to work for a furniture store that has designers. It's really a good way to feel out the real world. Or work at one for your internship. 3. Some of us have offices if we work for someone else. Many independent designers work from home. 4. You are always networking for clients, whether you're employed or independent. Working for a furniture store, of course they come to you in store. 5. You can get a 2 or 4 yr degree. The 4 yr degree gets more into architecture. Math IS involved, but believe me, I'm horrible at math but in this field that is my passion, it's a piece of cake. After you graduate, you will want to be certified & licensed by your state. This requires extensive exams by ASID. THIS is the hardest part. It's like a lawyer passing the bar exam. If you have ASID certification, you will have ongoing education through them & support, & will most likely be able to write your own ticket in the field. Begin NOW by getting to know how to use 3D layouts, elevations, & developing a portfolio. Create mood boards. mydeco.com is very good. Read every design magazine you can. Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Dwell, Interior Design Magazine, etc. (You can probably access these at the library & also classic design books) Learn to love & appreciate every style of decor...do not limit yourself. Reflect this understanding in your portfolio. Learn design language & rationale, because you'll need this for presentations. Study classic designers like Dorothy Draper & Billy Baldwin. Suzanne Kasler is a great current designer to follow. Learn about lighting, scale & balance, & color theory. SOME HGTV is worth viewing - Designer's Challenge, David Bromstad, Genevieve Gorder, Candace Olsen (especially). Most of all...be a good communicator & hone this skill. In addition to Interior Design courses, take Business, Sociology & Psychology, Media, Marketing. And know this - you will never stop learning. It's a fascinating & widespread field containing many nuances. If it's yur true PASSION, you will be successful & rewarded.