In today’s world, it seems like everyone wants to be a “designer.” From fashion designers to furniture makers, the demand for high-quality design has never been higher. But while many people consider becoming an artist, others choose to focus their talents on creating beautiful spaces instead of clothes or accessories.
If you are thinking about creating a space that is more than just functional, then the best way to do so is by choosing to become a licensed interior designer. The truth is, there are lots of opportunities in the field of interior design, and being a certified professional can help you stand out from other candidates who aren’t as qualified.
Below we will give you 6 great options when it comes to obtaining your first degree in interior design. You may be wondering why you would need to go back to school to learn how to create a stunning home, but the fact is, there are a lot of things involved in designing spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and even offices.
What Is Interior Designing?
You might be wondering whether you need to know anything about interior design before you start your career. After all, you don’t want to spend money on a hobby that isn’t useful. So, here’s everything you should know.
First of all, you’ll have to decide exactly what type of job you’re looking for. If you want to work in an office environment, then you will most likely need to learn how to draw plans. On the other hand, if you would like to become a fashion designer, then you may need to study the history of the industry.
In addition, you should make sure that you can afford the cost of tuition. You also shouldn’t expect to get a full-time position right away. Instead, you should try to secure a part-time job while studying.
It is possible to combine both jobs at the same time. For example, you could be an interior decorator and a graphic artist.
If you’d rather pursue one of these careers, then it is important to choose the area that you feel most passionate about. This will help you to avoid wasting your time on subjects that aren’t interesting to you.
Finally, remember to take some courses to boost your skills. While you are learning new things, you won’t be able to focus on any of your studies.
What Is an Interior Designer?
An interior designer can be someone who creates the look of your home. If you want to know more about this career, here are some things you should consider before you decide to become one.
First of all, you need to make sure that you have the right education. This means that you must get a degree from an accredited college or university. You will also need to take courses in art and design.
If you want to work in the field of interior design, you might find yourself doing some research. Many different companies hire interior designers. So, you can use the Internet to find out where you could apply for a job.
You should also keep in mind that most people don’t like working with a professional decorator. Therefore, you must choose a company that offers quality service.
A good way to determine whether or not you’re qualified to do this kind of work is to ask your friends or family members. They will tell you if they think that you’re capable of creating the perfect atmosphere for them.
You may even want to read books about interior design. Many authors write books on how to create a certain type of environment.
How It Can Level Up Your Career?
Creativity, imagination, and innovation. If you believe that you have a creative, futuristic, imaginative, and artistic approach to the things around you, then you can think of interior designing as a career path. Taking an interior designing course will help you professionalize your creative skills.
- Create Bold Spaces. “Most people are afraid of going and painting everything and I understand. …
- Add Meaningful Artwork. If you find a piece of art you fall in love with, just buy it. …
- Set the Mood With Statement Lighting. …
- Define Spaces With Area Rugs.
In addition, you also learn a lot about other aspects of life such as construction, engineering, and many others.
So, if you’re thinking of starting a career in interior design, then don’t hesitate. Just go ahead and do it!
What Are the Most Popular Interior Design Certifications?
If you want to be successful in the world of interior design, then you need to know what is expected of you. You can’t just show up at a job interview with no idea of what you’re doing. The same goes for any other career.
There are many different ways to become an expert in your field. For example, you could take classes, attend seminars, and read books. Or, you might choose to get certified by taking courses and exams. If you want to make sure that you have the right credentials, then you should check out these top-rated programs.
Certification is one of the best ways to prove that you are capable of performing a certain task. When you complete the required number of hours, then you will receive certification. This means that you’ll be able to use the title of Certified Professional on your business card or resume.
In addition, getting certified can help you earn more money. Many employers prefer to hire people who hold specific certifications.
When it comes to choosing between the various interior design certification programs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the program is accredited. Accreditation ensures that the course content has been evaluated and approved.
Next, you should consider whether or not the program offers a certificate.
Let’s discuss the most important certifications to consider as an interior designer.
1. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is one of the most respected and important certifications in the interior design industry. It’s considered the highest certification for interior designers. You can use this certification to officially call yourself an interior designer instead of an interior decorator. Becoming an NCIDQ-certified interior designer means that you have the proven skill set to understand and correctly apply the current codes that have been established to protect the public in matters of health, safety, and welfare. By becoming NCIDQ certified, you receive professional recognition, but that’s not the only reason to pursue it. Some states require that interior designers hold an NCIDQ license to practice.
In addition to proving that you have expert-level knowledge in all aspects of interior design, an NCIDQ certification comes with a higher paycheck. On average, NCIDQ-certified interior designers annually make $16,000 more than uncertified interior designers. With this certification, you’ll also be more likely to land a job at a respected firm.
Before you can apply to take the NCIDQ exam, you must meet education requirements, specifically post-secondary education. The most commonly accepted degree is an interior design degree from a CIDA or Non-CIDA accredited school. However, the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) will also accept a diploma, certificate, or degree in architecture from a NAAB, CACB, Non-NAAB, or Non-CACB school. Eligibility requires official transcripts that reflect a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter credit hours of post-secondary interior design coursework.
Before applying to take the NCIDQ exam, a candidate must also have earned work experience. The amount of experience varies based on the degree, from two years full-time to four years full-time.
2. International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
The WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) certification is a credential signifying one’s expert status in the WELL Building Standard™ (WELL™), specifically in the areas of human health and wellness. Those with this certification understand the built environment’s impact on well-being and seek to improve human health and mental well-being whenever possible.
Why earn a WELL AP credential? For interior designers who wish to convey their commitment to human health advancement, earning a WELL AP certification demonstrates advocacy. It can also open up new opportunities for networking with the 10,000+ other WELL APs around the globe.
To become a WELL AP, a candidate must first meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the WELL AP v2 exam and then pass it. This exam has 150 multiple-choice questions, and to be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age or older.
The exam costs $299.
3. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
If you’re environmentally conscious and committed to sustainability, you may want to become LEED accredited.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Becoming LEED accredited (interior designers are accredited, and buildings are certified) is a two-part process.
The first step is to become a LEED Green Associate. Earning this credential will prove you have a solid understanding of green building principles and practices. The LEED Green Associate exam is comprised of 100 multiple-choice questions and is two hours in length. You’ll need to display an aptitude for LEED Process, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Project Surroundings Public Outreach.
The LEED Green Associate exam fee is $250 ($100 for students and $200 for members of the U.S. Green Building Council, or the USGBC). There are no prerequisites or eligibility requirements.
4. American Lighting Specialist (ALA)
The Lighting Specialist (LS) designation is a special certification awarded to individuals with proven knowledge of residential lighting.
Lighting has a major impact on the space you design and how your clients will interact with and in that space. This specialization can put you in a different league from other designers and offer you a higher salary than those without an education in architectural lighting.
To earn this designation, you must purchase and review the Residential Lighting Training Manual and then pass an exam. The manual covers eight topics: Introduction to Lighting, Light Sources, Decorative Lighting Fixtures, Electricity and Lighting Controls, Architectural Lighting Fixtures, Fundamentals of Lighting Design, and Lighting Recommendations.
5. American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (AAHID)
If you’re planning to specialize in the healthcare industry, particularly acute, ambulatory, or residential care, consider earning a CHID credential. The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (AAHID) administers the CHID Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® exam. Earning this certification shows that you are an expert in healthcare interior design or healthcare architecture.
To become a CHID Certified Healthcare Interior Designer®, you must apply by May 1st. The exam can be taken between September 1 – 30. For eligibility, you can take one of two pathways.
Pathway 1 requires a minimum of three years of experience in healthcare interior design or healthcare architecture. You must also have the NCIDQ or NCARB certification.
Pathway 2 requires at least ten years of experience in healthcare interior design or healthcare architecture, but no other certification is required.
The CHID exam is a multiple-choice exam that covers acute care, ambulatory care, and residential healthcare facilities and costs a total of $400. The application fee is $100, and the examination is $300.
6. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Should you become a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)? If you do, you’ll become part of a huge network of over 140,000 members, which you can rely on to grow your business connections.
The NABH offers over a dozen certifications, including Certified Green Professional (CGP)™ and Graduate Master Remodeler.
To become a Certified Green Professional (CGP), you’ll need to complete the required curriculum, have a minimum of two years’ worth of building industry experience, complete and submit a CGP graduation application, and agree to the CGP Code of Ethics. Graduation fees start at $75 for members ($110 for non-members) for the standard option. For the premium option (which gives you a customized CGP plaque, lapel pin, ribbon, and consumer brochures), NAHB members pay $145 (non-members pay $218). The renewal fee is $65 for members ($95 for non-members).
To become a Certified Graduate Remodeler (GCR), you’ll need to meet the following requirements: Have a minimum of five years’ worth of experience in the remodeling business, completion of the Professional Remodeler Experience Profile (PREP), completion of the courses required by the results of the PREP, completion of the GCR graduation application, and agreed adherence to the GCR Code of Ethics. Additionally, you will be required to submit proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, a valid business license (if state-required), and a letter of sponsorship from your employer.
The National course fee for classes at IBS or other NAHB-sponsored events is $279 for members ($419 for non-members). Additional course fees include the National online PREP fee of $95 and any local course fees that are determined by the HBA or educational license holder who holds the classes. Graduation fees start at $75 for members ($110 for non-members) for the standard option. For the premium graduation option, which includes a customized GCR plaque, lapel pin, ribbon, and consumer brochures, members pay $145 (non-members pay $218). Annual renewal fees are $65 for members ($95 for non-members).