Interior Design Schools
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Interior Design Careers > QualificationsQualifications | Employment | Compensation | Job Outlook | Career Center Home Creativity is crucial in all design occupations. People in this field must have a strong sense of the esthetic—an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an appreciation for beauty. Despite the advancement of computer-aided design, sketching ability remains an important advantage in most types of design, especially fashion design. A good portfolio—a collection of examples of a person's best work—often is the deciding factor in getting a job. A bachelor's degree is required for most entry-level design positions, except for floral design and visual merchandising. Esthetic ability is important for floral design and visual merchandising, but formal preparation typically is not necessary. Many candidates in industrial design pursue a master's degree to better compete for open positions. Interior design is the only design field subject to government regulation. According to the American Society for Interior Designers, 19 States and the District of Columbia require interior designers to be licensed or registered. Passing the National Council for Interior Design qualification examination is required for licensure. To take the exam, one must complete at least 2 years of postsecondary education in design, at least 2 years of practical work experience in the field, plus additional related education or experience to total at least 6 years of combined education and experience in design. Because licensing is not mandatory in all States, membership in a professional association is an indication of an interior designer's qualifications and professional standing—and can aid in obtaining clients. Formal training for some design professions also is available in 2- and 3-year professional schools that award certificates or associate degrees in design. Graduates of 2-year programs normally qualify as assistants to designers. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is granted at 4-year colleges and universities. The curriculum in these schools includes art and art history, principles of design, designing and sketching, and specialized studies for each of the individual design disciplines, such as garment construction, textiles, mechanical and architectural drawing, computerized design, sculpture, architecture, and basic engineering. A liberal arts education, with courses in merchandising, business administration, marketing, and psychology, along with training in art, is recommended for designers who want to freelance. Additionally, persons with training or experience in architecture qualify for some design occupations, particularly interior design. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design currently accredits about 200 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design; most of these schools award a degree in art. Some award degrees in industrial, interior, textile, graphic, or fashion design. Many schools do not allow formal entry into a bachelor's degree program until a student has successfully finished a year of basic art and design courses. Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability. The Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDR) also accredits interior design programs and schools. Currently, there are more than 120 accredited professional programs in the United States and Canada, primarily located in schools of art, architecture, and home economics. Individuals in the design field must be creative, imaginative, persistent, and able to communicate their ideas in writing, visually, and verbally. Because tastes in style and fashion can change quickly, designers need to be well-read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure are important traits. People in this field need self-discipline to start projects on their own, to budget their time, and to meet deadlines and production schedules. Good business sense and sales ability also are important, especially for those who freelance or run their own business. Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training, and normally need 1 to 3 years of training before they can advance to higher-level positions. Experienced designers in large firms may advance to chief designer, design department head, or other supervisory positions. Some designers become teachers in design schools and colleges and universities. Many faculty members continue to consult privately or operate small design studios to complement their classroom activities. Some experienced designers open their own firms. |
