What you need to do before becoming an Interior Designer
To become an Interior Designer there are certain skills that you must have. Some of these you can learn but others must be innate, in other words you must have some natural ability and talent. Are you interested in how things look and do you have a visual awareness? Do you have some drawing ability? Are you aware of current fashion and trends in interiors? Are you passionate about interiors?
Interior Design is a highly competitive field and you need these skills before you even begin to think of training in this area. If your answers are yes then the best thing is to do some kind of course in Interior Design. Depending on what country and what district or state you live in you will require some kind of qualification or experience before being able to become an Interior Designer. In some countries or states a third level diploma or degree is required, in others an apprenticeship, internship or work experience is necessary and in some cases you need both. So check out your local requirements. A good careers advice office should be able to help or the local education board. If becoming an Interior Designer is your dream then why not contact an Interior Design Firm in your neighborhood and just ask them about the routes into the industry. Not only will this give you the information you need it will also give you an opportunity to make contacts that could be very helpful once you have actually trained or start training.
A good Interior Design course is very helpful in giving you the qualifications you may need. Even if a degree is not a requirement where you live or plan to work, a course will teach you some of the essential skills you need to become an Interior Designer. These skills include technical drawing, computer aided design (CAD), a detailed knowledge of materials used in interiors and a knowledge of some of the processes and practices involved. You also need to learn building codes and regulations, architectural and engineering basics, along with processes such as health and safety and new developments in the industry such as ergonomics. A good course should also help you to develop good business skills which are essential to work in Interior Design.
And if you decide to become an Interior Designer you will need persistence and motivation to succeed but it will be a very rewarding and interesting job that should enable you to be self motivated as you will probably work on your own. You will meet lots of interesting people and creating interiors, especially in the domestic or residential market will mean that you not only have clients but people who appreciate the work you put in to making their home. Interior Design as a career can also mean you have opportunities to travel, particularly if you end up specializing in commercial interiors. Finally becoming an Interior Designer will enable you to express yourself creatively while at the same time providing a practical service to people who need you.
