 How
to Become an Interior Designer: Tips
If you think you'd
like to become an interior designer, first ask yourself a few
important questions to make sure becoming an interior designer is all
you think its cracked up to be:
Do You Want to
Become an Interior Designer, Or Is Becoming an Interior Decorator Better
Suited to You?
Before you set out
to become an interior designer, make sure you understand that there
is a big difference between becoming an interior decorator and
becoming an interior designer. Which career is best suited for you?
The role of an interior designer involves construction and
architecture, while an interior decorator only deals with with
the aesthetic design elements of a room - wall coverings, carpet,
funiture, window coverings, decorative accent pieces, artwork, etc.
An Interior
Designer does this type of decorating as well, of course, but might
also get involved in removing walls, building an expansion, etc. was
part of the renovation process. Think of an interior designer as much
more than just a decorator - an interior designer is part Architect,
part construction contractor, and part decorator, all rolled into
one. If you want to become an Interior Designer you'll need to learn
and understand building codes and construction. The interior design
profession is regulated so to become an interior decorator you'll
also need to be licensed by passing the National Council for Interior
Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Exam.
What Type
of Interior Designer Would You Like to Become?
Next, ask
yourself, if you were to become an interior designer, what would your
ideal job be? Is there a particular architectural style, decorating
style, geographic location, or employer that attracts you? Are you
more interested in doing residential interior design or corporate
interior design? What types of clients would you prefer working with
- companies or private individuals? As an interior designer, would
you prefer working with new construction, renovations, or very old
buildings or houses? Your design taste may be better suited for some
markets than others. For example, if Southwestern architecture and
decorating are your passion, New England might not be the best place
to become an interior designer. Would you like to work for a
particular design company, or specialize in a particular style of
design? or are you most interested in a particular niche of interior
design, like hotel interior design, or interior design for
restaurants? All these questions must be consider now as you explore
how to become an interior designer so you can tailor your education,
work experience, and portfolio for your ideal career.
Are You
Good at Networking, Or Are You Willing to Learn to Be?
Networking is an
important part of how to become an interior designer. Interior
designers need to be good networkers in order to connect with the
clients that need their interior design skills and services. When you
first become an interior designer, you can begin networking through
internships, mentors, professional contacts, associations and
affiliations. As an interior designer, you can always advertise to
find new clients, but you will find work of mouth is the the more
effective, efficient, and inexpensive way to advertise your portfolio
and attract new clients.
As you set out to
launch your exciting new career, these tips on how to become an
interior designer should help to give you the edge.
See Also:
How
to Become an Interior Designer
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