Interior design startup guide: part 2
How to become an interior designer
Becoming an interior designer typically involves a degree, a specialized certification and job experience— or sometimes just an eye for design! Everyone’s path is different, but for those looking to understand how to become an interior designer this guide from Houzz Pro can help you learn more.
Education & experience requirements for interior designers
Requirements for interior designers vary based on the type of job and location. Many interior designers now earn at least a bachelor’s degree in interior design, interior architecture, or a related field, but formal education is not a must. In some states, only licensed designers can work in interior design, and other states allow unlicensed individuals to work in interior design but not to call themselves interior designers. Based on a survey conducted by Houzz in 2022, more than 3 in 5 interior designers in the U.S. hold a license or a certification with 29% having a state-level certification and 13% holding national-level certifications.
Obtaining certification can help designers stand out from the crowd, but find out if it’s right for you by exploring the information on interior design degree requirements and other qualifications below.
What do interior designers study?
An interior design education includes a variety of subjects relating to the aesthetic, technical, and business talents needed to be a well-rounded interior designer. And yes, you can major in interior design! Some example interior design courses you may take if you chose to pursue formal education are Principles of Interior Design, Color Theory & Application, Materials & Application, Drawing & Composition, Perspective & Rendering, Interior Lighting, Computer-Aided Design, Sustainable Design, Business Practices and Building Codes & Standards.
Learn more about interior design class requirements and what you learn in interior design courses by exploring the different ways to expand your knowledge below.
INTERVIEW WITH REAL DESIGN PROS
How to become an interior designer
Houzz Pro interviewed real interior designers to learn tips and tricks for breaking into the interior design industry. Watch and learn to jump start your career!
How to become a professional interior designer at a firm
Now that you have a firm grasp on interior design education requirements and qualifications, it’s time to learn about interior designer training requirements. We’re talking about hands-on interior design experience. A common career path interior designers follow is to work at an interior design firm. Working at an established firm that has a steady flow of clients can be a great start for your interior design career.
Like any career field, it is important to be knowledgeable about what to expect when looking for a job. The resources below will help prepare you to get your foot in the door and make your interior design career dreams a reality.
Interior Design Resume Tips & Examples (Video)
How to Prepare for an Interior Design Interview (Video)
What Do Interior Designers Wear to Work?
What Is the Hierarchy for Interior Design Job Titles?
Roles, Responsibilities & Job Description Template for Interior Designers
Reasons to Start Your Own Interior Design Firm
One Simple Solution for Design Pros
KEEP LEARNING
How to become an interior design business owner
Once you’ve completed all applicable interior designer certification, license and course requirements your career opportunities will be endless. While working at an interior design firm is a great option there may come a time when you want to branch out on your own.
If you decide to start your own interior design firm you will have more independence, and control over all aspects of the business, but it can be a challenging and risky endeavor. Read our next Startup Guide: How to Start Your Own Interior Design Business to learn more.
One simple solution for contractors and design pros
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