Why work for a living when you can design interiors for a living? Check out this post about interior design schools and prepare for a successful interior designing career. You may well have what it takes to be a successful interior designer! Let’s take a closer look at Interior Design Jobs and Architecture Schools.
Certification Required to Become an Interior Designer
Because of the enormity of the task at hand, twenty-two states plus the District of Columbia require licenses before you can legally practice interior design. And in order to be eligible to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam, you must have at least six years of education and work experience in the field, including two years (at least) of post-secondary education.
If your state does not require certification before you enter the field of Interior Design, you may wish to join an association with a reputable, professional standing to underscore your commitment to your career. Certainly, this would help to lure clients and attract potential employers.
An Interior Designer’s Responsibility
Interior designers are responsible for creating a functioning, safe, and attractive interior space, whether it’s a home, office, hospital, hotel, restaurant, or retail building. Indoor spaces must follow Federal, State, and local laws, and they must adhere to building codes.
Interior Design Schools and Curriculum
The curriculum at interior design schools is comprehensive. It includes the following:
* designing and sketching
* computerized design
* architecture
* basic engineering
* art history
In addition, a liberal arts background is highly recommended. Courses would include:
* business and project management
* marketing
* psychology
* communications and problem solving
When considering a career in interior design, it is important to know that you may be expected to work under pressured deadlines and be called upon to pull long hours to finish a job on time as was also the case with this stunningly beautifully designed house. The workload and intensity of the job add to the personal satisfaction one takes home at the end of the day – as well as the hefty paycheck!
But if you are a dedicated interior designer who is bursting with creative ideas on how to improve indoor spaces and if you thrive on hard work and demanding work conditions, run – don’t walk – to the interior design school of your choice!
In general, you need to have completed your high school education first, preferably with some electives in interior design or architecture, but if you haven’t got a high school credential, don’t despair! You can always register for a top-notch GED online course and earn your GED which will qualify you as well.
Architecture Schools
Want to build your future? Review these Architecture Schools and learn about how to get ahead as an architect.
There are 113 schools of architecture that offer accredited programs (approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board). That said, some state boards have devised their own systems and have set their own standards. Therefore, you must be sure you meet the educational requirements for your particular state.
It can take up to five years to earn a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Many schools offer a two-year Master of Architecture program for students with this degree or a three to four Masters program for students with an undergraduate degree in another subject.
Visual Communication Schools
Study visual communications and be creative for a living. Learn the skills and software needed for a career in visual communications and design. Topics include art, graphic design, computer animation, desktop publishing, multimedia, illustration, or photography.
A Program In Visual Communications
No matter which of the many professions within the field of visual communications you choose, you are guaranteed an exciting and dynamic career using your creativity as well as learned techniques.
Whether you choose an Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or a certificate program to hone certain skills, you will certainly find night classes if you have a day job, weekend classes if you prefer, and even some classes online. Make your program work for you so that you can begin your new career working in the imaginative field of visual communications.
A bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications is designed to prepare students with the design, marketing, and technical skills necessary to advance in the field of Visual Communications. In addition, the combination of general education, and management courses in the program will help students with applying skills in critical thinking, logic, general management, problem-solving, and communication, and when they have to solve workplace challenges.
Opportunities in Visual Communications
When you go to school in visual communications, you can focus and apply your very specialized skills to a variety of professions. Here are just a few careers you may enter upon graduation with a certificate or degree in visual communications:
Desktop Publisher
Desktop publishers use computer software to combine and format text, charts, photographs, numerical data, or other visual graphic elements for the production of publication-ready material. Developments in software and printing technology daily enhance desktop-publishing work.
It will depend on the facility but desktop publishers are also referred to as DTP operators, desktop-publishing editors, publications specialists, electronic-publishing specialists, electronic publishers, electronic prepress technicians, layout artists, image designers, compositors, typographers, or web publications designers.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. They use computer software to produce the layout and production design of print publications. They also create promotional displays and marketing brochures, logos for products and businesses, and signs for businesses and government. More and more graphic designers are developing web pages, computer interfaces, and multimedia projects.
Illustrator
Illustrators usually produce illustrations for print publications as well as commercial products like textiles, stationery, greeting cards, and calendars. Today, illustrators work in digital format as well, creating pictures directly on a computer. There are specialized illustrators in a variety of fields, like medical and scientific illustrators.