Interior design jobs are one of the most sought-after jobs in contemporary society. It allows people to be creative and innovative while fetching them tons of money. People need interior designers to help them maximize the potential of their space while giving them an aesthetics look without compromising functionality. You can even work remotely as an interior designer by getting jobs online.
Although many people want to pursue a professional career in the interior design niche, some are always confused about how to go about it. In this regard, we have teamed up with professionals from job aggregator Jooble to explore how you can start such a career without any challenges.
How To Become an Interior Designer
A degree is usually required to become a licensed interior designer. This degree covers classes on design, drawing, and the use of technology to create designs. Basic knowledge of architecture, building, and cost analysis is also taught in this degree program.
Many universities offer a bachelor’s degree in interior design. However, it takes a minimum of four years to complete the course.
How to Become an interior designer without a Degree
Interior designing is one of the rewarding career paths you can explore, even if you don’t have any academic qualifications. All you need to thrive in this profession is your sense of design and artistic coordination.
Are you interested in starting a career in interior decoration without going to college? These are steps that you can take to achieve the dream:
Learn about the job of an Interior Designer
Knowledge is key. Learning is also essential in any job. However, you need to deeply understand the position and what is required of you as you proceed in your journey. Some things you need to know include conceptualizing designs, determining the costs for carrying out a project and setting project timelines.
Interior designers also source materials, create plans, and inspect projects. They work in tandem with the objectives and functions of the building in relationship with the design.
Learn the required Skills
Apart from learning the nitty-gritty of the profession, interior design also necessitates having some skills. Some of these skills are related to interior designing, while most are related to building a business with it.
One of the skills that you need to have as an interior designer is creativity. Creativity enables you to produce unique and creative designs. It also helps you meet challenges thrown your way as a creative designer. Creativity is an inborn talent for some people, while it comes with years of practice for others.
Another skill you need to succeed as an interior designer is customer relations skills. The impact of customer relations cannot be overstretched; it is the soul of businesses. In interior design, designers are likely to meet with clients a lot. Therefore, you should learn how to connect and relate with customers as a startup. You can employ a professional customer relations officer as you grow.
Gain practical knowledge
A great approach to learning interior design’s nitty-gritty is gaining practical knowledge. You can intern with an interior design company to get hands-on knowledge. You can also do practical training with a professional interior designer.
Practice
Every skill needs to be practiced to make you better. Interior designing as a skill also requires constant practice. Continuous training will help you get better at what you do. You can start practicing interior designing in your own space. You can also offer to help friends and families design their spaces for free.
Start as a subcontractor
You can start your interior design career by taking contract jobs under other interior designers. Some designers have a lot of jobs, and they might need the help of other designers to do them. Your input is to relieve them while gaining experience and building a portfolio for yourself.
Build your Portfolio
Another thing you need to do is to build a portfolio for yourself. Your portfolio includes your best designs, skills, methods, and expertise. Your portfolio is the first thing you forward to clients to make them see why they should employ you.
You can curate your portfolio by yourself over time or ask for a professional’s help in curating an attractive portfolio. You should put the best part of your job in the portfolio appealingly without adding anything false or overselling yourself.
Take Courses
Though you do not plan to go to college to become an interior designer, it does not mean the education is useless. You can take interior design courses, which can take you days to six months to complete. You can even take some of these courses online, right from the comfort of your home. The certificates you obtain after completing the course can help raise your value as an interior designer.
Grow Your Network
The effect of networking in the modern world cannot be over-emphasized. Your network can determine how many jobs you get, the type of clients you have, and how far your business can reach.
However, you can do a few things to grow your network. One of these things includes joining professional associations for interior designers, like the American Society of Interior Designers. You can also grow your network by attending seminars, workshops, and conferences. You can also use social media to grow your network and interior design career.
Conclusion
Unlike most professions, you do not need a college degree to become an interior designer. However, you can learn about the job hands-on and become an expert by following the above steps. It will also help if you join interior design organizations to help grow your network.