HOME

RESOURCES

EDUCATION

MARKETPLACE

NEWS

CORPORATE

SITE MAP

Q. Hi, I just graduated with a BA in psychology, turns out I should have stayed in the arts! I am looking into interior design; if I do attend school for it, would it be beneficial for me to get a job at stores like Pier 1 or Z Gallery?

A. Sure! Any situation that familiarizes you with furniture, its construction, the marketplace, how discount structures work, what works well together, what motivates people to buy, how display can make the sale, retail verses wholesale, how to manage a store, and potential pitfalls will become a great learning tool.

As an interior designer you must first be able to sell your PLAN to the client before you can design anything, so understanding sales and promotion is always helpful and almost essential to your success. Keep a watchful eye out on the top salesperson or the manager to learn what they are doing to close the sale.

There are very few situations in life where the art of selling should be ignored. Everyone who works for anyone is helping in one way or another to promote a company, whether they are actively selling a service, putting their heart and soul into creating a fine product or simply answering the telephone.

Having a degree in psychology should give you an edge.

1. What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?

The difference between a "decorator" and a "designer" occurs when an individual has a obtained a thorough interior design education to augment their natural artistic talents, learning a wide range of technical skills needed to provide a full range of interior design services. This education includes manual or CAD drafting, space planning, furniture history, furniture design, lighting calculations, ergonomics, business practices and more. Many interior design professionals, associations and organizations require licensing in order to practice as an interior designer to help consumers discern competency, prevent fraudulent practices and to protect their health, safety and welfare. See STATE AGENCIES DIRECTORY

2. What is the general educational process one must go through to get a degree in interior design?

Step #1: 4 year education in interior design
Step #2: Experience within the field under the supervision of a professional (sliding scale based on education)
Step #3: NCIDQ certification
Step #4: Application for licensing / approval / registration
Step #5: Continuing Education Units (CEU's or CEPH's) per state requirements
Step #6: Joining professional organizations

3. What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?

The difference between a "decorator" and a "designer" occurs when an individual has a obtained a thorough interior design education to augment their natural artistic talents, learning a wide range of technical skills needed to provide a full range of interior design services. This education includes manual or CAD drafting, space planning, furniture history, furniture design, lighting calculations, ergonomics, business practices and more. Many interior design professionals, associations and organizations require licensing in order to practice as an interior designer to help consumers discern competency, prevent fraudulent practices and to protect their health, safety and welfare. See STATE AGENCIES DIRECTORY

4. Is it hard to get your career started?

Getting a job with an interior design firm, under the supervision of certified professional, is extremely helpful. It will help you qualify for the National Council of Interior Design Qualifications examination. And, you will gain insight from someone who has "been there and done that." There is much to learn when putting theory into practice. How does one secure a contract? For that matter, how does one write a contract? What should you be aware of? What are typical procedures for working with suppliers and vendors? How does the industry really work? A professional "mentor" can share with you their knowledge, and you have the opportunity to contribute from the initial meeting with a client to the final walk-through. Channel your abilities by determine specialties you might develop. Entertainment, Hospitality, Residential, Kitchen and Bath, Retail are a few to consider.

5. What type of advancement opportunities are available in interior design?

Interior design can be fanciful, but it also entails business ethics, codes, regulations and standards. While providing the means for many to be creative, independent and self-employed, interior design is also "Big Business" and not without drawbacks. Like any artistic endeavor, those motivated to create will find fulfillment in the exploration, the challenge and the accomplishment of a job well done. The ebb and flow of the building industry has a direct influence on the demand for services. Location, as with all business, is also a factor. Education will has an impact. Salary ranges are wide. Developing a specialty will help differentiate you in the marketplace. Ultimately, you can steer your career in almost any direction, if you make the decision and follow through on a plan.

6. What area of interior design or interior design specialty would be best, based on my education and background?

The area most appropriate for you will combine all your abilities, while creating a unique specialty. This will enable you to differentiate yourself from your competition. Interior design specialties are being created all the time, besides the obvious differences between commercial, residential, hospitality, etc. Ex: Historic Preservation, Kitchen/Bath, Home Entertainment/Theater, Feng Shui, etc. Zero in on what you like the most, what will set you apart from the pack and what you do best. A little experience in the real world may also help, but having a sense of direction will help guide you to obtaining the right experiences, thereby fostering your growth and reinforcing a chosen specialty.

7. What are some difficulties of interior design?

Obtaining quality workmanship and services by workrooms, meeting deadlines, marketing interior design services effectively, time and project management, handling insurances, damages and warranties.

8. What is a typical work day like?

If you are beginning in an entry level position, you will be requested to help with ALL other tasks needed to help management maintain orderly files, finalize presentations, research products and maybe even clean the office for a presentation. Much depends on your position with a firm. If you are the owner you will have many additional responsibilities in conjunction with design including hiring, marketing, accounting and overall management, not to mention securing new clients. If you are a project manager you will be primarily responsible for handling specific jobs and in some cases, also helping to secure new clients.

During the life of a project there are many phases. Generally they consist of: • Meeting the client, presenting the firm, the terms of service and securing a contract. • Learning a client's likes, dislikes, wants, and desires, needs and goals. • Analyzing the space/s, identifying potential problems or accentuating the attributes. • Establishing priorities and deciding on a specific direction for the project. • Developing space planning, specifications, cost-estimates, etc. • Presenting a design and/or alternates. • Discussing the pro's and con's and refining the project. • Cost-estimating and ordering. • Follow-up, delivery, installation supervision, repairs, warranties, and customer service.

9. I am considering enrolling in a distance learning program. What do I need to know?

Distance learning can be especially helpful for individuals not living near a viable traditional program or to those who are working full-time or raising children, while trying to achieve a valid degree. And, as more schools begin to offer distance learning programs they will become more readily accepted. A primary concern regarding distance learning is the lack of interaction one has with their peers and professors, which provide additional learning opportunities and insight into one's ability to compete. However, if you pursue and achieve National Council for Interior Design {NCIDQ) certification you will have proof of your competency in the field. Therefore, we strongly recommend considering programs, which will prepare you for this certification. We suggest speaking directly with individuals who have completed a specific program for their feedback, as well as professors and graduates of distance learning and traditional programs to have a complete understanding of the advantages and disadvantages.

10. What are the best universities to attend to become a professional interior designer?

Determining the "BEST" program for your needs includes several factors:
• CIDA ACCREDITATION or programs exceeding their minimum standards
• Teacher vs. Student Ratio
• Availability of Computer Technology, i.e. CAD, etc.
• Amount of Architectural Training
• Reputation
• Nationally Recognized Interior Design Graduates
• Location, Cost of Tuition and Living Expenses
• Interior Design Specialty under consideration

11. What are CIDA's requirements?

Each Interior Design program in consideration for professional accreditation by CIDA must respond to several standards of education identified as significant in interior design education. With each standard, a number of associated "indicators" serve as criteria for review. 

12. Is it mandatory to attend a CIDA/FIDER accredited program?

The Center of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), formerly known as The Foundation for Interior Design Research (FIDER) establishes accreditation for interior design programs in North America who meet their curriculum and staff guidelines or requirements. The evaluation process can take up to two years and programs with CIDA accreditation are reviewed periodically to insure their standards are being met on a continual basis. It is not mandatory to attend a CIDA accredited program, but it does offer a guide to well-rounded interior design curriculums. Their standards can be used as a guide when investigating and comparing curriculums of various colleges. Traditionally, 4-year programs are considered most valuable, as a series of lower division classes provide fundamentals such as basic drawing, architectural drafting, beginning design and so forth, before entering upper division.

13. What does NCIDQ require to qualify for their exam?

The National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) certifies professional interior designers within North America and this certification is accepted by states and provinces requiring licensing as proof of competency in the field of interior design. "Education is evaluated on a review of college or university transcript(s) and, when necessary, copies of course descriptions from the college or university catalog in force at the beginning of course work. The experience requirement is evaluated as follows: In reviewing applications, full-time employment is defined as not fewer than 35 hours per week. It is recommended that employment be under the supervision of a full time interior design practitioner who is either NCIDQ certified, a licensed architect, or an interior designer recognized by a state/provincial regulatory agency. For candidates in an interior design program of study, time worked as a student intern/co-op in the field of interior design prior to graduation will be credited at one-half the time earned, with a maximum credit not to exceed the equivalent of one year of full time employment. (This only applies to candidates who did not receive educational credit for the intern/co-op experience.)"

14. Why is NCIDQ important, especially when it comes to distance learning programs?

Distance learning is a relatively new educational approach, and while it is a enticing alternative as more programs are being offered, it is essential, when considering those offered abroad to establish whether or not they will prepare you adequately to practice interior design in North America. CIDA has jurisdiction in North America and does not have jurisdiction in other countries, therefore, the only other point of reference to compare these programs is to establish whether or not they are accepted by the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications.

15. What does an interior designer typically earn per year?

16. Which professional journals and organizations should I know about in this field?

Interiors & Sources, ASID ICON or any professional organization publication promoting licensing of the interior design profession are important. Architectural Digest, Southern Accents, Coastal Magazine and many other shelter magazines offer exceptional examples of interior design projects where you can discover trends and innovative approaches. ASID, IIDA and other associations offer students, allied, industry and professional memberships with networking opportunities, continuing educational programs, competitions, and more, but they do not establish accreditation of interior design educational curriculums, nor do they provide professional testing or licensure. Nevertheless, they offer many valuable services and opportunities to get involved in your community and at the national level, if you so desire.

17. What kind of growth patterns do you see in interior design?

Technological advances, coupled with the increased expense to establish and operate these innovations seamlessly in the home and at the workplace will create additional specialties in home automation, home theater, conference facilities, entertainment and hospitality projects, among other scenarios. The increased buying power of women will influence the types of services and products offered, while an aging population will require ergonomic and accessible solutions to meet their needs. The effects of global warming on the planet will increase the demand of sustainable "GREEN" products and services.

18. What are the differences between an "interior architecture" and an "interior design" degree?

Interior Architecture is a degree in architecture with an emphasis in interior design. You will be trained and tested as an architect. Architects have coined the word to create ambiguity between the professional differences of an architect and an interior designer. You may not use the term "architect" in the professional sense, unless you are one. Unfortunately, the same does not apply for the term "interior designer," unless state law requires mandatory licensing of interior designers to practice.

The term take-off refers to the act of estimating to establish a quantity of materials needed for the project. This includes measuring walls to determine the number of widths and, in turn, lengths of the wallpaper needed to formulate the number of rolls required to complete the job. It also refers to the wall area to be covered by a special painted finish. And, the term will be used when calculating a specific quantity of floor covering, either by the square foot or square yard. It is often "taken-off" of a scaled floor plan or elevation.

21. We are seeking showroom representation nationally and have downloaded the Dezignare' Design Center List from your Website. Do you offer showroom listings in these centers as well? Perhaps you can offer a good method for contacting showrooms that would benefit from our product in their showroom.

While the Dezignare’ Design Center Directory features hyperlinks and/or contact information to a substantial list of Design Centers free of charge, we do not maintain a listing of showrooms in each design center. This is actually better addressed by a Design Center themselves, since the information will be changing on an ongoing basis. Therefore, we suggest visiting each site featured in our Directory to see if they offer the information. Often you will find contacts for each showroom. This may or may not include a Website of each individual showroom. Many design centers will publish a mailing list or directory, which you may request. But, you still need to identify which showroom/s best fits your product line. This may be better handled by attending the largest design center (closest to you) during the next market date. Make it a priority to cover the building from top to bottom; meet showroom managers, discuss you product line and go beyond the design center itself to outlying trade showrooms while you canvas the area. It may take a day or a few days, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes, but you will gain the essential information to help you make the right decision in half the time. A showroom in San Francisco will often have a showroom in New York, in Chicago and so on, so getting hooked up with the right showroom/s will provide the distribution network you seek.

26. I am not interesting in getting a career in interior design. I am retired and as far as I know I need help in interior decorating for my own house. I have three main problems, but cannot afford an interior designer or decorator, but am very interested in what I can do. If you have any advice on where I can get help I would be overjoyed. I have spent a lot of money on books and magazines, but there is still that little something missing.

Thanks for contacting us. Decorating is a lot of fun! And yet, knowing how to put a room together successfully is more difficult than it appears “on the surface.” If you are trying to achieve a designer look without hiring a designer, as you mentioned, looking through books or magazines, watching home decorating shows and visiting show houses can be helpful. And, we can understand the “unfinished” feeling you express and your desire to create a wonderful space. Everyone loves a thing of beauty, right? Nonetheless, we also believe a professional interior designer is EXACTLY what you need. The outcome (for your space) is directly affected by what currently exists and it is virtually impossible to accurately communicate a viable solution without seeing a space. If you have an interior designer visit with you, listen to your concerns, evaluate your existing situation and help you to establish a plan, they can head you down the right path, whether you decide to do it yourself or have them assist you. Spending an hour or two with an interior designer for an educated opinion could save you time, anguish and prevent you from spending money on mistakes. In generally, for every space, we recommend looking at what you have objectively, remove what doesn’t work, organize your space and eliminate clutter, be sure things function as they should, disguise faults and accentuate strengths in the space, improve lighting, and bring color into your life in a big way.

Thank you for contacting us and for your compliments, which are greatly appreciated. In our archives we offer an article “No Experience and Looking for Work” on www.dezignare.com/newsletter/work.html, which outlines several ways to begin a job search. Interestingly, the best place to start looking for a “materials library job” will be in your local library.

28. I recently got my Bachelor's in Political Science. Now I live in New York and my previous education doesn't make much sense to continue. Can I apply for Master's program in Interior Design in my situation or do I have to start over my? Please help, I'm very confused.

You pose a very good question. We believe you will need a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design to have a good foundation. A Master’s Degree builds upon a Bachelor’s degree to develop an expertise in a special area of study, i.e. Historic Restoration, Hospitality, Healthcare, etc.

With a Bachelor’s the majority of classes a student takes during the freshman and sophomore year are common to all undergraduate students. These “basic” classes are mixed in with specific preparatory classes for upper division or junior/senior year. Therefore, if you go for another Bachelor’s Degree (a double-major) those basic lower division classes could apply to your second degree. All the hours from the previous degree that apply to the new degree will save you hours and many dollars.

BUT, you will need to send your transcript to the various schools you are considering to see how many hours they will accept from your first degree towards this second “new” degree. Each school operates differently based on how they structure their curriculum and their courses. You could be required to complete all the lower division classes before you can enter upper division. This might require a year part-time, but then you could enter school full-time to complete the last two years of a new major. Again, please consult the schools you are considering for their feedback.

You may not have to start over completely; it might only take 2.5 years to get another Bachelor’s Degree and in our opinion, this would be the best way to go, as there is a great deal to learn.

One final note: Carefully examine and compare the schools you are considering: their campus, class structure, teacher and curriculum accreditation, location and affordability. Go for the one that looks like a good fit for you, but not the one that looks easiest.