Education Paths for Aspiring Interior Designers
Advice and Insights from MCI Owner & Founder, Mackenzie Collier
Embarking on a career in interior design is an exciting journey, but with so many educational paths to choose from, it can feel overwhelming at first. In our latest blog post, we're here to shed light on the various education routes available to aspiring interior designers. Whether you're dreaming of creating cozy homes, luxurious hotels, or vibrant retail spaces, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore the diverse educational options, helping you navigate the maze and find the perfect path to turn your design dreams into reality.
Career Paths in Interior Design
Before diving into education options, it’s essential to understand the different career paths available to interior designers and consider what you want to do with your degree. Where do you see yourself working? How do you want to apply your education? Below, we’ll review some common career paths pursued by individuals with an interior design education…
Small/Boutique Interior Design Firm
Work in a small boutique firm where you’ll have the freedom to engage in the entire interior design process for residential or commercial projects. Projects are typically residential homes, small businesses, local businesses and startups. While these positions may not pay as much as a corporate design firm, you will gain more hands-on experience.
Large/Corporate Design Firm
Join a larger corporate firm handling high-budget projects like airports, hospitals, and hotels, albeit with potentially limited creative freedom. These firms may offer a higher compensation package, but your scope of work in the design process is typically very limited.
Vendor Representation
Work as a vendor who represents an interior design-related product such as tile, lighting, or paint. These roles typically offer entry-level positions with excellent potential for career growth. If you are a design graduate seeking job security, this may be the role for you.
Independent Interior Designer
Start your own interior design business, enjoying flexibility and control over your projects. If you have strong entrepreneurial skills and the means to work independently and build your business while income is intermittent, this may be a good option for you.
Education Options
Now, let’s explore the various education paths available for aspiring interior designers:
Certifications: Short-term certifications, although not always sufficient for higher-level positions, can be suitable for those interested in the decorating aspect of design or entry-level vendor positions. With these six week or six month style certifications, you may also be qualified to represent interior design-related products as a vendor.
Associate’s Degree: An associate's degree in Interior Design provides a solid foundation in design principles, space planning, color theory, drafting, and more. It's ideal for those working full-time or seeking a stepping stone towards a bachelor's degree. This degree is typically sufficient for hiring at a small boutique firm.
In Arizona, both Scottsdale Community College and Northern Arizona University offer fantastic associate's programs.
An associate’s degree will get you introduced to:
Fundamentals of design principles and elements
Space planning and layout techniques
Color theory and its application in interior design
Materials and finishes selection
Introduction to drafting and computer-aided design (CAD)
Historical and contemporary styles in interior design
Sustainability and environmental considerations in design
Building codes and regulations relevant to interior spaces
Professional practices and ethics in the field
Collaborative projects and hands-on design experience
Bachelor's Degree: Most large corporate design firms and many established boutique firms require a bachelor’s degree to be hired. A four-year bachelor's program offers advanced courses in design specialties, CAD software skills, lighting design, construction methods, and prepares students for professional certification exams like NCIDQ. These programs are ideal for students who can go to school full-time.
Arizona State University also offers a Bachelor's of Design Studies, which provides a broader, business-based education, ideal for future business owners.
In addition to the topics covered in the associate’s program, a bachelor’s degree will get you introduced to:
Advanced design studio courses focusing on complex projects
In-depth study of specific design specialties (e.g., residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality)
Advanced rendering and visualization techniques
Advanced CAD software skills
Interior lighting design principles and applications
Building systems and integration into design projects
Advanced construction methods and materials
Research methods and evidence-based design principles
Professional internships or practicum experiences
Portfolio development and presentation skills
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with other design disciplines (architecture, landscape architecture, etc.)
Preparation for professional certification exams (e.g., NCIDQ)
Master’s Programs: Master's degrees delve deeper into advanced design theory, sustainability practices, interior architecture, leadership, and management skills. While not always necessary for entry-level positions, they can be beneficial for those interested in teaching or specialized roles.
Post-Graduate Professional Certifications: You may have heard about certifications, credentials or memberships like NCIDQ (The National Council for Interior Design Qualification), IIDA (The Commercial Interior Design Association) or ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), to name a few. These can be wonderful opportunities for professional networking and development, however, it is important to note that most of these programs are run by for-profit organizations and a significant investment may be required.
The importance of these certifications varies based on where you live and intend to work. Some states like California, Illinois and New York have strict regulations about who can refer to themselves as an interior designer and require specific certifications to conduct work. Other states like Arizona, Washington, and Oregon do not require any certifications, credentials or memberships to practice. These certifications require research on your end - look into your state’s rules and regulations to understand what is required to get to your desired profession.
