I often get asked this question. So thought it useful to write up my answer for your interest!
Hi Sandy,
Q I am still considering interior design as a career and was wondering if I need any formal qualifications to become an interior designer? I am thinking of doing a home study interior design course as I work full time. Please can you help? (photo of Jane churchill cushions)
Read on for my suggestions.........>>>>>>>
Lovely to hear from you!
Glad you are still wanting to become an interior designer.
There isn't one straight answer to your question. I think it depends on how you want to work. For yourself or for a company. It also depends very much on the type of work you want to do - furnishings or hard line interior design (which will probably involve a lot of computer aided design). for example, working for an architectural firm.
Imagine how you see yourself in five years time - running your own business or working for a company.
Also the work you see yourself doing - running a design job including overseeing builders, craftsmen, soft furnishing workrooms, chasing suppliers, meetings with clients - or in the background - sourcing materials, producing sample boards, drawings, joinery details, styling, accessorising etc., taking notes etc., (more of an assistant).
If you want to work for yourself (and mainly in cosmetic alterations) then a whole load of qualifications is probably not that necessary - however, what you have learned is important and of course experience. To be a professional designer you need to work to professional standards and it is important that you follow these. I think your idea of studying at home is an excellent idea and would suit you very well since you are working full time. Top this up by attending as many additional interior design courses, exhibitions, lectures, part-time, weekend or evening courses, workshops etc., as you can, you will also benefit from interaction with other students (which you miss out on with home study courses).. At the same time, start to put together a portfolio of your completed design work - take photographs, include sketches etc., Get your family and friends to give you projects.
You would find it useful to attend lectures on business management too - it is important to carry the correct insurance etc., and to also join a professional organisation such as the Bida check them out for a list of courses too.
If you want to work for an architectural practice (or team of interior designers) which might include more commercial work (bars, restaurants, hotels etc.,) than you will probably find that they need you to have qualifications i.e. a degree is probably the minimum qualification they want you to have. - They won't want to necessarily see the paper but they go initially on c.v.'s then they want to see your portfolio at interview. Again, always back up courses with additional lectures and workshops - for example, drawing, (look out for my Drawing Skills workshop) cad, project management, colour, technical drawing, contracts etc.,
Choose your course according to the area you want to specialise in. for example, furniture design, architectural design, etc., They do vary.
There are so very many people wanting to be interior designers out there - it is up to you to make sure your c.v. stands out and sets you apart from the rest! You can do this by making sure your c.v reflects your dedication to interior design! At the same you would have created an impressive portfolio of your designs. Black and white fabrics photo by Sanderson fabrics.
Keep in touch and let me know how you are getting on!
Comments