Education and Training Requirements for an interior designer

Is becoming an interior designer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do interior designers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are interior designers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are interior designers like?

Still unsure if becoming an interior designer is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become an interior designer or another similar career!

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How to become an Interior Designer

Becoming an interior designer involves a mix of education, creative skill development, and practical experience. Here’s a general guide:

  • Develop an Eye for Design: Start by building a strong sense of style, color, and spatial awareness. Pay attention to how spaces are arranged, study design trends, and practice sketching or creating mood boards. Exploring magazines, showrooms, and well-designed spaces can help sharpen design instincts.
  • Pursue Formal Education: Many interior designers earn an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or a related field. These programs teach design principles, space planning, materials, lighting, building codes, and computer-aided design (CAD) software commonly used in the industry.
  • Build Technical Skills: Interior designers need to be comfortable with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit. Learning how to create floor plans, 3D renderings, and detailed specifications is an important part of turning creative ideas into workable designs.
  • Gain Hands-On Experience: Internships or entry-level roles at design firms, architecture firms, or furniture showrooms provide real-world experience. This stage helps designers learn how projects run, work with clients, manage budgets, and collaborate with contractors and suppliers.
  • Create a Portfolio: A strong portfolio is essential. It should showcase design projects, drawings, renderings, and completed spaces, including school projects or internship work. The portfolio demonstrates both creativity and technical ability to potential employers or clients.
  • Understand Licensing and Certification: In some regions, interior designers must be licensed or certified, often by passing an exam such as the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification). Requirements vary by location, so it’s important to check local regulations.
  • Start a Career or Specialize: Interior designers may work in residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, or retail design. With experience, some choose to specialize or start their own design business, offering services tailored to specific client needs.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for interior designers. These credentials can demonstrate a designer's expertise and enhance their professional credibility. Here are some of the most recognized certifications:

  • NCIDQ Certification: The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is the most widely recognized certification for professional interior designers in the U.S. and Canada. It requires passing a multi-part exam covering design skills, building codes, safety, and professional practice.
  • LEED Certification: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council to professionals who demonstrate knowledge of sustainable design and building practices. Levels include LEED Green Associate, LEED AP, and LEED Fellow, showing increasing expertise.
  • WELL Certification: The WELL Building Standard focuses on health and wellness in indoor spaces. The WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) credential demonstrates understanding of WELL principles and how to apply them to interior design projects.
  • State Licensure / Certified Interior Designer: Many U.S. states require interior designers to be licensed or certified, often through the NCIDQ exam. This ensures the designer meets legal and professional standards for education, experience, and competency.
  • NKBA CKD and CBD Certification: The National Kitchen & Bath Association offers Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD) credentials. These recognize specialized expertise in kitchen and bathroom design, including layout, materials, and building codes.