Interior Design Schools
Interior designers are artists in their own right, as they work with clients to make their visions come to life. They use their special set of acquired skills and knowledge to plan interior spaces of buildings by using a mixture of patterns, colors, furniture, lighting and different textures. Malls, residences, restaurants, schools and hospitals are just a few types of buildings that interior designers can work in.
Educational Requirements
Education can be received from colleges, universities and professional design schools. Schooling can take anywhere from two to four years to finish. Individuals who complete a two and three year program are awarded a certificate of completion or an associate's degree, depending on the program. This will allow an individual to work as an assistant to an interior designer. If you want to get into a formal design apprenticeship program, you must complete a bachelor's degree program.
If your state requires you to hold a license, you must pass an exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design. In order to take the exam applicants must have six years of combined education and work experience in interior design. The applicant must also have completed at least two years of post secondary education. There are several accreditation organizations that evaluate interior design schools. This helps to ensure that students are receiving an education that meets industry standards. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design and The Council for Interior Design are two associations that accredits interior design programs in the United States. When you choose a school make sure you select one that is accredited. A school that is recognized by the Higher Learning Commission is considered highly favored.
Guide on Choosing a School
Location is important when choosing an interior design school. Choose a school that is located in an area with plenty of resources and opportunities. Cultural enrichment is also important and beneficial, so the school you choose should be surrounded by art galleries, museums and beautiful architecture. A school that is located within a city with quality design firms presents the perfect work and networking opportunities.
Choose a school that offers courses that will prepare you for success in the industry. Courses should include drawing, various types of design, materials, building systems, architecture, rendering and other related subjects.
A design school with a small class size will be the most beneficial for you. It creates an environment that allows the instructor to know the students better and offer extra help. If you want to graduate with a concentration in a specific type of design, make sure the school you choose offers this program.
Industry current technology is important when scouting schools. The interior design school that you select should be up to date with the technology that's used in the work industry. This better prepares students who are transitioning into the real world. It also shows that its classes are industry current, and the school has inside knowledge.
Research the faculty members of the design school. A design school that hires individuals who currently work or have worked in the field will be beneficial. They will be able to pass on real world tips, inside knowledge and keep their classes current with what's happening in the industry.
Reputation and history are very important when choosing an interior design school. Select a school that demonstrates its success as an educational institution in the field of interior design. It should have a good reputation in the interior design community.
An interior design school should help you prepare for career opportunities. It should have some form of career services to help students develop their resumes, portfolios, find jobs and practice interviewing skills. A good school should also be able to link students with its alumni network, connections at interior design firms and industry events. A credible school will have established relationships in this area, so naturally the student will benefit from this.
Join a professional organization for interior designers. There are many out there, but the student chapters of the American Society of Interior Design or the International Interior Design Associate are two well-know organizations. A credible design school will have access to these professional organizations on campus.
There are many interior design schools to choose from. Throughout your research keep the tips mentioned above in mind. Contact your school of choice and schedule a tour. Choosing the right design school is a critical step in a successful future of interior design. The right school will have accreditation, give you the proper education, connect you with industry insiders and prepare you for the real world.
Resources:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos293.htm
http://www.interiordesignschools.org/
http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/
http://www.accredit-id.org/
http://www.asid.org/
http://www.iida.org/
