Want to create beautiful rooms? There are various ways that you can become a designer.
With the advent of HGTV and other home improvement channels, the interior design profession has become a much- sought-after industry, with many entering the field every day. If you have a talent for color, fabrics and accessories, then interior design may be the job for you. There are various ways to make money in interior design, but to use the term "interior designer" requires formal training.
Being an Interior Designer
To be an Interior Designer and use the title, creative individuals are required to receive education and industry experience totalling six years. Either complete a four-year bachelor degree in interior design and two years of experience working with a certified Interior Designer, or a two-year degree and four years of experience.
Once a student has earned these qualifications, he is eligible to take and National Council for Interior Design Qualification, or NCIDQ, exam. This three-part exam tests students to assess their knowledge of design, space planning, building codes and other design standards. Once a student passes each section, she may apply and register with the state of residence for a license to practice Interior Design. With a state license, a person is now an Interior Designer. Each state may have separate or additional qualifications, so it is imperative that anyone interested to check with their state for exam dates, times, application parameters and qualifications.
Designer
There are many designers that have earned the education and gained industry experience, but chose not to sit for the NCIDQ exam. The exam is intensive and costly; it is held over three days and can cost nearly $2,000. These professionals use the title designers, interior design professionals, etc. Not sitting for the exam does not prevent a designer from finding gainful employment. Designers are able to register with their state interior design organizations. For example, the American Society of Interior Designers, ASID, registers these individuals as Allied ASID, while those who have passed the NCIDQ are ASID.
Education Regulation
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation is the governing body for interior design education in the United States and Canada. To sit for the NCIDQ exam, a prospective candidate must have received his educational degree from an institution that has received accreditation from the council. The Council monitors the classes, instructors and projects to ensure that students are learning a standard set of skills that will allow them to create spaces that are safe and fair for all people.
Professional Interior Design Organizations
There are many professional organizations that regulate the interior design profession. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification regulates the industry and identifies designers who have the knowledge and experience to create functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing spaces. The American Society of Interior Designers provides a forum for designers and design students for continuing education, job posting and industry innovations. There is also the International Interior Design Association, Interior Design Association, and Organization of Black Designers just to name a few. There is a lot of support for interior design professionals that cater to different design specialties.
Other Ways to Work as a Decorator
Informal training about interior decorating is available from many sources, including on line. Creative individuals not interested in going back to school to earn a four-year or two-year degree can learn about color and space planning through interior decorating classes. These courses can help you with organizing your business, learning about project planning and register a business. This option is ideal for the person who wants to be an entrepreneur and not work for a commercial or high-end interior design firm. These firms require formal education and training.
Tags: Council Interior, Council Interior Design, interior design, Interior Design, interior design