Interior design is a fascinating profession. It allows individuals to combine their artistic abilities with their commercial acumen while designing functional rooms and interacting with a wide range of clientele. With the sector expected to develop even more, now is a perfect moment to explore a career as an interior designer. However, to get interior design firm jobs, the firm will seek various qualifications to hire you.
Listed below are some of the must-have qualifications to be hired as an interior designer
- Have a degree in interior design
Although interior design doesn’t necessarily need formal education, most firms will require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Degree in the specialized discipline is desired, although any degree is acceptable as long as it is complemented with interior design courses such as sketching and computer-aided design (CAD). Associate, master’s, and doctorate degrees are also offered. Online degree and certificate programs in the discipline are also available, but prospective students should always check a school’s accreditation before enrolling.
- Ensure you pass the National Council for Interior Design qualification exam
Interior designers are not required to be licensed in all states. However, several laws make it illegal for unlicensed designers to work in the interior design field. Others allow both licensed and unlicensed designers to do design, but only licensed professionals are allowed to call themselves “interior designers.” For licensure, passing a state-approved test, such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), is required. Students must have a mix of education and experience to take the NCIDQ test, often a bachelor’s degree plus two years of on-the-job training. Further, Interior designers could think about obtaining voluntary certification in a certain field. Specialty certifications are offered by professional and trade organizations and are not affiliated with the NCIDQ.
- Ensure you have projects done before, even if they are pro bono
Without prior professional experience, interior designers, particularly those just starting, may find it challenging to be employed. The problem is, of course, that you can’t earn experience without working. Many aspiring interior designers begin their careers by practicing for free. Designers can volunteer to support local non-profit services or organizations, even small businesses that cannot afford to hire a professional designer or lend their expertise to friends and family. New designers are even permitted to work on their residences. What matters is that you gain the abilities you’ll need when you get a real job.
- Ensure you have a portfolio
Ensure you document and take pictures of all your work and assemble them into a professional portfolio. The most important tool for interior designers seeking clients is a high-quality, comprehensive portfolio. It will not only show off your ability to present yourself in a professional and well-organized manner, but it will also allow potential clients to watch your greatest work. Include a sample of your ideas and drawings, as well as examples from a variety of projects, in addition to images. Many interior designers now have online portfolios
To sum up, also ensure you are eager to learn new skills and stay up to date with the trends and changes by attending interior design conferences.
