CADD technician? or designer?

Question

does anyone know of a degree or program for designing homes and their interiors( not decorators). I know theres the CADD programs at community colleges but I cant figure out if thats just the drafting of the actual building or if it goes into detail as far as what the bathrooms or kitchens will look like.. Thats what I want to do but I didnt know if it was being a CADD tech or something else. please if anyone knows please tell me! Also.. if it is just the CADD program are there ever any girls in there? lol I would hate to be the only one

Answer 1

To answer the last question first: yes, there are 'girls' out there who are drafters.  I have been drafting for twenty years -- I received an Associates Degree in Engineering Drafting, also called Drafting and Design, among other names (the program name depends on the school giving the degree -- by the way, it was all guys).  This degree taught me how to draft for electrical, piping, HVAC, and architectural disciplines, among others.  Later I became an electrical designer (through on-the-job experience), but have always loved architectural drafting and design.  It is important to know that drafting is a skill, not a career; it is a vehicle, not a destination.  Yes, you could get a CADD certificate or degree (as I did), but you'll never really design anything (sorry to say it, but it's not you, it's the people you work for who will think you can only draw what they design.  I know this from experience.)  Whether you are thinking of a CADD program or a design program, call or email dozens of schools all over the country for free catalogs and read every one of them to see what looks interesting and fun.  If you choose a design program (rather than a CADD program), drafting will be taught anyway.  If you want to design room layouts, but not become an architect or interior decorator, look seriously at Interior Design.  This is not a fluffy degree that teaches you to match curtains to carpet.  It's hard core design which includes space planning, room layout, texture, color, etc., for residential and commerical buildings.  It is an interesting and diverse field.  Whatever direction you go in, do not think about how many 'girls' are doing it -- think about what excites you and what makes you smile.  (P.S.  At 47 years old I went back to college full-time and just graduated with a BS in Industrial Design.  It excites me, and it makes me smile.)