What skills do you have to have to be a interior designer?

Question

i am still in school and now i have to start thinking about my future and i love art and design and i like to design things and when am in a house i like to accessorize so anyone know what skills you have to have, and do i have to stay on at school or could i just go to collage? help me please

Answer 1

I'm an interior designer and took a specific course to gain my qualification after completing school and gaining a University degree.  Interior design is different to interior decoration as you need specific technical and architectural knowledge.  For example, I can draw plans and elevations, detailed technical drawings for fixtures and fittings, create 3D CAD work and I also have a good working knowledge of everything from basic plumbing to the DDA.  I can specify the removal of walls, draw up lighting plans etc, etc, etc.  This is all alongside accessorising, sourcing and creating aesthetic design.  

If you want to do interior design then yes, you will need to take a specific course and you will be in a better position to do this if you have A-levels or similar and take a University course.  If you just want to take interior decoration, you could probably go straight to an art college without finishing school, but you'll find your job options fairly limited.

Answer 2

If you just want to do interior decorating, you can usually get an associates degree (if you are in the U.S.) which is a two year program at many art colleges or smaller state colleges.  You really don't need any degree to be an interior decorator as you don't have to be licensed or registered.

If you like designing things, also think about furniture and product design.  You can just go to an art college for that too plus it broadens your options for jobs in the future.

Otherwise, interior designing takes a 4 year bachelors degree at a college that is accredited for interior design as you have to a have a lot of technical knowledge about building and constructing things as well as a good understanding of codes.

Answer 3

That depends whether you're interested in interior design/architecture or interior decorating. From your description I'd say accessorising doesn't count as design - thats more interior decorating. Continue with your art and study design

Good luck

Answer 4

If you are in the fortunate position of being able to stay on at school and then go to university then you should take this opportunity.  Do as much studying as you can now, whilst you're still young and this will give you so much more choice when you're wanting to choose a career in the future.  If art and design  is what you're interested in then you can probably do these subjects at a-level and then go on and continue at university.

I wish you lots of luck.

Answer 5

Camp.