INTERIOR DESIGN DEGREES
One important but often overlooked aspect of how we function in our day-to-day lives is the way the spaces we inhabit are used. Well-designed spaces can have a variety of powerful impacts, from drawing attention to a specific aesthetic or architectural feature to facilitating efficiency and streamlining operations.
But regardless of whether the goal of a given location is to impress or to fade unobtrusively into the workings and operations of a building, the one factor that links all of these spaces together is the fact that they all have to be designed. It’s the job of interior designers to conceptualize and implement the look and feel of a given space, whether it’s aesthetically or architecturally, to achieve the desired effect.
Here are some things to consider when choosing an interior designer program.
- Interior design is a combination of disciplines that are tied together by a keen sense of design. The specific skills and fields that are emphasized can vary significantly depending on the area of design that a candidate is interested in pursuing. For example, private residential designers tend to lean more heavily toward the art and design side of the field, while commercial designers place a stronger emphasis on utility, efficiency, sustainability and safety.
- In this sense, interior design is a field that merges the left and right brains together in a single pursuit. Style, creativity and design prowess are just as important as problem-solving ability and a knowledge of relevant legislation and other guidelines, such as building codes, safety requirements and zoning laws.
- Most employers prefer applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a design-related field. In the absence of this, demonstrated ability and experience in design, such as would be demonstrated through a portfolio, is an asset. In addition to these credentials and qualifications, some states require designers to receive state-specific licensure to legally practice design.
IS AN ONLINE INTERIOR DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAM FOR YOU?
Effective interior design is about more than just paint colors and furniture choices. It’s a field that blends design, architecture and psychology to establish spaces that are as visually stunning as they are functionally efficient. Interior designers have several considerations to take into account, from what a given room or space looks like to how well it complies with safety regulations. If you’re ready to pursue your passion for interior design – then an Online Interior design degree program may be right for you!
WHAT DO DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAM CLASSES LOOK LIKE?
Some common courses include:
Intro to Design: Uncover the theory and practices that could help you create beautiful spaces. This course may cover design methods, terms, and even ethics.
Modern Architecture and Design: In this course, you could learn about the ideas that shape design views today. You may focus on design and architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Color and Lighting: Love the way light and color can transform a room? This course may teach how to use pigments and different kinds of lighting to get results.
Drawing: This course may introduce you to drawing concepts and skills you could apply in design. You may focus on drawing 3D objects on a 2D surface.
Textiles for Interiors: Fabrics play a key role in making rooms inviting. This course may cover theories and uses for textiles in design.
Environmental Design: Explore how people relate to the spaces where they spend time. This course may look at the psychology of design and how to create places people love to be in.
INTERIOR DESIGNER CAREER PATHS AND POTENTIAL SALARIES
Interior design spans many different sectors, from private residences to commercial businesses like retail shops. As such, there are a variety of career paths open to prospective designers depending on the type of work they want to do and the environment in which they wish to work.