It takes a leap of faith to venture into any new career. However, moving without a solid plan translates to leaving everything to chance. You need the right strategies to excel as an interior designer in a competitive world. If you are contemplating taking this route, follow these actionable steps to kickstart a successful career in interior design.
Get a Degree in Interior Design
A bachelor’s degree in interior design from a reputable institution like the American International University can equip you with a solid background and foundation in design theory, architecture, business, and more.
Through interior design classes, you are introduced to color palettes, furnishings, lighting, and textiles. You will also gain knowledge in technical areas, such as space planning, furniture design, traffic flow, and more. An academic foundation forms an excellent basis to build yourself in the interior design field.
Nurture Your Creativity
To look beyond a dreary and dull scene and visualize its transformation requires incredible imagination and creativity. As a creative interior designer, you can envision a logical layout, stylish look, and harmonious colors in the most uninspiring spaces.
Enhancing your creative skills helps broaden your thinking, enabling you to be innovative by offering extraordinary solutions. As you prepare for your interior design projects, always seek inspiration from the leading interior design professionals, journals, and other sources.
Pass the NCIDQ Exam and Get Licensed
You need to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam to become a certified interior designer and be eligible for a state license. This exam assesses the candidate’s design development capabilities, project completion, and bidding and is the official interior design standard for most states in the US and Canada. By looking at your NCIDQ certification, clients can tell whether you are qualified and committed to your profession.
Create a Winning Design Portfolio
A winning design portfolio is the tool you use to showcase your competence and personality. It is what will sell you and enable you to land jobs as a qualified interior designer. Your portfolio should bring your design values and vision to life while reflecting your abilities and competencies.
Remember to include photos, sketches, and mood boards in your portfolio. If this isn’t your strong point, consider engaging a graphic designer. Always refresh your design portfolio occasionally to showcase your new achievements and successful projects that align with your specialism.
Invest in Professional Development and Networking
Networking and continuous learning can give you a competitive edge in the dynamic field of interior design while keeping you informed. You can invest in professional development by attending industry workshops and conferences. Take part in physical and virtual events that provide insights into interior design business strategies, emerging technologies, and trends.
Join professional interior design associations like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Such bodies offer industry resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs.
In addition, consider establishing partnerships and collaborations with other industry experts, such as architects, designers, suppliers, and contractors, who align with your interior design services. This will help grow your expertise and expand your client base via referrals.
The dynamic interior design space offers immense opportunities to aspiring designers. However, to succeed and remain relevant in this highly competitive market, you need a solid educational background, a creative mind, a winning design portfolio, and continuous professional development. It is never too late to start.
