Is becoming an Interior Designer your dream but you don’t know where to begin? A good place to start is to consider the software applications that you will need to master in order to succeed as an Interior Designer. These software applications will be how you develop mock ups and models for your clients, track your purchases and budgets, and help you manage each of your projects overall. Keep reading below to learn more about what software programs you should focus on in order to be successful in interior design.
What is an Interior Designer?
Interior Designers are professionals who are hired to create floor plans and layouts for the interior of various buildings, including offices, homes, hotels, businesses and virtually any other building. As more and more research is done into how the spaces in which we live and work impact human mood and productivity, learning interior design is about more than just learning how to create layouts and floor plans that are aesthetically pleasing. Learning how to design an open concept workspace is very different from designing a kitchen, though professional Interior Designers are likely to need to know how to do both.
Interior Designers are almost always either freelancers, independent contractors or employees of a company that specializes in interior design, meaning that these designers will work on a wide range of different projects (though they may be working in specific niches or sub-fields). They will be brought into projects when their services are required and they will often be given a basic outline of the kind of space that the client is looking for, though they may have increased creative freedom depending on the individual project. Interior Designers may find themselves working on a purely theoretical level (in so far as they will provide mock-ups and designs but not actually handle any of the physical furnishing) or they may find themselves tasked with going to the physical space.
Many interior design professionals will also have to work within constraints involving time, budget, logistics and the affordances of physical space. A 17th floor office renovation project, for example, can only cost so much and make so many changes to the physical building. This means working alongside contractors, estimators and other design professionals to get an understanding of the limitations of the project and what can and cannot be done during each stage. While being a professional Interior Designer offers a lot of opportunities for creativity and unique design decisions, learning to work within constraints is an essential part of the job.
What Software Do Interior Designers Use?
You’ll find that there are many various software applications that professionals in the interior design industry use to design, present, and manage their projects. While there are certainly more than the ones listed below, the few outlined here are among the most popular. Almost any interior design job will expect you to have experience with the below programs.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a drawing and drafting tool developed and sold by Autodesk that’s used by architects, engineers, contractors, and interior designers. You can create a mockup of any physical space in either a 2D or 3D model much quicker than if you drew them out by hand. For most designers, AutoCAD will be used to create plans and mockups of room layouts for both commercial and residential buildings. One of the best features of software like AutoCAD 2010 for interior designers is the option to convert 2D floor plans to 3D with the RoomMaker function, making it easy to show clients exactly how their final room will look.
Revit
Revit is a commercial building information modeling (BIM) software by the company Autodesk (the makers of AutoCAD). It’s generally used by architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers, and contractors. Interior designers use Revit to create detailed 3D models of interior spaces so they can plan layouts, visualize design concepts with clients through virtual tours, generate accurate documentation like floor plans and elevations, and manage material schedules.
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SketchUp
Sketchup (formerly Google Sketchup) is 3D modeling software with an extensive database of user-created models available for download. You can use it to sketch (or import) models to assist with all kinds of projects---furniture building, 3D printing, interior design, and whatever else you can think of.
How to Learn Interior Design Software
There are four main ways to learn interior design: live in-person classes, live online courses, on-demand classes, and free resources. Each one has been outlined below so that you can consider the pros and cons.
Live In-Person Classes
In-person classes are held on location at scheduled times and offer face-to-face interaction with your fellow students and your expert instructor. If you encounter any challenging material, you can ask questions in real time instead of spending unnecessary time figuring it out on your own. You are also able to work with other students, allowing you to practice teamwork skills and build relationships. This collaborative environment is available for both full-time and part-time classes and provides structure and accountability, two things that can help you succeed.
Live Online Classes
Live virtual courses are considered the middle ground between on-demand and in-person classes. You’ll attend scheduled class times from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose) to learn from an expert instructor. Live online classes offer instant feedback from your teacher and interactions with other students, creating the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the coursework. These classes are ideal for students that thrive in a structured learning environment but perhaps don’t live near any in-person offerings. Or, if you simply prefer online learning, then a live virtual class could be for you.
Live online classes do have some downsides, though. If you rely on the accountability of attending things in-person, you may struggle to stay focused in an online course. These classes can also vary in cost, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the length and depth of the program. Financial assistance is rarely available for these courses, but you can typically set up a payment plan to help make these courses more accessible.
On-Demand Classes
Also known as self-paced, on-demand classes offer the most flexibility of any class option but don’t win any awards for speed. They do have quite a few benefits for busy professionals, though. Not only can you learn from wherever you want, you can also learn whenever you want. There are no due dates or scheduled class times, so you can take your time on challenging topics or skip over ones you’ve already mastered.
These classes are ideal for learners with complicated schedules who need to squeeze their studying in around their work and other obligations. You’ll need to be an independent and self-motivated student to succeed in an on-demand class. It’s very easy to lose momentum or fall behind when you don’t have any outside accountability, so these courses tend to take longer than a structured live course.
Free Courses
You could take advantage of free resources like YouTube making the most of the insights, tools, and short tutorials made available by industry experts. Coursera boasts hundreds of various training sessions and videos lasting from just a few minutes to a few days.
While free resources are financially helpful, this method can take the most time. You’ll be responsible for sourcing all your learning materials and ensuring that you’ve covered all the important subjects of finance, and this process can take a substantial amount of time. Additionally, like on-demand courses, it’s easy to lose motivation and fall behind with free resources.
Other Skills Needed to Become an Interior Designer
Aside from the previously mentioned software applications, there are several other skills you will need to become an Interior Designer. Creativity will be top among them, as you’ll need that artistic mind and keen eye to create expertly designed spaces. Creativity also helps you be more skilled at problem solving as you’ll be more able to find inventive solutions.
Perhaps equally as important as creativity, a skilled Interior Designer will be well adept at logistics. This will include things like managing the sourcing and transporting of materials for commercial or residential interiors, which can be a challenging and complex task. You’ll need to balance the quality, cost, availability, and sustainability of the materials, as well as the delivery time, storage, and installation requirements. Being skilled in logistics requires good organizational and time management skills, too.
Knowledge of design theories will also be important. These include concepts like functionalism, minimalism, color theory, proportion and scale, and lighting design. Finally, budgeting (and by extension, project management) will be crucial to your success. You’ll need strong financial management abilities to stay within budget, and great communication skills to discuss any unexpected expenses that may arise with your client. You’ll also need to be an expert at negotiating with vendors or suppliers to minimise supplier costs that can allow higher expenses in other areas.
Learn the Skills to Become an Interior Designer at Noble Desktop
AutoCAD Certification Program
In this Noble Desktop course, you'll learn beginner through advanced AutoCAD skills from a live instructor. You'll start with basic drawing and editing commands, then progress to higher-level techniques like using collaboration tools, customizations, macros, and more. You'll be able to ask questions, receive real-time feedback, and interact with fellow students in a supportive classroom environment. As a bonus, you’ll receive six hours of private AutoCAD tutoring and dedicated 1-on-1 time with an instructor, ensuring you're fully prepared for the certification exam. You can finish this course by taking the Autodesk AutoCAD exam, since this program includes the exam's cost, proctoring, and a free retake. Passing the exam and earning this professional certification will help you stand out in the competitive world of architecture, drafting, and design.
Interior Design Bundle
Offered by VDCI, this course combo will cover the main software applications used by Interior Designers to create drafting floor plans, 3D models, render realistic visuals, and design polished presentations for their clients. You’ll master computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling (SketchUp) software to plan, design, and furnish rooms or buildings. You’ll also learn to use Photoshop to prepare additional visuals for their presentations. This course bundle is 100% online and self-paced with no live class sessions. Course materials are accessible immediately after purchase and you can choose when to start the training, offering the most flexibility possible.
AutoCAD Fundamentals Bundle
Also from VDCI, this programconsists of two courses that introduce you to the basics of using AutoCAD for Computer-Aided Design (CAD). You’ll learn how to create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, a floor plan, and deliverable sheet files. All courses are taught by practicing professionals through hands-on, real-world, project-based training. This course bundle is online and self-paced with no live class sessions, making it ideal for those with busy schedules.
SketchUp Pro Fundamentals Bundle
This program from VDCI consists of two courses to develop your SketchUp skills for 3D modeling and rendering from the very beginning. You’ll learn the fundamentals of SketchUp to create individual 3D models, components, and topography in a series of professional projects. All courses are taught by practicing professionals through hands-on, real-world, project-based training. While offered on-demand, scheduled due dates help to keep you on track while you learn at your own convenience.
Revit Fundamentals Bundle
Consisting of two Revit classes, this VDCI program is designed to develop your understanding of Revit and its involvement in Building Information Modeling (BIM). You’ll be introduced to Revit and how information is interrelated throughout the Revit (BIM) model to design 3D models, generate 2D architectural drawings and create 3D perspective views. You’ll master Revit with the help of an expert instructor and hands-on, real-world, project-based training.