If you’re wondering how to choose the right course for interior design, look no further. The course you choose will depend upon what exactly you’re wanting to learn. Some students want an all-encompassing course that covers the essentials of interior design, while others only need to focus on one specific tool commonly used in the industry. This article will help you learn to pinpoint your needs so you can select your ideal training.
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 Skills Will I Need to Learn to Become an Interior Designer?
One of the most important skills you will need to learn will be the various software tools like computer-aided design (CAD) software, 3D visualization tools, project management tools, color palette tools, and analysis tools. It’s important to note that software applications often come with either an upfront cost or a subscription fee, and may require updating to the most current versions throughout your career.
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.
What Courses Should I Enroll in to Become an Interior Designer?
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Online Interior Design Course
Offered by the Interior Design Institute, this comprehensive 12 month, self-paced online learning experience prepares you for a multitude of opportunities in residential, commercial, and styling projects. You’ll master the fundamental principles of interior design, develop practical skills for real-world application, gain insights into managing design projects from conception to completion, understand how to consult with clients and meet their needs, and create a professional interior design portfolio. By the end of this course, you’ll be prepared for a successful career in interior design or to take on personal design projects with confidence.
Introductory SketchUp 3D Modeling
Field Colony hosts this beginner-friendly course that will help you discover the world of 3D modeling with SketchUp. You’ll learn how to generate precise and realistic 3D models, import furniture and lighting, and enhance your design capabilities. You will also learn the elements of the workspace, how to quickly and accurately generate and develop 3D models, and how to use and import furniture and lighting from 3D warehouse (the world’s largest online library of 3D models) to complete their projects precisely and expediently. By mastering SketchUp, you’ll join the new wave of 3D designers and bring your interior design ideas to life.
Revit Level 1
Offered by Technical Institute of America, this online course will teach you the fundamentals of Revit, from creating basic building models to annotating construction documents. You’ll get an introduction to BIM and Autodesk Revit and learn basic drawing and modification tools, importing and exporting CAD files, and setting up levels and grids. This course will also cover topics like modeling walls, working with doors and windows, working with views, adding components, and so much more. If your goal is to learn Revit from great instructors without breaking the bank, this course is for you.
Photoshop Fundamentals Bundle
Consisting of two courses, this training bundle from VDCI is designed to develop your Adobe Photoshop skills from the very beginning. You’ll learn to use selection, manipulation, creation, and workspace tools to edit, retouch, and color correct images. All courses are taught by practicing professionals through hands-on, real-world, project-based training. Software isn’t included so you’ll need to provide your own Photoshop access.
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.