Which Interior Design Training Format Is Right for Me?

Interior Design is an art and a science that is used to enhance spaces to achieve an aesthetically pleasing environment for those who use it. Those who are interested in art, self-expression, and architecture often find Interior Design intriguing and satisfying. Learning this skill will put you in a position to influence the way people experience and move through various spaces. When comparing types of Interior Design training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the right kind of training is critical to your experience.

Keep reading to find out more about the different formats of Interior Design training, how they compare to each other, and how to determine which is best for you.

What is Interior Design?

Interior design refers to the process of designing the interior floor plan of a public, commercial, or private building. This includes both the process of handling the aesthetic design of the interior (decisions related to things like furnishing and paint) and the practical concerns such as how different rooms are connected to one another. This can be distinct from the design of general layouts and building exteriors or it can be done as a part of the initial design phases of the project.

Interior design projects can be technical, creative, or both. While most people think of interior design in the same way they think of interior decorating (and these two fields do often overlap), several technical and technological skills are associated with interior design. Not only will you need to learn how to use applications like AutoCAD or SketchUp to design floor plans, but you’ll also need to learn how to work with clients, how to provide reasonable and actionable floor plans and you’ll need to have a basic understanding of the regulations and laws that govern how different buildings are designed (within reason, an interior designer who specializes in floor plans for commercial buildings probably won’t need to know the laws governing plumbing infrastructure but they should have a good idea how to avoid creating fire hazards in their designs).

Read more about what Interior Design is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Interior Design?

There are many ways for interior design to express itself, and just as many ways for you to express yourself or someone else through interior design. Some of the more well-known reasons to implement interior design include self-expression, increased functionality, enhanced comfort, and influence the mood and experience of those using a space. Whether you’re using interior design skills on residential or commercial properties, it is important to make the most of the space and meet not only the needs of those using the space but also work within the parameters of the space itself.

In addition to the more widely recognized uses for interior design, it’s also possible to increase the value of a property. Not only does interior design have some bearing on a property’s curb appeal but also its functionality. Oftentimes, interior design will require some updates and renovations. On such occasions, the quality of materials like flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures will factor into the property value. Likewise, incorporating more energy-efficient elements and market trends can also drive values upward. 

Learn Interior Design

• Nationally accredited
• Create your own portfolio
• Free student software
• Learn at your convenience
• Authorized Autodesk training center

Learn More

Training Formats for Interior Design

As you research interior design classes, you’ll likely come across several learning formats. The most commonly offered courses include in-person, live online, and self-paced options. Each has its advantages and drawbacks to consider before choosing which option is best for you, your schedule, your learning goals, and your learning style. 

In-Person Interior Design Training

Most people are well acquainted with traditional in-person learning because it’s familiar and widely accepted as the fastest way to learn new skills. The perks that come with in-person interior design training include face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers, a distraction-free learning space, real-time feedback, active engagement, increased soft skills development, and increased motivation. Some of the points to consider when choosing live in-person training include the commute and how it fits into your schedule, geographic limitations, and learning pace differences.

When choosing in-person Interior Design classes, consider Noble Desktop’s comprehensive AutoCAD Masterclass to learn basic to advanced AutoCAD skills to apply to your interior designing and AutoCAD Bootcamp if you want to slow things down a little bit and spend more time on basic and intermediate design skills. You’ll also find classes like Tour the Interior Design Building at the New York School of Interior Design and Introduction 3D Modeling / SketchUp at FIELD COLONY in your in-person training search.

Live Online Interior Design Training

Live online training is very reminiscent of in-person classes. While there are some differences, the biggest difference, and perhaps the biggest advantage, is that students do not have to commute to class, allowing them to attend from their location. Classes are held through a video sharing platform, so sessions can be recorded and shared. Other benefits of attending live online interior design training include not having to worry about geographic barriers, making fewer adjustments to your schedule, and oftentimes, better pricing options. You’ll still get to interact with peers and instructors and receive real-time feedback as well. Drawbacks of this learning format can include less student engagement, not always having a distraction-free environment, managing technological issues, and accessibility issues for those with certain disabilities.

When choosing live online Interior Design classes, be sure to check out VDCI SketchUp Pro Fundamentals Bundle to gain a solid foundation in 3D modeling and rendering with this software; BIM Certificate Program to gain skills in Revit and BIM; and Photoshop Fundamentals Bundle to master Adobe Photoshop. You’ll also find courses like Design Essentials: How to Accessorize Rooms at the New York School of Interior Design, Revit Architecture Masterclass from the Knowledge Academy, and AutoCAD Map 3D Essentials from LANTEC of Louisiana Corporate Training Center. 

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Not sure if a full interior design course is the best option for you? You can get your feet wet by exploring interior design for free online. In this free Photoshop seminar, you’ll learn some Adobe Photoshop basics that can be leveraged in your interior design designs, including color corrections, layers, and choosing the right resolution for your projects. Although it’s difficult to learn some of the software and tools that Interior Designers use, free resources like YouTube, vendor sites, and blogs can get you through rough patches. 

Other free online resources that can help you learn interior design include open online course platforms like Udemy and Coursera. Taking advantage of sites like these is a great way to learn whether or not a career in interior design is right for you. Likewise, if you’re interested in going the self-taught route, online course platforms like this can be instrumental in providing you with some structure and support. You’ll find interior design classes that cover topics like 3D modeling software, home staging, and design theory. 

Other free learning resources include MIT OpenCourseWare: Principles of Design and Home Design Institute - Paris. MITs course is a great starting point for learning the fundamentals of interior design, covering topics like lighting, presentation, and design history. Home Design Institute has a large offering of courses covering many facets of interior design. While some of their classes are not free, some are, and there are lots of free articles and videos to peruse. 

On-Demand Classes

Another popular interior design learning format is on-demand or self-paced. These pre-recorded classes are offered online. They allow students to start, stop, pause, and rewind as they see fit without any scheduling constraints. Because the classes are pre-recorded, commuting to class is not a problem, and there are no geographic limitations. Some of the drawbacks to on-demand learning include isolation, the absence of real-time feedback, no hands-on instructor assistance, and a lack of accountability and motivation. On-demand classes are best suited for learners with very tight schedules or budgets and self-starters who are highly motivated.

You’ll find that on-demand interior design classes can vary widely. Some are free while others have a fee. Courses will vary in length and the amount of time you have access to them. Because each enrollee will complete the course on their own time, these classes are measured in course material hours instead of weeks or months like live classes. On-demand interior design classes are sometimes strictly foundational and others will teach advanced skills and topics. This 30-hour VDCI Introduction to AutoCAD on-demand class may appeal to you. It provides a strong foundation with the software for those who have no experience with the software. If you’re already familiar with AutoCAD, perhaps you need to learn Revit and BIM integration. This 60-hour Revit Fundamentals Bundle may appeal to you. Or this 10-hour Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction self-paced course that covers the fundamentals of blueprint reading and interpreting complex construction documents.

Comparison of Interior Design Training Formats

Three of the most popular training formats for interior design are in-person, live online, and on-demand or self-paced. While each has its merits, it’s helpful to be clear on which criteria is a must-have to best fit your needs as a learner. Everyone is different, so consider your learning style, your schedule, and your preferences when choosing the right learning format for you.

Live online and in-person classes are widely recognized as the most interactive and engaging learning formats. There is healthy competition among peers, peer-to-peer networking, a higher level of accountability, and real-time feedback. Many people appreciate live classes for the interaction they provide and real-time instructor guidance. There are plenty of merits to live interior design classes including networking opportunities, access to computer labs, and free, up-to-date software. 

The differences between live online and in-person learning are not that different. The main difference is that you can skip the commute with live online classes and attend classes from wherever you are in the world. Many people find live online classes preferable because they can choose their classes based on a specific training center or instructor. Geographic limitations are eliminated and the possibilities expand exponentially. In-person classes require you to be physically present. This will limit your interior design class choices to what is geographically accessible to you. You’ll also experience a relatively distraction-free learning environment and have access to hands-on instructor guidance.

On-demand or self-paced interior design learning formats are quite different from live classes. They are pre-recorded lessons that you control. You’ll be able to start and stop lessons as your schedule permits, revisit lessons that you already completed, and attend the classes wherever you have access to reliable wi-fi. Another benefit that comes with on-demand interior design classes is that it is often the most affordable option, but it doesn’t have some of the advantages that come with live classes. You’ll miss out on real-time feedback and interaction, and it’s possible to get an outdated education if the training facility has not been updating it. 

Is It Possible to Teach Yourself Interior Design?

While it is possible to teach yourself interior design, being self-taught is a big undertaking. It requires discipline, self-motivation, and persistence. Self-taught interior design professionals didn’t gain their skills overnight. They learned a lot through trial and error, being observant, working with design professionals, and taking advantage of free resources. Free online resources are abundant and sifting through all of these resources can be overwhelming. Figuring out the order in which to learn concepts and tools is also a challenge when you’re just starting out. 

You’ll probably find it easier to teach yourself the fundamental concepts of interior design than some of the more complex principles, software, and tools. But if you really want to learn interior design comprehensively and efficiently, it would be more beneficial to achieve your learning goals. It’s also worth finding a knowledgeable instructor with plenty of industry experience if you intend to become an interior design professional. Enrolling in an interior design program will often award you a certificate of completion or help you prepare for a certification. This can be instrumental in gaining employment.

Being a self-taught interior design professional is a badge of honor to be proud of, but it’s not an easy path to take. If you’re interested in joining the workforce quickly or getting the right information from a seasoned professional who can also be instrumental in making connections in the industry, finding the right paid training may be the better option. Only you know what is best for you, so weigh your options carefully to ensure you’re aligning your actions with your goals. 

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Interior Design

A main consideration you’ll need to make when deciding the best way to learn interior design is your “why.” you must be clear on what you want to use your interior design skills for. The learning path for someone who wants to become an interior design professional will look a lot different from someone who simply wants to learn how to tackle small projects at home for friends and family. Likewise, if interior design is a related skill to your current career path, and you want to add to your skill set, you may not need the same level of depth that an aspiring Interior Designer would need.

If you’re a complete beginner, not sure that this is the right career path for you, on a tight budget, or want a high-level overview of interior design, a free introductory class, free seminar, or brief online tutorial may be right for you. Taking advantage of free resources can help you develop learning goals and understand how interior design fits into your future. But if you’re looking to gain a strong working understanding of interior design, grow your skills within your current career, close a skill gap, or make a career pivot, paid training like a bootcamp or certificate program can be the right fit.

Other factors to consider include your schedule, your learning style, the cost of education, 1-on-1 mentoring or tutoring availability, and the learning format. Having an understanding of what your learning needs are will help you decide whether in-person or online learning is best for you. Depending on whether you’ve had any previous experience with interior design or interior design software, you may choose to take courses separately to focus on those that you’re not familiar with. 

Learn Interior Design with Hands-On Training at Noble Desktop

When you’re choosing an interior design class, you’ll want to look for some key features to ensure you’re getting a worthwhile education that will move you toward your dream career. Classes that fit your schedule and lifestyle will help you stay engaged and make it easier for you to succeed. The curriculum should be tailored to interior design topics that are fundamental and in demand if you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly. Expert instructors who are accessible and care about your success, small class sizes, and free retake options are all features that can propel your learning, help you achieve mastery, and reach your interior design learning goals. Luckily, Noble Desktop meets this criteria and is eager to help you get started with interior design today.

Interior Design classes and bootcamps can be taken as an Interior Design Professional Course Bundle. This course is designed to help you learn the tools and software most often used in this field, including AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, and Photoshop. You’ll also learn how to create floor plans, 3D models, and professional and engaging presentations that get the right people excited about your designs. If you’d like to slow down your learning and master one topic at a time, you can start with this AutoCAD Certificate Program that will guide you from basic to advanced use in eight weeks on a part-time schedule or two weeks on a full-time schedule. This certificate program also includes six hours of private tutoring to further deepen your learning.

Whether you want to get started in the workforce as soon as possible or you’d prefer to take your time mastering each in-demand interior design tool or software, Noble Desktop wants to help you achieve your learning goals. With hard work and dedication, you’ll be on the path to building a great career in interior design.