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How to Start a Career as an Interior Designer

For those who practice the ideals of Feng Shui, or who can spend hours rooting through antique stores for that one perfect piece to complete a room, a career as an interior designer may be the perfect way to create a career around an interior design hobby.

Interior design is not a terribly easy industry for hobbyists with no formal training to get in to. Some of the skills that a good interior designer must possess, such as the ability to read blueprints, to understand fire and building codes, and to be able to use specialized, expensive CAD software to help create designs are all difficult to learn without formal schooling. Most employers recommend at the minimum a post secondary degree, preferably a four year degree, just for entry level jobs. And in some states, interior designers are also licensed by the state.

That being said, about a quarter of the interior design industry is self employed, so a hobbyist with a good business sense could certainly do well for themselves if they were motivated to learn. And while there are some difficult skills to pick up, some of the most essential skills to being an interior designer, such as an eye for color, style, and the ability to make a customer’s wishes come to life are not easy to train in a school.

There is also a lot of variety within the interior design industry. Someone who can bring an understanding of ergonomics, elderly needs, or environmental sensitivity in to their interior will do well, as these are all parts of the industry that are particularly popular right now.

The growth of the interior design industry is expected to be good over the next ten years, almost double the national average. Even so, competition for interior design jobs will remain high as this is a popular industry. The average wage for interior designers is about $42,000 a year, but wages vary greatly depending on experience, reputation, employer, and specialty.

More about careers in interior design around the Web:

American Society of Interior Designers - Major US association and career central for those looking for more information on training and educational requirements, including a database of student chapters searchable by US state.

Careers in Interior Design - Complete how-to for beginning a career in interior design offering basic design principles, sample design process, information on required schooling and accreditation, and guide to related associations.

So, you want to be an interior designer? - Good overview for students with suggested classes to take while still in high school, required post education, and typical ways to launch a career with related resources.

Occupational Outlook Handbook - Interior Designers - US Department of Labor career guide with information on educational requirements and training, job outlook and typical earnings.

Dezignaré - Design Directions Archives - A huge collection of articles on interior design trends, costs and pricing for professionals, students and consumers.

also see -> DIY Drapes, Curtains and Window Treatments

The Art of Decorating a Child's Room

Garden Deck Makeovers