Interested in working in the interior design industry? Wondering how to get started?
If you answered “yes” to those questions, then an online interior design degree could be the perfect solution.
Having a career in interior design means working as a qualified professional. So before you start, you’ll need to learn the skills necessary to get that qualification.
But that doesn’t mean you have to quit your job or drop everything to attend traditional classes.
Let’s go ahead and take a look at online interior design degrees. You’ll learn what they have to offer, how to choose the right option, and what to expect after you graduate.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why Pursuing Interior Design is a Great Career Choice
- Why You Should Learn Online
- What to Learn in an Online Interior Design Program
- Skills Needed for Interior Designers
- How to Find the Right Program
Why Pursuing Interior Design is a Great Career Choice
Interior design is a surprisingly tough career path to break into. For one thing, you have to go to school to become qualified.
Unlike other design related careers, interior designers can’t just jump right in. Unless you are hired as an assistant for several years, you’ll likely need formal training from an accredited college.
Online education makes it easier than ever to learn the interior design skills you need.
There are plenty of reasons interior design is a great career choice for creative individuals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interior design employment will grow:
3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Interior designers will have around 7,800 job openings each year with the rise in growth. With proper qualifications, it’s an excellent field to work in.
Homeowners will always need renovations. Businesses require office remodels. Hospitals need accessible rooms designed.
Designers can find work in pretty much every industry. Especially with the skills you learn from an online interior design degree.
Online interior design courses teach you everything from the basics of design to using software like AutoCAD. Students learn how to design spaces that are functional, beautiful, and work well for the people that use them.
Learn how everything from color theory to branding impacts the spaces you design.
Why You Should Learn Online
Online education is one of the best ways to earn a degree. There’s a lot more flexibility when routines and class times are not required.
But why should you learn interior design online? As opposed to attending traditional classes on campus?
For starters, flexibility is key. Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace. They’ll have access to lectures, lessons, and resources online. No commuting to campus or sitting in lecture halls.
Sounds great, but why is that important? Many people who work in related fields attend online courses to become interior designers. They don’t want to quit their job to attend school. Or shuffle their lives around to make traditional college work.
Online programs allow students to learn when they want. While they’re at work during the day or once the kids are in bed. Education gets tailored around your life.
Online courses are better than ever these days too.
Not only do students have flexibility, but they also have access to interactive coursework and virtual studio spaces. Digital programs have come a long way in recent years. Online course material can match traditional programs in almost every way.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics:
More than 30% of students took at least one online course.
Digital education is more prevalent than ever before. From trade schools to four year universities, colleges are offering more courses online than ever.
Interior design schools are at the forefront of this change. It only makes sense that designing is now done primarily on computers.
Students can learn about design theory, history, software, and more. All from the comfort of their own home studio.
What to Learn in an Online Interior Design Program
You want to know what you’ll learn from an online degree program? Well, you’ll learn how to become a professional designer.
Online programs don’t simply teach you the basics of art and pretty colors. Though those are important parts of the curriculum.
Students learn how to design functional spaces that work for their clients. Everything from marketing and sales, to CAD software, and project management.
Design students learn how to take client needs and translate them into actual spaces.
Good online interior design degrees teach students about:
- Design theory
- Business practices
- CAD software
- Client communications
- Building codes
- Interior history
While each program is different, make sure any school you attend covers these topics. These are the fundamentals needed to start your career as a designer.
Don’t be fooled by shortcuts either. There’s no replacing hands-on experience with actual designing.
The best online courses include active, hands-on projects. Students learn by doing. This allows you to apply what you’re learning in school to real-world scenarios.
Skills Needed for Interior Designers
If you want to work as a professional interior designer, there are skills you’ll need.
Designing interiors is about more than just drawing pretty pictures. Professionals must know how to communicate with clients, build portfolios, and manage projects.
Here are some of the skills every designer needs.
Communication: Great designers are excellent communicators. They can speak to clients about their vision. Interior designers also need to collaborate with contractors, architects, and vendors.
Problem Solving: These skills come into play with client interactions. But also during the design process itself. Designs don’t always come easy. You’ll be surprised at how many challenges come with each project.
Attention to Detail: One misspelled word on a proposal can change the outcome of a design contract. Designers need to be meticulous when working with dimensions, materials, and project deadlines.
Online design programs focus heavily on developing these skills. Students learn by taking real-world inspired courses and putting their skills to the test.
How to Find the Right Program
As we mentioned before, not all online interior design courses are created equal.
When researching your options, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
Accreditation – This is important for both licensure and employment opportunities. Accredited schools meet the standards of quality set by industry authorities.
Faculty – Who is teaching the courses? Look for programs with instructors who have real-world experience.
Resources – All students should have access to design software and virtual studio spaces. If the program doesn’t provide resources, ask where students can get them.
Student Outcomes – Where did graduates work after completing the program? What was their job placement like? These are good indicators if a program lives up to their promises.
Community – Do students have access to a network of fellow designers? Best online courses create a community for their students to network with one another.
Bringing It All Together
Online interior design degrees allow students to learn at home. Students gain the skills and qualifications needed to work as professional designers.
By attending an online course, students learn how to design functional spaces that people will use.
Whether you’re looking to start a new career or learn a hobby, an interior design degree can help you accomplish your goals.
Explore your options today and find the perfect program for you.
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