How to Become an Interior Designer in 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you also get fascinated by beautiful spaces and dream of creating them yourself? The good news is that now you can turn your dream and passion into a career. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global market size of interior design is expected to grow to USD 137.93 Billion by 2024 and surpass USD 177.13 Billion by 2029.

Aspiring interior designers often enroll in a bachelor's degree in interior design or a related field to kickstart their creative career. Top-tier programs also equip future designers with skills like drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), and a robust understanding of architecture. 

If you want to know how to become an interior designer and study abroad, read this guide to find the best colleges, educational requirements, skills, and more. 

Interior Designing: Highlights

All About Interior Design Course 

• An interior design course is a comprehensive educational program that helps you understand and learn interior design concepts and skills. These courses contain theoretical and practical interior design concepts, such as mapping, creating prototypes, exploring planning processes, etc. 
• The interior design courses teach you different methods for producing various image types and modeling. Also, you can create sketch models and complex technical drawings that suit the project's needs. 
  These courses give you a complete understanding of different materials used for interior designing and how they will affect the overall aesthetics, comfort, or functionality. 
• You can become familiar with mapping, measuring, recording, and design experimenting tools related to interior designing. Interior design courses are about generating design ideas and will help you incorporate social and cultural environment elements into the interior space. 
• By enrolling in an interior design, you can easily understand the research, planning, and design dynamics.
  If you want to know how to become an interior designer, enroll in a course. There are many top colleges that offer different types of interior design courses, including bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and diploma courses. 

Who is an Interior Designer

An interior designer is a professional who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages the enhancement of interior spaces. After collaborating with architects, contractors, engineers, and other professionals, they create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and safe environments. 

Interior designers blend creativity with technical knowledge to enhance the quality and functionality of interior spaces in homes, offices, hotels, and other establishments. An interior designer considers the client’s needs, lifestyle, and budget to develop design concepts that reflect their vision.

What Does an Interior Designer Do? 

Interior designers are involved in a wide range of tasks, such as:

• Conceptualization: Understanding clients’ needs, preferences, and lifestyles to develop design concepts.
• Space Planning: Optimizing the layout and flow of interior spaces to maximize functionality and efficiency.
• Selection: Choosing furniture, fixtures, lighting, color schemes, and materials that align with the design concept and client's vision. 
• Drafting and Rendering: Producing detailed drawings and 3D renderings to visualize the design. 
• Project Management: Overseeing the design and implementation process, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Client Collaboration: Building strong relationships with clients, providing design expertise, and ensuring their satisfaction.

Why Choose a Career in Interior Design?

Here are some of the best reasons why you should become an interior designer: 

• Employment Growth: Each year, approximately 9,000 job openings in countries like the US for interior designers are anticipated, reflecting steady opportunities in the field. 
• Competitive Salary: The median annual wage for interior designers was USD 1,11,758, in the US, offering a financially stable career path.
• Diverse Opportunities: Interior designers can work in various settings, including residential, commercial, and hospitality designs. 
• Flexibility: Many interior designers enjoy flexible work arrangements, allowing for work-life balance. 
• Creativity: It offers an outlet for artistic expression through designing and decorating spaces.
• Impactful Work: Designers can enhance the quality of life by creating functional and beautiful environments. 

Interior Design Top Colleges Abroad 

To find out how to become an interior designer, you must select the right university for yourself. Here’s a list of top colleges abroad to start your journey to become an interior designer.

Interior Design Eligibility Criteria 

Don’t know how to get started as an interior designer? First of all, you need to enroll in an interior design course — for that, you need to meet the basic eligibility criteria. 

Eligibility criteria for Bachelors in Interior Design: 

• Should have passed high school at a recognized educational institution. 
• Should have secured a minimum of 3 GPA or Grade B 
• Must submit English proficiency test results (IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5, TOEFL with a score of 82, etc) 
• Applicants should submit two letters of recommendation and one essay.

Interior Design: Educational Requirements 

If you want to become an interior designer, a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is the most common educational route. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in interior design, providing a comprehensive understanding of design principles, materials, and project management.

For those seeking a shorter educational path, an associate degree in interior design can provide a good starting point. While not mandatory in all regions, obtaining certifications and licenses can enhance your credibility. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam is a recognized standard in the industry.

Interior Design Scope and Job Profiles 

The scope of becoming an interior designer is relatively broad and beneficial because creativity is not limited to the interior design field. From residential spaces to office buildings, hotels to restaurants, healthcare to airport infrastructure, interior design is a crucial element. 

You have to transform old, incomplete spaces into functional areas and ensure the interior design perfectly harmonizes with the furniture, background, and lighting. 

After becoming an interior designer, you can work with national and global companies in different sectors, primarily construction, healthcare, hotels, resorts, public and private firms, furniture, and many more. 

Below are some of the top interior design companies you can work with: 

1. Aecom 
2. Gensler 
3. Hirsch Bedner Associates
4. HOK 
5. Yabu Pushelberg
6. Bujou Studios 
7. Arsight 
8. Duelle 
9. Wknd Designs 
10. K-Studio

Here is a brief overview of the top career roles you can take up after completing interior design courses, along with average salaries in the US.

Source: Indeed, as of July 2024.

What is the Difference Between Interior Designer and Interior Decorator 

Interior designers focus on the overall planning and design of a space, considering both aesthetics and functionality. They create floor plans, select materials, and often collaborate with architects and contractors. 

On the other hand, interior decorators primarily focus on the decorative elements of a space, such as furniture, color schemes, and accessories. They enhance the look and feel of an existing space without making structural changes.

Key Differences:

• Scope: Designers handle larger projects involving structural changes, while decorators focus on decorative enhancements.
• Education: Designers typically require formal education and may have specialized certifications, while decorators often have less formal training.
• Skills: Both require creativity and communication skills, but designers often have additional technical and project management skills.

What Qualifications and Skills are Required to Become Interior Designer 

To know how to start a career in interior design and become a successful interior designer, here are the necessary qualifications and key skills: 

• Educational Background: A bachelor's degree in interior design or a related field is typically required. 
• Creativity and Aesthetic Sense: A keen eye for color, texture, and form is fundamental to creating visually appealing spaces.
• Spatial Reasoning: The ability to visualize and conceptualize space utilization effectively.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, drafting, and rendering tools.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Effectively communicating with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders is crucial for project success.
• Project Management: The ability to manage timelines, budgets, and resources efficiently.
• Business Perception: Understanding of business operations, marketing, and financial management, especially for those aspiring to start their design firm. 
• Problem-solving: The ability to find creative solutions to design challenges.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in selecting materials, finishes, and furnishings.
• Stay Updated: Be familiar with the latest design trends, materials, and technologies. 

How to Become Interior Designer: Step-by-step Guide 

Here is a brief step-by-step guide that helps you know how to get started as an interior designer: 

• Education: Obtain an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in interior design.
• Internship: Gain practical experience by working for well-established companies through internships.
• Build a Portfolio: Showcase your design projects and skills.
• Networking: Connect with industry professionals to expand your network.
• Consider Licensing: Check if your area requires a license and fulfill the necessary requirements.
• Specialize: Focus on a specific area like residential, commercial, or hospitality design. 
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on design trends, technologies, and industry developments.

Freelancing vs Working for Firm 

Choosing between freelancing and working for a firm is a significant decision for interior designers, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. 

Freelancing 

• Pros: Creative freedom, flexible schedule, the potential for higher earnings, and opportunity to build a personal brand.
• Cons: Financial instability, handling business operations, limited resources, and difficulty managing large projects.

Working for a Firm 

• Pros: Steady income, benefits, mentorship, collaboration opportunities, resources, established client base.
• Cons: Less creative freedom, corporate structure, potential for limited growth, and competition within the firm. 

Future Trends in Interior Design 

The interior design industry is constantly evolving. Here are some key trends that are likely to rule the future: 

• Tech-driven Spaces: Smart homes, virtual reality, and augmented reality are transforming how we design and experience interiors.
• Sustainability Focus: Eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and biophilic design are gaining prominence.
• Wellness Emphasis: People are prioritizing mental and physical well-being with natural light, ventilation, and calming aesthetics.
• Flexible Living: Multipurpose rooms and adaptable furniture cater to changing lifestyles.
• Personalized Interiors: Unique designs that reflect individual tastes and cultural backgrounds are in demand.
• Beyond Minimalism: A shift towards a balance of minimalism and maximalism, offering diverse options.

Final Tips for Aspiring Interior Designers 

Becoming an interior designer can be a lucrative career because of the high salaries and plenty of career opportunities. A strong educational foundation, complemented by practical experience, is invaluable. 

Make sure to do and strengthen your portfolio in order to showcase your design abilities and professionalism. You can specialize in a particular field and work as a freelancer or as an employee at an interior design company.