How to Pick the Right Interior Designer Course

Once you have decided to enroll in an interior designer degree program near Vestavia Hills AL, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing commercial or residential interiors, it's essential that you obtain the proper training to put your talents to work. And since several states do mandate that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you could need training to pass a licensing exam as well. So it's vital that you perform the appropriate research so that you can assess and compare each school that you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. But exactly where do you begin? Many potential students will kick off their research by looking for interior design courses near their residence and then comparing tuition expenses. While location and cost are key issues when making a decision, they should not be the sole ones. Qualifiers such as accreditation and reputation should be taken into consideration also. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's talk a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and training choices are offered.

Start Your Interior Design Career By Requesting Free Info on Local Schools Below

Interior Design vs Interior Decoration

Many people mistake interior design for interior decoration. The key distinction between the two is the level of education required. Anyone can do business as an interior decorator if they have a general knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior areas. However, doing business as an interior designer necessitates formal training and in numerous states one must have an accredited Bachelor's or Associate Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are taught to make work or living areas attractive as well as functional. On various occasions they may work together with building engineers and architects. There are two broad areas that an interior designer in Vestavia Hills AL can specialize in:

• Residential Designing. Interior Designers typically work on new construction and existing homes. They can design basically any area of the home, including bedrooms, closets and basements. Or they may specialize in designing one particular room, for instance kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Designing. When working on commercial or public spaces, designers frequently concentrate primarily on either aesthetic appeal or functionality but pay attention to both. As an example, business reception areas and meeting rooms are areas where aesthetics may be focused on over function. Designs for hospitals and banks may concentrate more on functionality over appearance as the primary concern.

There are several areas of commercial and residential interior design that a designer must learn, such as color schemes, lighting, acoustics and furniture. They must be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to produce their visions. From picking carpeting and wall paper to integrating Feng shui concepts, Vestavia Hills Alabama interior designers implement a wide variety of skills that help bring about their ultimate creations.
 

Interior Design Degree Programs

There are four degree options offered in interior design to receive the training required to start your new career in Vestavia Hills AL. Your selection will no doubt be influenced by your career objectives as well as the money and time that you have to devote to your education. But regardless of which degree program you decide to enroll in, be sure to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is required in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination required in some states. More will be addressed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are short explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design furnish the minimum amount of training needed to enter the field. They take approximately two years to complete and programs are available at many Alabama community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can usually qualify for entry level positions as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that provide more in depth training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative components of the trade needed to become a designer. They are the lowest degree needed by a college graduate in order to obtain an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs provide advanced training in design after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer choices in specialized majors in general areas such as residential bathrooms or business offices. Many students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate degrees are primarily for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a college or university level. The degree programs differ in length but are generally completed in three to five years.

In order to work professionally and use the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited colleges become licensed. In some instances, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required before a candidate can sit for the licensing examination.

Online Interior Designer Degree Programs

For anyone wishing to study in the comfort of their Vestavia Hills AL homes, there are online accredited interior design colleges. Attending classes online can be a great solution for those students that are working or have hectic schedules that make attending classes on campus challenging. Classes can instead be attended on a home computer or laptop when convenient for the student. For some students online programs may be the only option if no interior design schools are within commuting distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be cheaper than for more conventional options. Additional costs for such things as study materials or commuting may be decreased or eliminated also. Just make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited by a respected accrediting agency, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online schools may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. If you have the dedication to obtain your degree without the structure of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design program may be the right alternative for you.

What to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Now that you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Vestavia Hills AL residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your options as well. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to get those answers as well as others to help you compare and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Vestavia Hills Alabama employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an outstanding education, the Vestavia Hills AL college you choose should also provide the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Alabama or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a substantial network of Vestavia Hills AL business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Vestavia Hills AL colleges you are looking at and find out what kind of support they provide. A number of interior design programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Vestavia Hills AL colleges you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Vestavia Hills home, go to the campus and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design program you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Vestavia Hills AL, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Enroll in the Best Interior Designer Program near Vestavia Hills Alabama

Choosing the right interior design program is a critical first step toward starting your career in this creative and fulfilling profession. Searching for a college where you will obtain your training and cultivate your skills in a particular area of study is a daunting job regardless of what major you have chosen. As with any endeavor to acquire an advanced education, there are a number of points to consider before enrolling in a school, program, or course. At a minimum, check that the program and design school are both accredited and highly regarded in the profession. But it is still imperative that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the balance of the suggestions provided in this article, you will be able to properly assess and compare interior design programs so that you can make the right final selection. And with superior training and your determination to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Vestavia Hills Alabama.