How to Select the Right Interior Design Program

Once you have decided to enroll in an interior design degree program near Mesa AZ, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial spaces, it's essential that you obtain the right training to put your talents to work. And since a number of states do require that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam also. So it's vital that you carry out the appropriate research in order to evaluate and compare each college that you are considering before you make your ultimate selection. But where do you start? Some future students will start their research by looking for interior design courses near their home and then comparing tuition expenses. While location and cost are key variables when making a determination, they are by no means the sole ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation should be taken into consideration also. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's cover a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and training options are offered.

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Interior Decoration vs Interior Design

Often people mistake interior decoration for interior design. The key distinction between the two is the amount of training required. Any person can work as an interior decorator if they have a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior areas. However, doing business as an interior designer requires formal training and in numerous states one must have an accredited Bachelor's or Associate Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are trained to make work or residential spaces attractive as well as functional. On various projects they may work together with architects and building engineers. There are 2 broad areas that an interior designer in Mesa AZ may specialize in:

• Residential Design. Interior Designers typically work on new construction and existing homes. They can design essentially any area of the home, including bedrooms, closets and basements. Or they may specialize in designing one particular room, for example bathrooms or kitchens.
• Commercial Designing. When working on commercial or public spaces, designers normally focus predominantly on either functionality or aesthetic appeal but take notice of both. For instance, business reception areas and meeting rooms are spaces where aesthetics may be emphasized over function. Designs for banks and hospitals might focus more on functionality over appearance as the primary concern.

There are many areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer must learn, for example color schemes, lighting, furniture and acoustics. They must be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to create their visions. From choosing wall paper and carpeting to integrating Feng shui principles, Mesa Arizona interior designers utilize a wide variety of skills that contribute to their final creations.
 

Interior Designer Degrees

There are 4 degree alternatives available in interior design to acquire the training needed to begin your new career in Mesa AZ. Your decision will no doubt be motivated by your career objectives as well as the time and money that you have to devote to your education. But no matter which degree program you opt to enroll in, make certain to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is needed in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination mandated in several states. More will be covered on additional accreditation benefits later. Following are short explanations of the interior design degrees that are offered.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees provide the minimum level of training required to enter the field. They take approximately two years to finish and programs are offered at a number of Arizona community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can normally obtain entry level positions as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that deliver more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative aspects of the business needed to become a designer. They are the minimum degree needed by a graduating student in order to secure an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs provide advanced design training after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer choices in specialized majors for such things as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to enhance their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctoral programs are mostly for those professionals who wish to teach interior design at a college or university level. The programs vary in length but are generally completed in three to five years.

To work as a professional and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", a number of 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 take the licensing exam.

Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Once you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of evaluating your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the college needs to be within driving distance from your Mesa AZ home. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options as well. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other things that you need to consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior designer program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Mesa Arizona employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prep 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 in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an excellent education, the Mesa AZ college you enroll in should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Mesa AZ business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Mesa AZ colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Mesa AZ colleges you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Mesa home, visit the school and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some 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 Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer program you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Mesa AZ, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Enroll in the Right Interior Design College near Mesa Arizona

Choosing the ideal interior design school is a crucial first step toward starting your career in this creative and gratifying occupation. Searching for a college where you will obtain your education and cultivate your talents in a particular area of study is a difficult task no matter what field you have chosen. As with any undertaking to attain an advanced education, there are several things to think about before selecting a school, program, or course. At a minimum, confirm that the program and design school are both accredited and highly regarded in the field. But it is still important that you carry out your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the balance of the recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to properly assess and compare interior design schools so that you can make the appropriate final selection. And with superior training and your drive to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Mesa Arizona.