How to Choose the Best Interior Design Course

Now that you have made a decision to enroll in an interior design college near La Canada Flintridge CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing commercial or residential spaces, it's essential that you get the proper training to put your natural abilities to work. And since some states do mandate that interior designers be licensed, depending on your state of residence you could need training to pass a licensing examination also. So it's essential that you do the proper research so that you can assess and compare each program that you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate choice. But where do you start? A number of potential students will begin their research by looking for interior design programs near their home and then comparing tuition costs. While location and cost are important factors when making a determination, they are by no means the sole ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation must be taken into consideration also. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's talk a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and class options are available.

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Interior Decoration vs Interior Design

Many people confuse interior decoration for interior design. The principal distinction between the two is the level of training required. Anyone 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 Associate or Bachelor's Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are educated to make living or work spaces functional as well as attractive. On some projects they may team up with building engineers and architects. There are two general categories that an interior designer in La Canada Flintridge CA may specialize in:

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

There are various areas of commercial and residential interior design that a designer needs to learn, including lighting, color schemes, furniture and acoustics. Designers must be able to read blue prints and use graphic design in order to create their visions. From choosing wall paper and carpeting to including Feng shui concepts, La Canada Flintridge California interior designers utilize a wide range of skills that contribute to their final designs.
 

Interior Designer Degrees

There are four degree options offered in interior design to acquire the training needed to start your new profession in La Canada Flintridge CA. Your choice will no doubt be influenced by your career objectives in addition to the time and money that you have to commit to your education. But no matter which degree program you choose to enroll in, make certain to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is required in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination mandated in some states. More will be addressed on additional accreditation benefits later. Following are brief descriptions of the interior design degrees that are offered.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design provide the minimum level of education required to enter the field. They take roughly two years to finish and programs are available at numerous California community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can typically qualify for entry level employment 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 aspects of the business required to become a designer. They are the lowest degree needed by a graduating student in order to secure an entry level job as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs supply advanced training in design after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer alternatives in specialized majors for such things as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate degrees are mainly for those professionals who want to teach interior design at a university or college level. The programs vary in length but are typically completed in three to five years.

To work professionally and use the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited schools become licensed. In several instances, 2 or more years of field experience may be called for before a candidate can sit for the licensing exam.

Why Study to Become an Interior Designer?

There are many options available to you once you graduate and enter the field of interior design.  If you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit you may become self-employed and open your own interior design shop. You might also work for a small or larger design firm. Designers have careers creating interiors for businesses, hospitals, government buildings, as well as private residences. Rarely is a design career a 9 to 5 job. You’ll need to be flexible, patient, and persistent to get your career off the ground. But you will have the opportunity to earn an attractive income as well as the personal satisfaction of creating beautiful living and working spaces.

Topics to Ask Interior Design Colleges

Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your school options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your La Canada Flintridge CA home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your options also. But picking the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just verify 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of La Canada Flintridge California employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides providing an exceptional education, the La Canada Flintridge CA school you choose should also provide the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a large network of La Canada Flintridge CA business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the La Canada Flintridge CA colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of support they offer. A number of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the La Canada Flintridge CA colleges you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your La Canada Flintridge home, go to the campus and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near La Canada Flintridge CA, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.

Enroll in the Right Interior Design College near La Canada Flintridge California

Selecting the right interior design college is a critical initial step toward launching your career in this creative and gratifying profession. Finding a college where you will receive your training and develop your talents in a specific area of study is a difficult task regardless of what major you have chosen. As with any undertaking to attain an advanced education, there are many factors to consider before selecting a program, course or school. At a minimum, make sure that the design college and program are both accredited and highly respected in the business. However it is still important that you carry out your due diligence research. By doing so and following the balance of the suggestions provided in this article, you will be able to effectively evaluate and compare interior design schools so that you can make the appropriate final selection. And with superior training and your desire to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in La Canada Flintridge California.