What do you do if you're considering a career in interior design and want to explore different paths?

1 Assess your goals and interests

Before you dive into the world of interior design, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what kind of projects you enjoy. Do you prefer residential or commercial design, or a mix of both? Do you have a specific style or niche that you want to focus on, such as sustainable, minimalist, or eclectic? Do you want to work for a firm, freelance, or start your own business? These are some of the questions that can help you define your goals and interests, and guide your career choices.

2 Learn the basics

To become a professional interior designer, you need to have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in the field. This includes understanding the principles and elements of design, such as color, balance, harmony, proportion, and scale. You also need to know how to use various tools and software, such as CAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, and Illustrator, to create and present your design concepts. Additionally, you need to be familiar with the technical aspects of interior design, such as building codes, regulations, materials, lighting, and furniture.

3 Get a degree or certification

Depending on where you live and what kind of interior design work you want to do, you may need to have a formal education or certification in interior design. Many countries and states require interior designers to have a bachelor's degree in interior design or a related field, and to pass a licensing exam, such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) in the US. However, some places may allow you to work as an interior designer with an associate's degree, a diploma, or a certificate from an accredited program. You can also take online courses or workshops to enhance your skills and portfolio.

4 Gain experience and network

One of the best ways to learn and grow as an interior designer is to gain hands-on experience and network with other professionals in the industry. You can do this by applying for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs at interior design firms, studios, or agencies. You can also look for freelance or volunteer opportunities to work on real projects for clients, such as friends, family, or local businesses. Additionally, you can join professional associations, such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) or the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), to access resources, events, and contacts.

5 Choose your path and niche

As you gain more experience and confidence as an interior designer, you can start to explore different paths and niches that suit your goals and interests. For example, you can specialize in a specific type of design, such as hospitality, healthcare, retail, or education. You can also develop your own signature style, such as modern, rustic, or bohemian. Alternatively, you can branch out into other related fields, such as staging, styling, or consulting. You can also decide whether you want to work for an established firm, start your own business, or collaborate with other designers.

6 Keep learning and improving

The interior design industry is constantly evolving and changing, so you need to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge to stay relevant and competitive. You can do this by following the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in interior design, as well as seeking feedback and inspiration from your peers, mentors, and clients. You can also enroll in continuing education courses, workshops, or seminars to update your qualifications and credentials. Moreover, you can showcase your work and achievements on your website, portfolio, or social media platforms to attract more opportunities and recognition.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?