An Online Degree in Interior Design
You're full of decorating ideas. That's why you're curious about careers in interior design. According to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), two other skill sets are key to your success:
- The ability to manage clients, budgets and time wisely.
- Technical knowledge of materials, building codes and requirements.
Good educational training helps sharpen the skill sets you need. If you live in any of 22 States or the District of Columbia, according to ASID, getting a degree from a good interior design school is even more important.It's a requirement in those areas to get the government license or registration before you can practice.
The Steps to an Interior Design Job
To meet that requirement, you need to pass the National Council for Interior Design exam. And to be eligible for that exam, you must have at least six years of combined education and experience in interior design - of which, at least two years must be postsecondary design education at an interior design college.
Many good schools now offer an online degree in interior design. Distance learning can make it easier to accommodate your current commitments at home and work.
Your hard work can pay off. Demand for interior designers, according to U.S. Labor Department statistics, is rising. ASID reports there are about 34,000 interior designers in the U.S. at about 10,000 firms. The ASID website will help you locate them.
The Interior Design Salary
What can you earn in an interior design job? According to ASID, "beginning designers earn about $30,000 a year. Mid-level designers - those with three or more years' experience - make slightly more, around $35,000 to $40,000.
Designers who also demonstrate good project and/or people management skills can command substantially higher salaries ($50,000 to $55,000) as managers. Principals or partners in well-to-do firms may receive $75,000 to $100,000 or more."
Sources:
American Society of Interior Designers
Bureau of Labor Statistics
