How To Become an Interior Designer Without a Degree

First thing’s first: let’s discuss the core qualifications that you’ll need to get started in the field of interior design. Interior designers need to have:

Next, you’ll need to learn the skills needed to be an interior designer. As a professional designer, you’ll need to be able to:

Furthermore, there are certain soft skills that are important in this field, such as:

If you have these skills, then you’re well on your way to becoming a successful interior designer!

One of the best ways to gain experience as an interior designer is to work for people you know. This could be family, friends, or even neighbors. Interior design projects can come in all shapes and sizes.

In today’s day and age, there are a ton of technology tools that you can use to your advantage. There are design software programs that can help you create floor plans and sketches. There are also online resources that can help you learn more about the field of interior design.

Another great way to become an interior designer without a degree is to become an apprentice. An apprenticeship is basically on-the-job training. You’ll work with a licensed interior designer and learn all about the ins and outs of the industry.

If you’re not ready to commit to a full-time job, then starting your career as a freelancer is a great option! As a freelancer, you’ll be able to work on Interior Design projects of all shapes and sizes. You can also set your own hours and rates.

Another option for starting your interior design career is to become a contractor. As a contractor, you’ll work with interior design firms to help them complete projects. This is a great option if you have experience in the industry but don’t want to start your own business.

One of the most important things you can do as an interior designer is to develop your professional network. After all, interior design is a competitive industry! Thus, having a strong network will help you find new opportunities and grow your business.

There are a few different ways you can go about developing your professional network. You can start by:

Another downside of not getting a degree is that you’ll be limited in the types of projects you can work on. This is because certain projects, such as commercial design, require a degree. Without a degree, you’ll only be able to work on residential projects.

Not having a degree will also limit your earning potential. Interior designers with a degree earn, on average, earn over $15,000 more than those without a degree. They also have an easier time landing high-paying projects and clients.

Once you’ve completed your interior design program, you’ll need to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. This exam is administered by the NCIDQ and tests your knowledge of interior design principles and practices.

First and foremost, you’ll need to complete an accredited Interior Design program. These programs typically last 2 to 4 years, depending on the school you train with. In these programs, you’ll cover topics like design theory, history, computer-aided design, and more.

If you are thinking about getting an interior design degree, you might be wondering what the process entails. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

Not at all!

Let’s say, for whatever reason, you don’t want to (or can’t) commit to spending that many years in school. Maybe you’re juggling a full-time job, are a busy parent, etc. Does this mean your dreams of working in the professional home design industry are dashed?

What exactly is the difference between these two career paths?

An interior designer is someone who plans and oversees the design of living spaces. This includes both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the space. Interior designers typically have a degree in Interior Design and are certified by the NCIDQ. Furthermore, interior designers are often involved in the architectural process of a home design/renovation.

An interior decorator, on the other hand, is someone who uses their knowledge of color, texture, and furniture to enhance the appearance of a space. Importantly, interior decorators do not get involved in the architectural side of design projects. This is because they do not typically have the education or experience to do so.

However, just because interior decorators don’t get involved in the architectural process, doesn’t mean they’re not qualified to help you design your dream home! In fact, many interior designers hire interior decorators to help with the “decorating” aspects of their projects.

While the job duties of an interior designer and decorator may seem similar, there are some key differences. Interior designers typically:

On the other hand, interior decorators typically:

What’s more, interior decorating is the better option if you don’t want to spend 2 to 4 years in school or if you’re unable to take the NCIDQ exam.

If you’re interested in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of design, then interior design is the right path for you. However, if you’re only interested in the aesthetic aspects of design, then interior decorating is the right path for your career goals.

So, now that you know the difference between these two career paths, which one is right for you?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a degree to be an interior decorator. Interior decorating is an unregulated field. In fact, many successful interior decorators have no formal education in design!

So, what type of formal education should you get if you want to be an interior decorator?

As a point of reference, many of our graduates found that by devoting a mere 1-2 hours per week on their Interior Decorating Course, they were able to complete the program in as little as 3-6 months. Plenty of other graduates found they were able to graduate in as little as 12 short weeks.

Best of all, our Interior Decorating Course can be completed entirely online and at your own pace! Beginning on the day you enroll, you’ll be given 2 full years to finish your program. However, when, where, and how often you work on your studies is entirely up to YOU. Meaning, you can use as little or as much of those 2 years as you need!

At QC, you’ll receive a comprehensive education in all aspects of interior decorating. You’ll learn everything from color theory and furniture selection to space planning, project management and more. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to put your skills to the test with in a real-world setting, as part of your practical assignments!

Before we wrap things up, we want to leave you with a few helpful resources that will come in handy as you continue your journey to becoming an interior decorator:

So, is it possible to become an interior designer without a degree?

Yes – however, it can put you at a disadvantage. While you technically can work as an interior designer without a degree, this is the type of field where not having the professional license/qualification can severely limit job opportunities.

Interior decorating, on the other hand, is a much better alternative career path – especially if you’re looking for a way to get started quickly, and without spending a fortune on tuition.

QC’s Interior Decorating Course is the perfect way to get started in this field. You’ll receive a comprehensive education in all aspects of interior decorating, and you can even complete the program entirely online! Plus, upon completion, you’ll receive an internationally-recognized certification!