People love beautiful things. Some people go the extra mile to ensure they live in beautiful neighborhoods, countries, or states. Beautiful places like Italy and Switzerland keep getting a high number of tourists and relocators every year, this shows that people are naturally attracted to beautiful things. Some people want their homes to be beautiful, cozy, and convenient but they don’t know how best to do that and so they hire interior designers.
Interior design is the art and science of modifying the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space.
As an interior designer, you are saddled with a very delicate responsibility. Your job is not just physically beautifying a space but also influencing a person’s emotions. The place you enter can either brighten or dampen your mood and the beauty of a place you enter can even make you forget their worries at that time. Interior design is the art and science of understanding people’s nature to create usable spaces within a building. You can build a cozy and nice atmosphere in a prior space while striking harmony between comfort and beauty.
Just like in other artistic fields, a career as an interior designer is striving. However, it brings great happiness to those who enjoy adorning spaces and using their talents to find antidotes to design problems. There is a growth forecast of 13% between 2012 and 2024.
Look at the table of content below.
You might actually wonder if interior design is a good career?
An interior design career is one of the best careers ever. It not only allows you to try out your artistic side but also allows you receive payment for your artistic abilities.
If you love construction, design, remodeling, beautifying, or art in general you should consider starting a career in interior design as well as bagging a diploma in it.
A diploma in interior design can direct a student to job possibilities as well as give him/ her the capacity to pursue bachelor and then master’s level courses in Interior Design. A Diploma qualification will have you in the workforce, gaining a better recognition rate in a faster time, for small monetary investment than a University degree. Diploma in Interior Design is a year-long course in the area of interior designing.
Read: 15 Best Interior Design Schools in California | 2024
REASONS TO GET A DIPLOMA IN INTERIOR DESIGN
There are various reasons for which people choose to delve into a career opportunity. Some choose a career prospect because of its financial gain, some to get fulfillment, some start a career for the need to get a job, others for various other reasons.
These are the 5 top reasons to start an interior design career by getting a diploma in interior design.
1. It builds your creative and artistic side
If you are creative, dynamic, and artistic, pursuing a diploma in interior design is one great step towards a more resourceful you. Most people are born with creative tendencies however a diploma in interior design refines and polishes you.
Taking an interior designing course will help you professionalize your creative skills. It’s one thing to have a vacant canvas, but when your canvas happens to be a whole interior living space, you can delve into your creativity and imagination at a much greater level.
2. You would be enhancing your entrepreneurial skills
Asides from the fact that some interior designers work as freelancers, a diploma in interior design is a great opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills.
If you are looking for a career prospect where you can easily decide to freelance, you should look at getting a diploma and starting a career in interior designing.
After getting a diploma in interior designing, most people with diplomas in interior designing prefer to work individually as they have not only learned designing but have also developed their interpersonal skills.
3. Interior designing is a satisfying career
What is more satisfying than bringing your creative vision to life and pleasing your clients in the process. Since interior designing allows people to express their creative ability and thoughts, people seem very satisfied with the career.
According to career explorer rating, interior designers rate their career happiness 3.5 out of 5 stars which puts them in the top 30% of careers.
4. It is a growing field
The interior design market has seen remarkable growth as people now prefer to hire interior designers to design their homes and offices. The interior design market is expected to see exponential growth by 2024 globally.
According to MarketWatch, in 2018, the interior design market can expect a potential (CAGR) growth rate of 8.5% between 2019-2024, according to several rating sources interior design Is estimated to grow a lot in the nearest future.
Although the bureau of labor has predicted a possible decline in the next 8 years, its future outlook is still quite promising.
Read: 15 Best Interior Design Schools In The World
5. Pay:
While interior designing might not be the best paying career, there is great financial gain in it.
TIME NEEDED FOR A DIPLOMA IN INTERIOR DESIGN
There are usually variations in the time needed for a diploma in interior design. However, the interior design duration ranges between 1 to 2 years( especially 2 years).
Usually, some institutes cover the syllabus over a span of two years while some just a year.
COST OF AN INTERIOR DESIGN DIPLOMA
The cost of study also varies based on the area of specialization, institution, and country. Online courses are however cheaper.
In the United States, for instance, over 300 colleges and universities offer Interior Design programs. The average tuition & fees of the Interior Design program at the schools are $5,966 for state residents and $19,559 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2020-2024. In countries like the UK, you might spend lesser.
Asides from the tuition, you have various other costs to consider especially if you would be studying abroad. Rent and daily costs of living, such as food and entertainment can amount to a large expense as well.
The last major expense to take into consideration will be the cost of transportation. You would need to assess the amount you would pay for tuition as well as review the cost of housing in that location and also the cost of transportation.
Note that most schools have scholarship plans for both local and international students. In fact, In budgeting for, and funding your studies, the first feeling that comes to your mind should be scholarships.
Between those offered by universities, government organizations, not-for-profit enterprises, and other private foundations, there are literally thousands of grants and scholarships out there ready to be plucked up and put to use every year.
In summary, online or on-campus interior design classes range between $596 to $20,000 excluding other expenses.
11 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
Interior designers work in various sectors and areas. With a diploma in interior designing you could become :
- Hospitality sector interior designer
- Home designer
- Business space designer
- Industrial designer
- Kitchen and room designer
- Freelance designer
- Wedding Decorator
- Automotive Interior Designer
- Setup Designer
- Design Coordinator
- Interior Lighting Designer
While going through the job opportunity, the question of HOW MUCH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER CAN MAKE must have occurred to you.
Well, Although interior designers might not be the highest-paid professionals, Interior designers earn an average yearly salary of $52,747.
The salary range starts from $30,091 and goes up to $92,459. However, note that the higher your qualification, the higher your pay. Also, the salary range differs based on job specialization.
Read: 13 Best Bachelor of Graphic Design Programs in the World | 2024
HOW TO EARN A DIPLOMA IN INTERIOR DESIGN
This is a step-by-step guide on how to get your diploma certification in interior design.
If you have not already chosen the institution you would prefer to attend. these hints might be useful
1. Decide the location you want. Whether online or offline or whether in Canada, UK, etc.
Putting into consideration various factors that might include the cost of housing in various locations, the proximity of the school to the airport and community facilities e.t.c is the right thing to do. You should probably consider if you have enough time to commute to the on-campus location or rather do the courses online. There are many institutions that offer both online (self-paced or not) and offline classes.
2. Find out institutions around your chosen location.
Now you have decided on your location. For instance, if you chose Malaysia, you wouldn’t stop there, you would need to select your choice institution, there are various institutions like the raffles university and subway university. You can make your selection based on their fees, course duration, and coursework.
3. Find out their requirements and see if you match that.
Pick out the schools you could use your qualification to attend and check if their coursework matches your interest. By now you should have been able to narrow down some selected schools.
4. You must also check out the fees and cost.
If you would not be able to afford it, find out if there are scholarships you might benefit from.
5. Apply:
Various schools have their methods of application. While done schools might require a physical submission, others will allow you to apply online. Also for a mode of application for international students might be different from that of local students.
if you would be applying to these schools ensure you apply before the deadline. If you are also required to write a proposal ensure it is eye-catching enough.
6. Keep reading.
Read even outside your scheme. Anything on interior design you know might benefit. Aside from the fact that most schools organize assessments for their prospects, you would need to gain prior knowledge of fields relating to interior design. This would make it easier to learn.
Read: How can I become a Videogame Designer? Schools, Salary and Cost
7. Wait for a response
You would necessarily have to wait for a response from the institution. Some institutions take longer to reply due to the number of applicants. There are lots of materials interior design students need during their course.
8. Once a response has been gotten,
Get all materials needed and ensure you complete the required coursework.
ESSENTIAL MATERIALS INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS NEED
35 DEGREE AND 45 DEGREE TRIANGLES:
This would be used in the process of drafting out floor plans.
Laptop
College students generally require this, especially for online courses. However, as an interior design student you will be using CAD programs, SketchUp, Revit, 3DS Max, and possibly Photoshop, InDesign, and illustrator. You should definitely get a good laptop.
Good drawing pencils
You need to grab a span of pencils. You should use more of the H, HB, 2H, 4H, and 6H pencils. Mechanical Pencils are a good option too.
Artist/ Painters Tape
Artist tape or painter’s tape is used to taping your paper down when drafting. So that when removing it, it doesn’t rip up the paper.
Furniture template
Academic Diary/Planner
This is essential that really enables you to meet your deadlines. Besides, they are very cheap to get.
Cutting Knife and Blades
A good quality sharp knife is very important for model making to achieve clean cuts and a good quality model.
Scale Ruler
You cannot be an interior designer without a scale ruler and an insight into the use of scale. You should get the Architectural ruler, not the Engineering ruler.
Several other essentials like the printer, memory sticks, Scissors, PVA Glue, Masking Tape, Notepad, Sketchbooks, Cartridge Paper A3 and A2, Layout Paper A3 and A2, Tracing Paper A3 and A2, and so on.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Requirements may vary based on institution and program type, in fact, some online courses allow people with no qualification to participate in their courses. However, these are some general requirements of most schools.
- Students should have finalized 10+2 from any recognized board.
- The students should have attained a minimum of 55% in any stream.
- It is recommended that the students have the necessary knowledge in Mathematics, yet it is not compulsory
- Successfully passing the entrance exams is one of the most important factors. It all depends on your knowledge and skill in the field.
EXTRA REQUIREMENTS: Academic grades above the average, an impressive portfolio content, and well-developed skills in space analysis and problem-solving.
TOP 10 SCHOOLS OFFERING DIPLOMAS IN INTERIOR DESIGN
1. Sunway University:
This institution is located in Shah Alam, Malaysia. This reputable not-for-profit institution stands amongst the largest and most modern private institutions in Malaysia.
Being among the top 2% of universities has drawn more than 26,000 students from over 90 countries to its vibrant, 880,000-square-feet campus.
Their diploma program allows you to examine the art and science of enhancing interior spaces to make them aesthetically pleasing to the customers.
During this 30 month program, students will first learn drawing skills before advancing into designing smaller, compact spaces and then move on to larger models. The final assignment will be a more complex major design project.
https://university.sunway.edu.my
REQUIREMENTS
- SPM / SPMV / O-Level: Pass with a minimum of three credits (including a pass in Art /Technical Drawing / Portfolio
- UBs (including a pass in Art /Technical Drawing / Portfolio)
- Other Qualifications may be needed
2. Raffles university
Raffles university is located in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Malaysia. Malaysia is well known for its lively celebration of Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Hari Raya, where you can see stunning displays of activities and delicacies.
Malaysia is great stead of culture and religion, where people of different cultures live side by side harmoniously.
Raffles university diploma in interior design program is held over a 2-year 4-month duration. The curriculum is geared towards developing creative and technical skills through project-based learning.
This program promotes wisdom ad mastery through project work and boosts your thinking through the development of an independent capability.
https://raffles-university.edu.my
REQUIREMENTS
- SPM: Credits in 3 subjects
- O-level: Credits in 3 subjects
- UEC: 3Bs
Others: Any other equivalent qualification recognized by the Malaysia Government which will be considered on a case by case basis.
Additional Requirement: Pass RU Portfolio Assessment and Interview
3. The Florence Institute of Design International
If you are looking for a perfect opportunity to study design in Italy, this institution is the best place for you. The Florence Institute of Design International popularly known as FIDI is a design institute located in Florence Italy and is well known for its unique works.
As an Italian school, the Institute specializes in courses of graphic design, architecture, furniture design, and interior design for students from across Europe and around the world.
FIDI is pleased to be offering both online courses or physical study in Florence, with its diploma duration ranging between 1-2 years.
https://www.florence-institute.com
REQUIREMENTS
To apply to the 1-year Diploma or 2-year Advanced Diploma:
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You would need a high school diploma (12th or 13th grade)
- Latest grades of high school or university.
- A scan of your passport or EU Identification. Etc.
4. LaSalle College Vancouver
Located in Vancouver Canada, this institution offers a diploma in interior design all for one year. LaSalle College Vancouver exults itself on small class size, a friendly environment, hands-on delivery, and excellent versatile instructors.
LaSalle College Vancouver is registered with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
By undergoing their interior design diploma program, you would gain an understanding of interior construction, building codes, materials, lighting, and furnishings.
Requirements for both international and domestic students see available on the institution’s site.
https://www.lasallecollegevancouver.com
Read: 13 best fashion design schools in the World
5. The Interior Design School
The interior design school was founded in 1991 by Iris Dunbar and is located in northwest London, in the Queen’s Park Design District. The Interior Design School is accredited by The British Accreditation Council (BAC) and members of The Independent Higher Education.
The Diploma in Residential Interior Design is intended for students aspiring to gain an insight into the skills and knowledge needed to mold a career in the Residential Design sector.
This is a six-month training course that allows foreign students to attend on a short-term visitor’s visa.
6. Melbourne polytechnic
Melbourne Polytechnic has grown to become one of the largest givers of vocational education and training in Victoria nowadays. Located in Australia one of the finest countries in the world, Melbourne polytechnic has lived up to its reputation of being one of the best schools in Australia.
Melbourne Polytechnic has been known to deliver over 300 nationally recognized qualifications and more than 400 Institute accredited courses in various practices.
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Interior Design can help you turn your inner passion for interiors into a dashing and awarding career within 18 months.
https://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
7. Sage university
One of India’s best, the sage university is Placed in central India’s biggest city and commercial powerhouse, SAGE University is the best private university in Indore.
SAGE provides learning-based education in diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programs in various divisions taught by a community comprising of dedicated faculty. It is the largest educational group based in Madhya Pradesh, having 9000+ students from several cultures and states.
This institution offers a diploma program in interior design and planning.
Applicants are given admission subject to their scaling through the eligibility examination with a reasonable percentage.
The SC/ST. and Physically Challenged (Handicapped) candidates who have passed the qualifying examination irrespective of their percentage of marks are eligible to appear in the Entrance Examination.
8. Humber college, Canada
With 31,200 full-time students, over which 6,000 are international students within it’s 333,000 sq.ft. recent campus expansion, the number of colleges is quite large.
With technological advancements, a Humber education will help you choose a sure path to your career and keep you in the know about changing trends in the professional world. Humber’s Interior Decorating diploma program combines important creative and practical elements with insights into current design trends.
REQUIREMENTS
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:- Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)- Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those previously listed.
9. Algonquin College Ottawa
Their mission which is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success has been the frontline of this institution’s activities. You can choose from 122 College Certificates, 41 Ontario College Certificates, 93 Ontario College Diplomas, 33 Ontario College Advanced Diplomas among several other degrees.
The two-year Interior Decorating Ontario College Diploma program expands your skill and artistic flair in residential and small-scale commercial interiors.
https://www.algonquincollege.com
10. Fanshawe college
With a student population of 21,000 full-time students, involving more than 6,000 international students from 97 various countries, Fanshawe college is home to diverse students. This institution is located in Ontario Canada. with four campuses in London, Simcoe, St. Thomas, and Woodstock
In their interior design program, You will learn space planning, color theory, material selection, design fundamentals, presentation techniques, and illustration and visual merchandising, as well as critical business skills like professional communication, personal marketing, and sales.
Read: How can I become an Interior Designer in 2024? Schools, Cost & Salary
CONCLUSION:
In this article, we have discussed what an interior design diploma is, reasons to get one, time and cost needed, average earning of an interior designer, schools offering diplomas in interior design programs e.t.c.
However, be reminded that interior designing involves exhibiting your inner creativity. While its monetary gain might not be the highest, it is a truly rewarding career.
LINKS
- collegedekho.com/
- blog.prepscholar.com/
- florence-institute.com/
- .careerexp
- collegedunia.com/
- fanshawec.ca
- idschool.co.uk/the-school/
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