Do you find that furniture stores make you giddy, and you're constantly watching HGTV as you dream up new ways to style your living room? Are you looking for a career where you can put your creativity and planning skills to good use? If so, this program will give you the basic skills and background you need to start working as a residential interior designer.
First, you'll find out what it's like to work as a residential interior designer for a day, and you'll see what qualities it takes to become successful in this business. You'll also explore the cornerstones of good design, such as proportion, balance, and rhythm. Using these cornerstones, you'll discover how to plan spaces so that they're both beautiful and functional.
Next, you'll take an inspiring journey into the past as you learn about the history of design styles and furnishings. What can ancient civilizations teach us about design? Surprisingly, quite a bit! You'll find out what our contemporary design aesthetic owes to the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and you'll explore historical design styles that people still love today. If Modernism speaks to you more than the columns of classical Rome, don't worry—you'll get familiar with 20th-century styles and contemporary movements, too.
With a solid understanding of design basics and history under your belt, you'll have a chance to investigate the various elements of interior design: materials, color, textiles, lighting, and accessories. You'll discover how you can combine these elements to create any type of atmosphere that your clients desire.
Finally, you'll get a glimpse into the excitement of running your own design business. You'll find helpful information on establishing your business, networking with contractors and vendors, marketing, meeting with clients, and managing projects in an ethical, professional way.
Throughout the program, you'll discover useful documents and exercises to help you practice your skills and put them to use. Your work will culminate in your very first interior design project: a floor plan and complete design concept for a family room. By the end of the program, you'll be ready to seek out your first clients and help them transform their interiors into satisfying spaces.
In addition, you’ll be eligible upon completion of this program to take the Residential Interior Designer Exam (RIDE) through the Designer Society of America (DSA). You’ll also receive a free one-year DSA membership, and you may be able to participate in an optional 40-hour internship through DSA (where available) if you meet eligibility requirements.
Upon registering, you're given an initial six months to complete this program. Should you need more time beyond the six months, an extension of six months is available at no additional cost.