A designer is someone who designs something before it’s even made, usually by sketching plans or drawings. While a designer may not be able to see into the future and anticipate how things will turn out, they do their very best to envision what the end product should look like. For those who are aspiring to become a designer, it helps to know what kind of training and experience it takes to become one. There are plenty of different design schools that offer formal training and certification, but how can you tell which one is right for you?
Most interior designers get their start in school by taking classes such as art and design, which focuses on the application of arts and aesthetics to architecture and Interior Design. Art and design work often goes hand-in-hand with architecture because of the relationship that these two fields share. During this time, students learn to apply various techniques and mediums that are used in art to architecture. The principles of art and design, while applicable to almost all forms of building construction and design, are especially helpful when it comes to designing interiors. This is because they deal with the practicality of everything, which makes it easier for interior designers to produce attractive and functional spaces.
Although an art and design degree isn’t required to start working as an independent professional, it’s always a good idea to have some basic knowledge of this subject. You should ask questions at design workstations, whether at home or in the office, and you should never hesitate to be proactive in your efforts to get answers to any questions or concerns that you might have. An art and design major should be able to express themselves clearly, and should be willing to listen carefully and address concerns in a courteous, professional manner. A good designer won’t simply object to your questions; in fact, he or she will likely try to find solutions to them.
Most interior designers ranges from masters in Art and Design to bachelors in the field. They range in experience, from the very new to the very experienced, and may work with a number of different clients. While a master’s degree will qualify you to work for an established designer, it will not get you the job. Instead, you should look for an online Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, or an Art and Design Certificate, which will give you the credentials to apply for positions that require experience with specific clientele, such as residential planners, architects, and interior designers. The Certificate also shows prospective employers that you have the technical skills necessary to succeed in the field.
In terms of the actual job itself, most designers within the art and design range are responsible for creating space planning, space layouts, floor plans, floor maps, furnishings, lighting, photography, installations, as well as architectural or structural designs. It’s a skilled designer’s job to think of new ways to maximize the usability of each space that is being designed by him or her. So, if you want to become a designer, you’ll have to be very good at coming up with new ways to maximize the usage of space. In order to be competitive in this field, you need to be detail-oriented and have a keen eye for detail. You must also have a good command of mathematics, which will help you out in figuring out things like how many square feet a certain piece of furniture or set of rooms can safely contain.
Many people within the designer career tend to work in residential environments, although some designers also choose to work on projects in civic centers, hotels, office buildings, and even shopping malls. While you must be detail oriented, it helps to have a friendly personality and be willing to take criticism well. Being open to suggestions also helps to ensure that you’ll be able to grow as a designer. Some designers create their own patterns and then use those patterns as the basis for others to build their projects off of, so it’s important that you are open to learning new techniques as well.