Becoming an Interior Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design

The profession of interior design has received a lot of media attention in recent years, whether it's on the many "home makeover" shows or in the movies. The reality is, interior design in the twenty-first century is much more than selecting colors and arranging furniture. Today's interior designer is a multifaceted professional, with expertise in building and safety codes, project management, designing for seniors, sustainable design, and other important areas that require increased skill and training. If you have a vision for creating the interior spaces of residential or commercial buildings, Becoming an Interior Designer is the first step to a successful career. More than a how-to book for finding a job, this helpful guide is a road map to the early stages of forming a lifelong career and finding your special niche in this burgeoning field. This Second Edition of Becoming an Interior Designer will prepare you for entering and succeeding in the interior design field. It covers all aspects of getting into the industry, including updated information on the following: Licensing and certification The newest educational requirements, with a helpful list of accredited interior design programs in the United States and Canada Professional tips on portfolio preparation Discussion of work environments—from home office to large firms Advice for finding clients and boosting revenue Helpful guidance on managing a successful career Photos of projects by professional interior designers from all major design specialties The author interviewed nearly 100 professionals in the field who share their personal insights to help you discover what the interior design profession is really like. With everything a student needs to start their journey, Becoming an Interior Designer, Second Edition will be a launch pad for a long and successful career in interior design.