Interior Design Course Online

Interior Design is a discipline, which is closely aligned to Architecture. It is not to be confused with interior decoration, which concentrates more on furnishings and fabrics.

Interior Design is a highly creative and highly technical area, with applications in both domestic and commercial use.

In the domestic context, interior designers may be involved in kitchen and bathroom design or in design for specialised use, such as design for the aged. In the commercial context, there are many applications for interior design, for example in retail, hospitality and healthcare.

Interior designers are typically employed as part of a multi-disciplinary team, working alongside architects and others to realise a project. Interior designers work both with traditional art and design materials and with computer software packages to realise their ideas and concepts.

They are required to have creative ability, in addition to strong technical skills and knowledge of ergonomics, lighting, building materials and construction, building regulations and environmental and health and safety issues.

Those aiming to establish a career in the industry are advised to undertake an accredited interior design course and there are several interior design courses, and spatial design courses, available within the UK.

The Interactive Design Institute’s interior design home study course in interior design provides comprehensive training in all related disciplines for UK and international students wishing to enter the lucrative interior design sector.

There are many opportunities to work as an interior designer, both on a freelance basis or as part of an agency or company. However, unlike working as an interior decorator, you need to be highly qualified and be fully competent in using design software packages – most interior designers will have completed a Degree level qualification before entering the industry.

Interior Design graduates will generally spend much of their early career building on their existing skills, under guidance from more experienced colleagues engaging in specific activities as part of a larger project. There are opportunities to work on a wide range of projects, from small-scale domestic work to large-scale public or commercial developments. Interior designers may be employed on a contracted basis to join a team working on a specific project; working alongside architects and other professionals. Additionally, they may find employment in one of the many businesses offering design consultancy services. Interior Designers can also move into other fields using their experience and skills in fields such as visual merchandising, lighting design and set design.

Interior designers must keep their skills relevant to changing trends and styles and should attend conferences and relevant events to network and gain extra industry knowledge.