How do I get started in a interior design career path?
Asked by Kristen
I am only 13, but I really want to be an interior designer! Does any one know of some good work shops, or things that I could do to prepare? A list of workshops, people, and places would be so great! Thanks!

Best Answer:
It's great you are so interested in your career at 13! If you want to attend a workshop to get a few design ideas and pointers, you can check local craft stores, and places like Home Depot and Lowes (they sometimes run information sessions). But it will take a lot more than a workshop to really prepare for a career in interior design. You will need at least a college degree and additional certification, so stay in school, study hard, and take a look at the information below from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook - it is a lot of information, but it is worth reading through if you are serious about this career option Interior Design Postsecondary education, especially a bachelor’s degree, is recommended for entry-level positions in interior design. Two-year and 3-year programs also are available. Some States license interior designers. Education and training. Postsecondary education, especially a bachelor’s degree, is recommended for entry-level positions in interior design. Training programs are available from professional design schools or from colleges and universities and usually take 2 to 4 years to complete. Graduates of 2-year or 3-year programs are awarded certificates or associate degrees in interior design and normally qualify as assistants to interior designers upon graduation. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree usually qualify for a formal design apprenticeship program. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits approximately 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. Most of these schools award a degree in interior design. Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability. Basic coursework includes computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, perspective, spatial planning, color and fabrics, furniture design, architecture, ergonomics, ethics, and psychology. The National Council for Interior Design Accreditation also accredits interior design programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree. In 2007, there were 145 accredited bachelor’s degree programs in interior design in the United States; most are part of schools or departments of art, architecture, and home economics. After the completion of formal training, interior designers will enter a 1-year to 3-year apprenticeship to gain experience before taking a licensing exam. Most apprentices work in design or architecture firms under the supervision of an experienced designer. Apprentices also may choose to gain experience working as an in-store designer in furniture stores. The National Council of Interior Design offers the Interior Design Experience Program, which helps entry-level interior designers gain valuable work experience by supervising work experience and offering mentoring services and workshops to new designers. Employers increasingly prefer interior designers who are familiar with computer-aided design software and the basics of architecture and engineering to ensure that their designs meet building safety codes. In addition to possessing technical knowledge, interior designers must be creative, imaginative, and persistent and must be able to communicate their ideas visually, verbally, and in writing. Because tastes in style can change quickly, designers need to be well read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure are additional important traits. People in this field need self-discipline to start projects on their own, to budget their time, and to meet deadlines and production schedules. Good business sense and sales ability also are important, especially for those who freelance or run their own business. US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Interior Designers http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos293.htm Additional Resources: For information on degrees, continuing education, and licensure programs in interior design and interior design research, contact: American Society of Interior Designers, 608 Massachusetts Ave. NE., Washington, DC 20002. Internet: http://www.asid.org For a list of schools with accredited bachelor’s degree programs in interior design, contact: Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 146 Monroe Center NW., Suite 1318, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Internet: http://www.accredit-id.org For general information about art and design and a list of accredited college-level programs, contact: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr., Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190. Internet: http://nasad.arts-accredit.org For information on State licensing requirements and exams, and the Interior Design Experience Program, contact: National Council for Interior Design Qualification, 1200 18th St. NW., Suite 1001, Washington, DC 20036-2506. Internet: http://www.ncidq.org For information on careers, continuing education, and certification programs in the interior design specialty of residential kitchen and bath design, contact: National Kitchen and Bath Association, 687 Willow Grove St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Internet: http://www.nkba.org/student