I would first research the difference between ID and Decorating. ID is defined as interior architecture and is a profession moving towards state licensing. Decorating is simply an art requiring nothing but your skills.

Education is hard to come by, imo. Around here anyway. The programs differ widely and the quality is sketchy at best. If you want big projects, clients and firms (where the money is), less than a BA is not even competitive in the marketplace.

This is most definitely one of those things you need to take into your own hands, figuring out what exactly you want to do and then finding some education and a path that will best help you get there. The design schools are vague about what they offer and where it will take you, in my experience, no matter how much you drill them. They will try to sell you anything. When enrolled, they still keep things 'secret.'

If you're interested in decorating and minor renovations, I wouldn't waste too much time and money on the schools. You do need to learn to draw and professionally draft your projects, though, in order to communicate with your clients and the trades.

Based on my experience, after schooling, I would consider myself self-taught.

Amy,

I agree with your friends & honestly if you lived closer I would hire you, so I don't think the degree is as important as word of mouth, but that's just me. We hired someone through a local referral service like Angie's list. But I know a lot of people around here get business by word of mouth. Problem is not everyone wants to SHARE the info, if you know what I mean.

Best of Luck...

I agree with Squirrel re: the difference between Interior Design and Decorating. To be an ID you would need to go back to school to get an ID degree. Check into local universities, I'm sure one has a program (since you're in such a major city). I believe a poster here, sassymnmom, is pursuing this path. Haven't seen her here in a long time - probably too busy studying.

Another option would be the decorating route. Around here, we have some Home Decor shops that offer decorating services (custom window treatments, some furniture, color consultations and accessorizing). Some of the people who work in these stores (and get assigned out to people) have degrees and some don't - if you have the knack some people are perfectly fine with you not having a degree. I say all this as a suggestion that you seek out some of these types of stores and inquire around.

Besides full-fledged degrees, you may be able to find a certificate program which is like a series of Continuing Education classes.

I remember this being discussed here before and some people suggested becoming an assistant to a designer in your area to learn the ropes.

I remember all this because it is something I am interested in, but don't think I really have the skills for. I have seen some of your house and it is beautiful. I wish you much luck pursuing it. Your Counseling and Psych degrees should be helpful because the decorating process can require some counseling of people and couples! :)

I think being able to successfully market your talent and ability and find a client base is one of the most critical aspects of becoming a decorator or designer....if you're talking free lancing.

I've known some pretty talented folks who simply didn't have the personality for that or know how to get that done. Takes a lot of confidence, sales/marketing ability, an outgoing personality and a game plan...and $$/patience while building up a client base.

Would this be a part time or full time venture Amy?

It's funny about the psych thing. I've met a number of designers that go on to study psychology (even switch, lol)... Then there's the group coming in from the field. Very people- and mind-related field.

I went back to school a few years back for a certificate in 'Decorative Arts' -- i.e., interior decorating (not interior design because that would require more schooling). The program was at a good art college in Boston and I do think it was a valuable program. I started my own business 1-2 years ago and so far all of my business has been word of mouth. And you know what, not ONE person has ever asked about my education! I actually think that is weird, but I guess that speaks to how important (or not) the actual degree is. More important is the work you do, whether clients like you (and will therefore refer you to their friends), your portfolio, etc. I think my education (about 12 courses in decorating) has helped me immensely in subjects like color theory and materials, so I do think education is very valuable. I have only worked for myself, though. An employer may have specific requirements for education. I'm sure the demand and salary varies greatly depending on where you live. In my area, I'm filling a certain niche -- I work almost as a consultant rather than as a full-service designer, my rates are lower than typical decorators, and my goal is saving people money by knowing when sales are and what stores have good products for less. I also have the luxury of being able to work part time w/out the pressure of having to make a certain amount of money. My husband's job pays the bills! And finally, working for myself is perfect right now because I have 3 kids and I can work around their schedules.

Sue, if you don't mind sharing, how do you charge your clients? and what hourly fee do you charge. Maybe you could email me if posting is not ok with you? I'm sure others would like to know also, though, as we have a number of people interested in pursuing here. Thanks : )

Here is the link to the design program at the community college in my area. College of DuPage is the largest community college in the country, I believe, and this program is highly regarded. Might give you some insights, etc.

interior design program

Just want to add that working as an interior decorator involves much more than just picking out some colors, etc. to be able to find employment in most stores. Having taken some classes to help understand about measuring, color theory, etc. will be a real asset, even if you don't get a degree.

If you want to be an interior designer, as mentioned that involves not just decor but actual space design, and requires much more education - and some states require licensing.

Re classes, talk to some of the students, esp the older ones, and sit in on a few classes if possible, or listen outside the door maybe. The course outlines and curriculums can look great and comprehensive on paper, but lack any real content in the classroom.

AKTillery, you might have missed your calling. You are very good at this, so try to expand on it.

I can tell you that my sister attended Georgia Tech to get her ID degree. It was a 4-year program at the time she was there but I hear it has gone to 5 years and architecture to 6 years. It is in the school of architecture.

Her daughter, who attended law school, wanted to be an interior designer after deciding she did not like law, but did not have the math skills for interior design so she went to a school in Savannah, one of those art and design/decorating schools there. She has a very lucrative business in Savannah now after living in Chicago where she practiced law. She has relocated to the south now. I can ask her which school she attended, as that might be closer for you, just a hop, skip and jump south.

Thank you all so much for all of the help and advicd you have given.

Patricia,
I ADORE Savannah. GOOD for your sister! Wow, that is wonderful. I would love to talk to her if she would not mind. I am sort of in this huge midlife crisis early on (I guess considering I am 35) and am trying to decide between two very different careers. One is as a clinical researcher and the other... well.... design. How completely far apart along the specturm can those two be!?! haha

My email is atdamrau@gmail.com

Thanks so much!! You are a dear!
Amy

Oh, you are young and just the right age to make a big career change. I will send her an e-mail and when she answers I will see if I can arrange an e-mail and you can ask her.

Ummmm...... after the painful experience of trying to pick a paint color, I'm thinking your degree in Psych and Masters in counseling are right in line with design/decorating for people like me!!!! (Thought I was gonna end up in the psyche ward - you could have made a hospital visit to me!) LOL.

Squirrel, I am strictly hourly-fee based. I charge $40 an hour right now, which is LOW compared to others in my area, but because my focus is on saving clients money, it would seem wrong for me to then turn around and charge $80 an hour. Also, my business is still new. I think I will eventually go to $50/hour and stay at that rate indefinitely. If I have to travel more than 30 minutes, I do charge for travel time (which so far has happened only once). I also worked while I was in school, for just a few people here and there, and during that time I charged $25/hour.

Wow! You ALL have been SOOO helpful! Yes, I understand to be an ID I would have to get a BA. I called several schools today and ID's as well. I will reserach fully before making any big steps. I just have always been told if you do what you love (especially getting paid for it) and at what you are good then you be happy with your career. So, I am taking that to heart!

Any other comments or tips... keep them coming!

Thanks for everyone on this board. You guys are great and I love coming here! Thank goodness I found it 8 years ago!
Amy

Hi,

i live in Savannah and it's probably SCAD that was mentioned earlier. I have a Psych degree,changed it from ID half way through, and then went on to work as a designer for custom homes after a brief stint as freelancer. Now, I work in TV and film, so that's kind of crazy. Odd many people share these interests! I'd say contacts are the most important thing you can develop and i agree with those who have said school wasn't a factor in further work. My work often involves styling, so that's one example of working creatively with a love for design.

Pssst, Amy... I posted a thread to you. Sorry to hijack.

Here is a link that might be useful: Need your help.

Thanks Sue!

Just thought of something else, when reviewing schools. It's very important to look at the student's work. If you can look at work that's not displayed, even better : ) Disregard the greatness of the drawings and renderings by the Asian students -- they learned that back home : ) They also have a phenomenal educational/work ethic. Do look at their designs though. Pay most attention to the designs as you view student work, esp with regard to function and layout, which you're lucky to know a bit about already at this point -- not the execution of the drawings (although that may tell you something about the quality of the drawing and rendering classes).

I'd recommend reading a couple of the introductory Interior Design textbooks for an overview of the field and also to learn the basics before starting any classes. 'Interiors' by Karla Nielson is another very good text used. And know that 'design' is only 20% of the project : ) Execution is everything.

I'm sure you know that, already being degreed, your course load would be significantly reduced to get a BA.

I have a friend (we live in Philadelphia area) who also had a passion for decorating but not formal education in that area. All she needed to get started was a tax id number to be able to get into the "to the trade only" shops (the sales people were intially quite rude to her, though). She offers a discount for fabrics and furniture and gets all of her business by word of mouth. She worked for a few established interior designers in the area until she got busy enough to support herself with her own clients.

Seems you have to be careful what you disclose about yourself. Maybe she mentioned she was just starting out or something, or didn't have the desired training noted. If you tell them you're a student, the stores are generally quite rude also. Seems to be widespread as many students reported it and the teachers were aware. One reason is that the school projects require samples, so the stores get 'bothered' by students, their future customers, hello. But I've also had some similar experiences simply happily mentioning I'm a student when admiring the goods in a decor store. Snooty area here though (Philadelphia area as well), as is the field in general.