Expert: Bob - 1/5/2008

Question
I'd like to ask whether a degree is a must if you want to become an interior designer. I understand if you work for yourself it may not be necessary but will anyone want to hire you without one.

Thank you.

Answer
Hi -- not to be rude, but WOW!!!!!!  I am sure you did not mean the question to be insulting.  If you had given your age and experience, I could reply better.

I did some design as a hobby, before I decided on school, so I perhaps am a good one to ask.

I am sorry the question does not really shock me, but it is similar to "Do I need to go to school if I want to be a Dentist?" -- the only difference being that dentists have to have state licenses to practice, and might kill people, rather than messing up their houses, lol. Perhaps it is more accurate to say anyone can call himself an Accountant, but, actually, accounting is simpler to learn, in my experience.

You can be a DECORATOR -- someone who primps up pretty things and believes design is simply taste -- without school. This is harmless if you make clear to people that is who you are. To me that is a "hobby job", like giving Tupperware parties, sorry.

An INTERIOR DESIGNER is qualified to do accurate and buildable plans, design spaces, choose materials, work with vendors, and so many more things which qualify him or her to spend the clent's money in a responsible way.

THIS IS A PROFESSION -- unfortunately, many people see it as merely having good taste. It is a business, and has many of the characteristics of other businesses. but with certain knowledge and experience needed. If you are charming and pushy, you can make your way as an amateur, but, for me, it is fun to really know how to do things right. That takes school.

If you would like to be really GOOD, rather than being concerned whether you can be hired, please go to the American Society of Interior Designers website and look at what they say about the profession.

Many community colleges have good courses -- others do not.

If you are a young person, DONT EVEN THINK of doing it without school. Even graduates may end up in low paying jobs. This field pays lousy, except for the few.

If you just want to do it with no school, call yourself a decorating consultant, not an interior designer, to avoid false advertising.

BOB

BOB