Grad School?

I'm needing some advice from Interior Design professionals. I've been taking classes at a local college and will have a certificate in Home Interiors at the end of August. I already have a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Economics. Should I go to grad school for a Master's degree, or can I start out as an Interior Designer with my current education? How can I get some experience to get me started?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

There is a big difference between a certified interior designer and an interior decorator. If you want to become a certified interior designer you will have to go through a CIDA accredited program and then sit for the NCIDQ. Interior Designers are more responsible for the health, saftey and wellfare of the public. We actually design spaces and learn all building codes, lighting, and construction information to help with the design. This is a webiste that will help you get started on the difference of the two.

www.accredit-id.org/associations.php

Rebecca in Austin, Texas said: There is a big difference between a certified interior designer and an interior decorator. If you want to become a certified interior designer you will have to go through a CIDA accredited program and then sit for the NCIDQ. Interior Designers are more responsible for the health, saftey and wellfare of the public. We actually design spaces and learn all building codes, lighting, and construction information to help with the design. This is a webiste that will help you get started on the difference of the two.

www.accredit-id.org/associations.php

I have recently graduated with a Bachelors degree in Interior Design. I currently live in Miami Beach but am thinking of relocating to Texas due to the economy. Do you feel there are more jobs available in Texas?

kmv2005: To answer your question, thinking about a Master's degree in Interior Design, it all depends on what you're trying to accomplish. For residential interior design, I think anything beyond a Bachelor's is a waste of time. For commercial interior design, though not required, a Master's specializing in some specific area of interior design (green design, aging populations, etc.) might set you apart. I myself have dreams of museum or restaurant design (need to intern at companies that offer that and/or pass NCIDQ). I have been toying around with the idea of a Master's in Historic Preservation, too.
I would suggest getting some experience in a retail furniture showroom that offers design services to gain some hands' on (if you're wanting to do residential interior design), and then after a few years consider going independent. You probably should check out what your state's requirements are regarding interior designers--some states have title or practice acts in place, or require neither or both.

k.kocik: I know the market in Florida is horrible, but Texas is not much better. I have been graduated with a Bachelor's in ID for 5 years now and have been in the design field ever since--I'm STILL looking for a good job. If you move to Texas for better job opportunities, go to Dallas or Houston (not Austin, we're saturated with designers...)

kmv2005 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania said: I'm needing some advice from Interior Design professionals. I've been taking classes at a local college and will have a certificate in Home Interiors at the end of August. I already have a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Economics. Should I go to grad school for a Master's degree, or can I start out as an Interior Designer with my current education? How can I get some experience to get me started?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

I am currently designing a tool to help Interior Designers and am looking for some help. The tool will be free of charge and will allow designers to upload photos of their projects, have them reviewed for possible building mistakes, search for professionals, find Materials easily, and post questions to building professionals. I have a website programmer, a marketing specialist and a printing shop that has offered discounts to help designers promote themselves, some of the deals they are offering are amazing. I have a few “seasoned designers” and contractors helping me in my project however I feel some of them have forgotten the obstacles they faced when they were freshly graduating from school.
I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions that would help me design this tool? things to add? things I should remove?
I can be contacted directly at mgpsrvcs@aol.com
Jonathan