Interior design programs prepare the design student for the exciting and challenging world of interior design. A designer will run into during their career many different design situations. On occasion, as a designer you may run into the ideal client. A client that says to spare no expense on the decorating would be an ideal client. They just want you to make it fantastic!
Other clients are much less accommodating. Interior design programs will prepare the student for these types of clients as well. A less accommodating client will set a low budget and ask many questions. The knowledgeable designer will have the answers though.
The interior design student will learn how to get the client a good return on their decorating investment. The interior design programs offered by many colleges and universities teach the student how to turn a small investment in decorating into a good return on investment. For example, a minor bathroom remodeling can be one of the best ways to recoup an investment. In the bathroom, change the light fixtures, sinks, tile, countertops, shower, and bathtub area.
Another area of the home that garners a good return on investment is the kitchen area. Changes made in the kitchen include a new stove, new kitchen cabinets, a new countertop and some new flooring. Students can expect to learn this type of interior design in interior design programs.
Students will learn to work with a budget as well. Most clients will not have an unlimited budget to work with. Learning to work on a budget is a valuable skill and the interior designer must be good at it. Working on a budget does not mean the design changes will reflect the amount of money spent. Painting interior walls in neutral colors is a well-known budget conscious design tool. Changing light fixtures is another budget conscious decorating idea. You will be surprised how much these minor changes affect a room.
Interior design programs spend a lot of time on client relations. Many students enroll with plenty of creative ideas but many of these same students lack the people skills to work with clients. An interior design program will prepare the student for this important skill.
Interior designers can specialize in private homes or even office and restaurant design. Many students do not make that decision until enrolled in an interior design program where they find their niche in interior design.
Upon graduating from an interior design program, the student can enter into an apprenticeship with an experienced designer the student admires.
Interior design is a highly competitive profession and the more education the student has the better they are prepared to enter this exciting profession.