Interior Designer School
How to Find the Right One Near Brookfield Wisconsin

Once you have made a decision to enroll in an interior design college near Brookfield WI, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing commercial or residential interiors, it's important that you get the proper training to put your natural abilities to work. And because interior designers must be licensed in several states, the college you choose should prepare you to pass any required licensing test and provide the proper training for your specialty. So in order to analyze and compare each program you are reviewing before you make your ultimate decision it's crucial that you perform the proper research. But just how do you go about finding the right program? Many prospective students will begin their research by searching for interior design colleges near their home and then comparing tuition costs. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation should be taken into account as well. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's talk a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and class options are offered.

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Interior Design and Interior Decoration

Some people mistake interior design for interior decoration and vice versa. The primary distinction between the two is the level of training required. Anyone can do business as an interior decorator if they possess a general knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior spaces. However, conducting business as an interior designer necessitates a formal education and in many states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree and be licensed. Interior designers are educated to make work or living spaces attractive as well as functional. On various projects they may work together with architects and building engineers. There are 2 general areas that an interior designer in Brookfield WI may specialize in:

• Residential Design. Interior Designers often work on new construction and existing homes. They can design essentially any room of a house, including bedrooms, basements and closets. Or they may specialize in designing one particular room, for instance kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Design. When dealing with public or commercial spaces, designers frequently concentrate predominantly on either aesthetic appeal or functionality but take notice of both. For example, business meeting rooms and reception areas are areas where aesthetics may be emphasized over function. Designs for banks and hospitals might concentrate more on functionality over appearance as the main concern.

There are various areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer must learn, including color schemes, lighting, acoustics and furniture. Designers need to be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to create their visions. From choosing carpeting and wall paper to integrating Feng shui concepts, Brookfield WI interior designers implement a wide range of skills that contribute to their ultimate designs.

Interior Designer Degrees

There are 4 degree options offered in interior design to acquire the training needed to begin your new career in Brookfield WI. Your selection will undoubtedly be driven by your career goals as well as the money and time that you have budgeted to invest in your education. But regardless of which degree program you decide to enroll in, make certain to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is required in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam mandated in several states. More will be covered on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are short descriptions of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees supply the minimum amount of education required to enter the field. They take approximately two years to finish and programs are offered at many Wisconsin trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can usually obtain entry level employment as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that supply more in depth training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative facets of the business required to become a designer. They are the lowest credential needed by a college graduate in order to secure an entry level job as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs provide advanced design training after achieving the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide choices in specialized majors in general areas such as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to advance their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate degrees are primarily for those professionals who want to teach interior design at a college or university level. The programs vary in length but are typically completed in three to five years.

To work professionally and use the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In several instances, two or more years of professional experience may be called for before an applicant can take the licensing examination.

Online Interior Design Courses

For those who wish to study in the comfort of their Brookfield WI homes, there are online accredited interior design degrees. Attending classes online can be a great solution for those students that are working or have hectic schedules that make attending classes on campus problematic. Classes can instead be accessed on a home computer or laptop when convenient for the student. For some students online programs may be the sole option if no interior design programs are within commuting distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be lower than for more conventional options. Added expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be decreased or eliminated as well. Just be sure that the program you select is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online colleges may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. If you have the dedication to earn your degree without the structure of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design school may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs

When you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Brookfield WI residence. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices also. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and ultimately select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design program and college that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Brookfield WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an excellent education, the Brookfield WI college you select should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a substantial network of Brookfield WI business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Brookfield WI colleges you are looking at and ask what type of aid they provide. Many of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Brookfield WI schools you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Brookfield home, visit the college and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design college you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Brookfield WI, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Find Out More About Studying to Become an Interior Designer in Brookfield

Enroll in the Best Brookfield Interior Design School

Choosing the ideal interior design program is a critical first step toward starting your career in this artistic and fulfilling profession. Finding a school where you will obtain your training and develop your talents in a particular area of study is a difficult task no matter what field you have chosen. As with any undertaking to receive a higher education, there are several points to think about before enrolling in a program, course or school. At a minimum, verify that the design college and program are both accredited and highly regarded in the business. It is still important that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining suggestions provided in this article, you will be able to effectively review and compare interior design schools so that you can make the appropriate ultimate selection. And with excellent training and your drive to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Brookfield Wisconsin.

 

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