Interior Designer School
How to Find the Best One Near Greenfield Wisconsin

So it’s time to start the process of selecting an interior design school near Greenfield WI now that you have made a career decision to become an interior designer. Even if you have always had a gift for designing commercial or residential spaces, it's important that you get the proper training to put your talents to work. And because interior designers must be licensed in several states, the school you select should prep you to pass any required licensing test as well as provide the proper training for your specialty. So in order to assess and compare each program you are reviewing prior to making your final choice it's very important that you perform the appropriate due diligence. But just how do you undertake finding the right program? Many future students will start their research by looking for interior design programs near their home and then comparing tuition expenses. However, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's cover a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and training alternatives are available.

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Interior Design and Interior Decoration

Many people confuse interior design for interior decoration and vice versa. The primary difference between the two is the level of training required. Anyone can work as an interior decorator if they have a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior spaces. However, conducting business as an interior designer necessitates a formal education and in numerous states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree and be licensed. Interior designers are educated to make work or residential spaces attractive as well as functional. On various projects they may collaborate with building engineers and architects. There are 2 general categories that an interior designer in Greenfield WI may specialize in:

• Residential Design. Interior Designers typically work on new construction and existing homes. They can design basically any area of a house, including bedrooms, basements and closets. Or they can specialize in designing one particular room, for example bathrooms or kitchens.
• Commercial Design. When dealing with commercial or public spaces, designers often focus predominantly on either aesthetic appeal or functionality but take notice of both. For instance, 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 looks as the primary concern.

There are many areas of commercial and residential interior design that a designer needs to learn, including lighting, color schemes, furniture and acoustics. They need to be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to produce their visions. From picking wall paper and carpeting to including Feng shui concepts, Greenfield WI interior designers utilize a wide range of skills that help bring about their ultimate creations.

Interior Design Degree Programs

There are four degree options offered in interior design to receive the training required to begin your new profession in Greenfield WI. Your decision will no doubt be motivated by your career objectives as well as the money and time that you have budgeted to commit to your education. But regardless of which degree program you choose to enroll in, make certain to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is needed in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam mandated in a number of states. More will be discussed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are short descriptions of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees provide the minimum level of training required to enter the field. They take approximately two years to complete and programs are available at numerous Wisconsin trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can usually qualify for entry level jobs as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that provide more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative components of the trade required to become a designer. They are the minimum degree needed by a college graduate in order to obtain an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs furnish advanced training in design after acquiring a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer choices in specialized majors for such things as residential bathrooms or business offices. Many students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate degrees are mainly for those professionals who want to teach interior design at a college or university level. The degree programs vary in length but are typically completed in 3 to 5 years.

In order to work as a professional and use the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited schools become licensed. In some instances, two or more years of field experience may be needed before a candidate can take the licensing examination.

Online Interior Designer Colleges

For anyone wishing' to attend classes in the comfort of their Greenfield WI homes, there are online accredited interior design schools. Attending classes online can be an excellent solution for those students that are working or have hectic schedules that make attending classes on campus difficult. Classes can instead be attended on a home computer or laptop when practical for the student. For some students online colleges may be the only option if no interior design programs are within commuting distance. And as an added benefit, the tuition may be cheaper than for more conventional options. Additional costs for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated as well. Just make sure that the college you pick 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 obtain your degree without the structure of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design college may be the perfect alternative for you.

Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Once you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college must be within driving distance from your Greenfield WI residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Greenfield WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Greenfield WI school you choose should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a sizable network of Greenfield WI business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Greenfield WI colleges you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior design colleges provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Some schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Greenfield WI schools you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Greenfield home, visit the school and attend a few classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior designer program you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Greenfield WI, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Find Out More About How to Become an Interior Designer in Greenfield

Enroll in the Best Greenfield Interior Design College

Picking the ideal interior designer program is a crucial first step toward starting your career in this artistic and fulfilling profession. Finding a school where you will obtain your education and cultivate your skills in a particular area of study is a challenging task regardless of what major you have selected. As with any undertaking to attain a higher education, there are many things to think about before selecting a program, course or school. At a minimum, check that the design college and program are both accredited and highly esteemed in the profession. It is still imperative that you perform your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the balance of the suggestions presented in this article, you will be able to effectively assess and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the appropriate ultimate selection. And with quality training and your desire to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Greenfield Wisconsin.

 

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