Any advice for switching careers from IT to Interior Design?

I love interior design, and would like to switch to that from computers. Any suggestions on what I should do aside from the typical "take classes" approach. I have an "eye" for color, and furnishing arrangements. Friends (I've had forever) always complement me on my apartment layout and my personal tastes. Thanks!

Any advice for switching careers from IT to Interior Design?
I'm an interior designer myself and I love my job so I hope that I can help. First and foremost, you must understand that there is a difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer. An interior DECORATOR is someone that decorates homes for others but doesn't have a degree in interior design. They only deal with the wall colors and furniture arrangements in a space. Many people choose to do this instead of going to school and getting a degree in interior design. If you want to be an interior DESIGNER, then you MUST, of course, go to school and take classes at a FIDER-accredited school and become licensed. Each state has its own regulations regarding the level of certification needed to work there, so choose your school wisely. Please know that it takes a lot more than having an eye for color and furniture arrangements to be an interior designer. Interior design is also very scientific and mathematical. You will have to learn basics like drawing and drafting, and then specifics like business ethics and commercial design. Many people think that interior design only deals with the finishes and surfaces within a space (interior decorating), but it also involves shaping a space. Interior designers develop the blueprints of a room, choosing, for example, where to put walls, the shape and height of a ceiling, and where stairs will go. As far as interacting with others, you can't be a person who doesn't like to be told what to do. On occasion you will have clients who want it their way or they'll send you away. Then there are clients who continuously change their mind, so you have to have patience as well. I started by doing work for my family and friends because I knew that if they didn't like it they would most definitely tell me. I wouldn't jump the gun and do anything for companies or businesses just yet if I were you, start slow. You can't afford any bad advertising when starting out, and businesses are very serious about the designs of their spaces. See if any of your family or friends will let you do a room or two. They will usually be truthful and tell you whether they really like it or don't like it, plus they will spread the word if you do really good. Doing work for friends and family is also a good way to build a portfolio. Before I even started design school I had a portfolio full of work that I did for friends and family and I sent a few photos in with my application. Again you can just be an interior decorator and just choose paint colors, fabrics, and arrange furniture, or you can go for the goal and get a degree interior design. Just make sure that you choose your school wisely; it must be accredited so that you can get licensed.
Reply:if you r confident you can to change to interior design. It is challenger in all kind of job. Think if u can take up the Challenger and stress in job. You can take a course for interior design and find more information to this job. Must good in colours design n Furniture of every room, kitchen, living room and toilets. Good luck.
Reply:Wow, this is interesting. I'm interested in making a transition into home IT, such as networking, whole house audio, home security and automation.





Perhaps that is how you make a transition. With increased interest in home networks, whole house audio, etc, maybe you you can begin there and also supplement that work with interior design. You network someones computers and make the suggestion for a marginal fee, you can help with interior design.





Another suggestion, try home builders. With the housing crunch, many builders are doing whatever it takes, including adding more interior design features like furniture, wallpaper, decor, to move their product. Also realtors. I'm sure they have clients that want to add some appeal to their homes.





The tough part is starting out. People are going to want to see a portfolio. But you can't develop a portfolio without clientele. So you may need to stay with IT for awhile, do some free design for friends and family, and discounted work for others nights and weekends, to build a portfolio.





Another thing is joining a professional organization.





http://www.asid.org/





It adds creditability and an opportunity to network.





I hope it works out. Good luck.
Reply:Interior design is a tough career because there's not a lot out there, just like architecture. It's something you really have to have a passion for and be willing to work for, and of course enjoy.