Best Interior Design Classes Near Me

What is Interior Design?

Interior design is the practice of designing interior environments that satisfy a range of human needs. Individuals who work in this field draw from artistic, business, and scientific training to design interior spaces that are functional, safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing and that are in keeping with a space’s architectural components. The spaces Interior Designers create can be used for professional, residential, or recreational purposes. Designing these spaces requires performing research and considering the structure’s location and shell, as well as where it fits into a larger social context. Interior Designers make preliminary design plans, decide on which materials and furnishings are needed, place material orders, and monitor the process of installing design elements.

Interior design is prevalent today in locations like hotels, retail stores, homes, and offices. The field of interior design can be traced back thousands of years to prehistoric civilizations who decorated walls with hand-drawn images. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that the term “interior” design was coined. In 1905, Elsie de Wolfe was the first commissioned Interior Designer. Creating effective interior designs today requires training in architecture and blueprint reading. Interior Designers must also be cognizant of concepts like ergonomics, lighting, history, space, and sustainability. In addition, they have to be aware of inspection regulations, accessibility standards, and building codes.

Interior Design Classes Near Me

If you’re interested in learning interior design or taking your existing skills to the next level, Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool is an excellent resource you can use to search for nearby interior design classes.

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VDCI, a nationally accredited educational provider, offers a range of on-demand interior design courses for those interested in learning this trade. The Interior Design Professional Course Online is an intensive program that provides learners with over 400 hours of project-based training from experts in topics like creating 3D models, presentations, and floor plans. Students work with industry-standard tools like Revit Architecture, Adobe Creative Cloud, SketchUp, and AutoCAD. This rigorous program includes supplemental 1-on-1 mentoring, a graded final project, and more than 1,100 training videos.

Learners interested in focusing their training on commercial design can enroll in VDCI’s Commercial Interior Design Course Online. This self-paced program includes 12 course modules, each of which focuses on designing commercial spaces. Participants in this comprehensive class work with SketchUp Pro and Revit Architecture to create 3D models, visual presentations, and intricate construction documents. Training is also provided on how to read blueprints, work with building information modeling (BIM), and apply advanced rendering techniques to designs. In addition to 1-on-1 mentoring, this class also includes 11 months of access to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as SketchUp and Revit. 

In VDCI’s Residential Interior Design Course Online, participants devote several months to exploring how to infuse new life into everyday living spaces. This in-depth program prepares learners to work with core tools like the Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, and SketchUp Pro. Those enrolled learn how to create detailed blueprints, design functional layouts, and add stunning visual components to their designs. In addition to having access to more than 600 training videos, learners all complete a final project that an industry expert grades. This program consists of 12 modules and offers supplemental 1-on-1 mentoring.

NYIM Training also offers a range of courses for those interested in focusing their interior design training on a specific tool. In Beginner AutoCAD, participants receive training on how to work with AutoCAD to draft and modify technical drawings. This program provides guidance on how to transition from model space to paper space, scale drawings through viewports, and plot and print layout sheets. Students explore how to use layers and templates, insert blocks, and make text. This program is designed for PC users. Mac users can attend this program online but should keep in mind that AutoCAD for Macs differs from the PC version that is taught in class.

NYIM Training also has an AutoCAD Bootcamp, which provides more in-depth instruction on how to work this CAD program to create and modify technical drawings. Students begin by learning AutoCAD basics before moving on to intermediate techniques, including how to create 2D drawings with advanced tools and make necessary edits. All NYIM Training courses are available live online and in-person in New York City. A free course retake for up to a year comes with tuition.

In The New York School of Interior Design’s Introduction to Interior Design, students receive beginner-friendly instruction on a range of concepts, techniques, and principles essential in this field. Learners explore drawing techniques, space planning, and topics like texture, color, design, and architecture. This class is available in-person in NYC.

Those interested in advanced-level AutoCAD training can enroll in Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Masterclass. This intensive course is offered live online and in-person in NYC. Students learn how to create drawings, work with editing commands, create basic drawings with object snap tracking, and use parametric drawing techniques. By course completion, those enrolled will know how to create and organize blocks, work with templates and styles, and customize the user interface. A free retake for up to a year is included with the cost of study. 

What Can You Do with Interior Design Training?

If you’re looking for a profession that allows you to express your creative side by designing functional and visually pleasing spaces, interior design is a great skill set to explore. Those with interior design training create environments that have a positive impact on people’s lives. Well-designed spaces can improve people’s moods, increase their productivity, and create a positive impact in their lives. 

One of the main benefits of learning interior design is that it’s a powerful form of self-expression, which focuses on creating spaces that improve functionality, provide comfort, and affect the experiences and moods of those who occupy the space. Studying how to make the most out of existing spaces while meeting users’ needs can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Beautiful interior spaces can improve a property’s curb appeal and ultimately increase its value. Working with high-quality materials like custom-made cabinets, aesthetically pleasing features, and natural wood flooring all factor into deciding what a property is worth. Similarly, incorporating energy-efficient design elements is a sure way to help a property stand out from others on the market when it’s up for sale.

What Will I Learn in an Interior Design Class?

The content you’ll be taught in an interior design class depends on the program’s scope, its length, and the difficulty level of instruction. That said, most courses, especially beginner-friendly programs, cover several core interior design concepts and skills:

• Students often begin training by learning basic design principles. They explore color theory concepts like contrast, balance, proportions, sustainability, and space planning.
• Coursework usually also includes information about materials and construction. Classes prepare students to work with various materials, textiles, and structural considerations.
• In order to succeed in this profession, Interior Designers must be aware of safety protocols and building codes. Programs often cover these topics.
• Software and technology training is also integral to studying interior design. Learners work with BIM and CAD software during their studies, including AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit.
• In addition to exploring technical skills, participants in interior design classes also develop soft skills, like learning how to clearly communicate their designs through presentations, draw and illustrate, accept constructive feedback, and work under pressure.

What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Interior Design?

Once you’ve decided to learn interior design, the next step is choosing a learning format that’s right for you. Coursework is available in-person, live online, self-directed, and on-demand.

In-person training is typically considered the most engaging and effective way to fully learn interior design. Students attend classes at a training facility located in or near a major city and have access to computers with the most current BIM and CAD software already installed. In addition to benefiting from real-time guidance and support from an expert instructor, in-person study also provides a supportive learning environment in which students are supported by other learners in their cohort.

Live online study is a popular alternative to in-person training. Students complete all their studies remotely using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. All students can ask questions in real-time and receive immediate guidance and support. Learners can even share their screens with the instructor for additional help. Best of all, training can be completed remotely, which means there’s no commute involved.

Self-directed study is a good alternative to live training because it takes place asynchronously. Students who opt for this type of training complete pre-recorded lessons online. Each learner can determine their own learning pace, when they wish to complete training, and how much time they want to spend on a specific concept or skill. Self-directed courses also often include additional support from instructors or mentors in the form of 1-on-1 mentoring, graded final assignments, or other educational resources.

On-demand study is available from providers like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare. These educators post content like videos, tutorials, and quizzes online, and participants complete their training as their schedule permits. Similar to self-directed study, students can determine on their own how to pace out their training, when to pause or rewind videos, and what days and times are best to schedule in their interior design studies. 

Choosing the Right Training Method for You 

Determining which training method is right for you will depend on a host of subjective factors, including your scheduling availability and professional goals. Most people will find that live study, in the form of in-person or live online training, is the most effective way to fully explore interior design and gain hands-on training. Students have the chance to ask questions in the moment, receive immediate clarification, and have feedback on the work they’ve completed at all steps of the learning process. Students interested in this form of study should keep in mind that in-person training requires having a reliable form of transportation to attend class meetings. Live online study can be completed remotely, but students will still need to be available to attend regularly scheduled meetings. 

Self-directed and on-demand training, on the other hand, may be a better match for you if you work full-time, travel for your job, or have a busy personal life. Coursework can be completed at any time and from any location. Each learner has the power to dictate their own learning pace and spend as little or as much time on a design topic as necessary. Learners should keep in mind that no instructor is present in on-demand coursework. While self-directed programs do often provide participants with learning resources like access to mentors and instructors during their training, on-demand classes do not provide participants with this option. It’s up to the student in this training format to find answers on their own to questions they have.

How Hard is It to Learn Interior Design?

Because interior design requires a combination of technical knowledge, creative skills, and problem-solving strategies, many individuals consider it a challenging skill set to learn. Those who have prior training in design or art may find the learning process easier and faster than those who have to start from scratch. Additionally, students who have knowledge of industry-standard software like AutoCAD or SketchUp will have to devote less time and effort to technical training than novices. As technology continues to evolve, Interior Designers will have to devote time to staying current with new trends and software developments. Like any skill, learning interior design basics for personal projects will be much easier and faster for the average learner than acquiring advanced-level training for professional purposes.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Interior Design?

Many learners will find that the greatest challenge they face when learning interior design is to become comfortable with the art of spatial planning. It involves combining the spatial and building requirements in a project with the client’s vision for the space. Some learners may struggle to learn how to optimize existing spaces while also ensuring that they have essential elements. This mindset requires practice. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn Interior Design?

The average amount of time it takes to learn interior design is between three and six months of focused practice and study for those interested in learning foundational design concepts, skills, and principles. Once this knowledge base is reached, the learner can pursue an entry-level job in interior design. Some students opt to continue their training through an apprenticeship or internship, which provides hands-on training in essential skills like how to clearly communicate with clients and manage projects. This learning phase can extend from one to three years, depending on the individual. Students of interior design should remember that learning never stops in this field. Even professionals with decades of industry experience must stay current on cutting-edge software and tools and emerging market trends.

Can I Learn Interior Design for Free Online?

If you want to learn interior design basics, free online resources can provide a good starting point:

• YouTube provides a range of resources that cover basic design principles and concepts, as well as interior design trends and software. Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel is a great resource for free video content on a range of design-related software and tools. Noble also offers free design-related blogs with useful content for Designers.
• Online providers like Udemy and Coursera offer free interior design classes with beginner-friendly content. 
• Software vendors like Autodesk and Adobe offer free trials for many of their products. Although these have time limits, they can provide a great way to become familiar with design software before committing to a subscription. Additionally, there are some free web applications available for CAD drawing, including SketchUp and HomeByMe, which are available for those interested in 2D or 3D modeling.

Although free resources can be a great way to explore interior design basics or find answers to specific questions, aspiring Interior Designers will likely need more structured, live coursework to fully learn this trade.

What Should I Learn Alongside Interior Design?

If you’re looking to complement your interior design training, you may wish to brush up on several related skills. Knowledge of construction methods, architectural design, lighting, sustainable practices, color theory, and project management are all useful topics to review. Additionally, you may wish to learn more about building codes, 3D modeling software, or how to communicate clearly with clients. Depending on what career path you hope to pursue, you may also want to study more specialized design areas, including textile design, historic preservation, or furniture design.

Industries That Use Interior Design

Interior design is a staple across industries and can be found in residential and commercial spaces of all sizes and types. The following are just several industries in which interior design skills are useful:

• In retail, stores turn to interior design to ensure their space conveys their brand’s values and promotes its products. Some Interior Designers also focus on designing showrooms such as for garment displays.
• Within the hospitality industry, restaurant design is a popular field that involves designing menus, restaurant layouts, and decor. Additionally, hotels and resorts strive to create meaningful experiences for their guests. This involves well-designed interior spaces that evoke luxury and comfort. Entertainment venues rely on interior design to provide guests with immersive experiences.
• In residential construction, Interior designers assist with nearly all new construction endeavors.
• Educational institutions work with Interior Designers to create accessible learning environments for all types of students. 

Interior Design Job Titles and Salaries

Studying interior design opens the door to many creative artistic career paths in commercial or residential design, as well as specializations in sustainable design or lighting. Knowledge of technical skills like 3D modeling and space planning, as well as familiarity with building codes, can lead to a flexible career path with a retail store, marketing agency, construction company, design firm, or your own business.

Graphic Designers create inspiring art using physical and digital media. These professionals work with various design concepts, as well as animations, colors, text, and graphics, to create media assets used in messaging, advertising, and branding. The average salary range in the US for a Graphic Designer is $71,000-$81,000 a year. Architects also rely on interior design knowledge when they complete residential building or remodeling projects. The average pay rate for an Architect in the US is currently $147,000-$157,000. Interior Designers are hired to design functional and visually pleasing interior designs for buildings and homes. These professionals earn an average salary of about $109,000-$119,000. 

Interior Design Corporate Training

Would your employees benefit from studying interior design? If so, VDCI can provide corporate and onsite interior design training for some of those at your workplace. Noble offers training options in-person at its headquarters, live online, or in-person at your place of work. You can purchase bulk vouchers at a discount to attend Noble’s regular enrollment classes or work with VDCI to customize the instruction that’s provided. Training options are available for learners at all levels.

If you’d like to learn more about the exciting corporate training options VDCI has available, you can contact VDCI for additional information.