Any Interior Designers on here please?

[Chicinwellies]

I am tentatively considering a change of career, and have always Loved the idea of becoming an interior designer. I say tenatively because it will be a huge decision on myself, and my family, and I wondered if and how you have done it. I have a degree, and A levels etc, but no 'creative' background. Having renovated and sold on several properties and helped friends with theirs, I realise how much I love it. Due to living in the middle of nowhere I can't study a BA Hons part time, as its not offered, and am not sure if a FDA will carry much weight. Need to also get some kind of work life balance due to having young children, but really, really want to do this. Is distance learning completely rubbish in a hands on trade like this?
All advice much appreciated.
Thanks

Bumping because I'd be interested in hearing the answer to this myself.
I did a short course of evening classes which was at a pretty basic level last year, just out of interest. The tutor suggested if anyone wanted to progress the HND course at the same college was a good option. The college cut the course during that term sadly.
Is there anywhere near you that does similar?

I don't know about industry standards, but as someone who hasn't got a clue about how to make their house look nice - I'd say you've either got a natural flair for it or not.

Would you really need a full degree? What about starting now going freelance, building up a portfolio and getting a diploma rather than a long educational route which provides no guarantees.

Because I intend to be a gazillionaire one day, I would employ the person who can show me pictures/videos of what they've done rather than their degree certificate...

I'm sure Noddy will be along at some with advice at some point. She is a fantastic interior designer, and I'm pretty sure she's self taught.

Good luck OP - sounds like you have a real passion for it...

Oh thank you ! I have, and can't wait to get going, however that may be. Thank you re degree advice, hope noddy sees this?

A friend of mine did exactly this 2 years ago. She quit her reasonably well paid day job to fulfil her dream. She is very good at what she does, but the recession has hit her extremely hard. There does not seem to be much money around at the moment to splash out on interior designers.
If I were you I would only do it if the family does not rely on your income and if you are sure that there is a market where you are. Also, can you afford to lose a bit of money initially on training, advertising, your own website, etc.?

I'll start with the caveat that this is not a field I know much about...

However, like has been said above, If I were employing somebody to do this for me, I'd be interested in their portfolio, and not any degree! You cannot teach style.

Maybe it would help build confidence to do some distance learning and wrap your head around some of the more science based elements of the job - and that would be worthwhile. Seems to me like the kind of business which is very word of mouth, could you perhaps do a couple of freebies, to start building your portfolio, and use your own home for portfolio shots too.

I actually think formal education can be more of a hindrance than a help, and you could be much more free being a total self starter. Lucky that we live in the age of the Internet, maybe you could start your own apartment therapy blog - offer to go to a friends and help rearrange for a better aesthetic, take before and after shots, get a following?

I'm a designer maker (fashion) and I do have a degree (in art history) which at least is sort of creative but hasn't taught me how to do what I do at all, I took night classes and went for it.

I think your passion to do this, along with ability will be your biggest asset. I wouldn't bother with the degree, but then I'm a risk taker

i am in a related area, and got into it with lots of evening classes and ultimately a C&G course, and i would recommend doing some distance learning if you can't get to a town or city that offers classes. Immersing yourself in the subject will help you check you really want to do it, you may be able to meet useful contacts, and at very least you will get expert advice on how to present yourself - quite important in this i would think.

Do you know lots of people who could be potential clients? you need to build up a portfolio and you may need to work on some projects for free or for very little money to get started - my first commissions were for friends but they worked out and that got me started.

Have you had a look at the National Design Academy? Www.NDA.ac.UK

They do distance courses in this kind of stuff at diploma, foundation degree and degree level, plus it's quite cheap and you can take your time! I'm doing the soft furnishing course at the moment and it's perfect to fit round a busy life.

Not sure how well respected the qualifications are, it's hardly st Martin's, but it's been really good for me to have confidence in the basics! Good luck!