Interior Design (career/qualification chat) - advice needed

[HotGirlSummer]

I'm 22 and I've been waiting to apply to The Interior Design School London for their diploma. They only accept over 21's, so I've had to wait, and I've not been getting much support from my family about this course. That said - they're rarely the supportive type, but I'm second-guessing if this diploma is worth it? It's costly, at £27,400 for a year, not including the extra £10,000 it will cost me in travel. However, it's still affordable and within budget. It's just I'm not sure it's actually worth that.

I plan to be a self-employed interior designer after working with some local antique shops in the Cotswolds. It's something creative which allows me flexibility, so I can work around the little one.

Does anyone have experience/background in interior design? What are your feelings about The ID School London?

Hi @HotGirlSummer just bumping this for you and hopefully some Mumsnetters will be along soon with advice. We're also moving it over to the Work section.

Hi there are some online interior decorating courses that you can do in your own time. Although im a nurse I'm considering doing such a course. Is this something you would consider? So much cheaper too!

@Heidi3333

I did consider it, but with both my parents being semi-successful artists, I know the importance of a good portfolio, which is the main reason I'm thinking of ID School London... their facilities are amazing and they teach you to use SketchUp and AutoCad (I used to make things with our 3D printer at school so I can use Cad a little). You have unlimities resources there which I plan on making full use of... I can't think of else that'll allow me to design rooms unless its an actual interior design client, but I think I need something to show clients before I get interest?

I did a diploma in interior design last year. I was intending to do the whole degree but stopped after the year. I really enjoyed the classes and learned loads. The main reason I stopped was the assignments. The marks were all technical eg use of sketch up, layout of a page, correct use of referencing. What you didn't get marks for was creativity, good sense of design, innovation etc. The other reason for me is that I just wouldn't be good at selling myself enough to make a successful business.

I teach Sketchup to our Year 5s in primary school. Doesn't cost them a penny!