If you love coming up with creative designs and interior decorating that will turn a house into a home—or add a unique touch to a commercial space—and want to make those dreams a reality, this is the course for you. This residential interior design course is perfect for both aspiring and current designers who want to increase their education, career opportunities, and professional status in the interior design industry. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career in this creative industry today with this course.
When you're looking for interior design classes, you want to make sure you're getting the best education possible. This Certified Residential Interior Designer course will not only teach you the fundamentals and ethical practices involved in becoming a residential interior designer, but also provide you with invaluable insights on running your own design business and building your client base. Your interior design coursework will also include useful documents and exercises to help you practice and develop your skills. By the end of the course, you will be able to use your design concepts in a portfolio to present to potential clients.
Upon the completion of the course curriculum, you'll be prepared to sit for the Residential Interior Designer Exam (R.I.D.E.) through the Designer Society of America (DSA). Once you achieve certification, you can qualify for a free one-year DSA membership, and you may be able to participate in an optional 40-hour internship, if you meet certain eligibility requirements. The R.I.D.E. credential will increase your status with potential clients and make you a stronger candidate in the industry.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
- Access to a digital scanner is helpful but not required.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows XP or later.
- Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Flash Player. Click here to download the Flash Player.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- Interior Design by John F. Pile
Prerequisites:
You do not need any interior design experience to participate in this course. You should, however, have a strong interest in interior design and a desire to learn.
Natasha Lima-Younts has worked in interior design for more than 20 years. She graduated from Bauder Design College and went on to found Gables Interiors in Miami, Florida and Gables Plantation Designs in Albany, Georgia. Her work has been featured in magazines including Florida Architecture and Spectacular Homes, as well as on "The View," and she was chosen as Miami's "Designer for the Stars" seven years in a row. In 1999, she founded the Designer Society of America (DSA) to create a sense of community and help aspiring designers achieve their goals.
1. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?
Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration.
2. How long does it take to complete a program?
Upon registering, you're given six months to complete this program.
3. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All the materials you'll need (with the exception of a few very inexpensive items for your project) are included, and their cost will be covered by your tuition. ed2go will ship all materials ground service upon enrollment.
4. Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.
5. What happens when I complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
6. Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We don't provide direct job placement services, but our facilitators and career counselors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Facilitators will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
7. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
8. What software or hardware do I need in order to take online programs and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online programs, you must have access to a computer and the Internet. You can access the program contents from any Web-enabled computer. You don't have to use the same computer to log-in to the program every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
9. Can I use a Mac?
Yes, you can use a Mac for this program.
10. How will I submit my family room project?
Your project is to complete the floor plan and design concept for a family room. You do not need to actually execute your concept in a real interior. When you're ready to complete the program, you will follow the detailed instructions for completing your family room project presentation board. You will submit a written portion as well as several photos of your presentation board to your instructor. You may need to purchase some inexpensive supplies (foam core and mat boards, a cutting tool, and mounting materials such as foam tape or Velcro) to put your board together. You will not need to send the presentation board itself to your instructor—this will be yours to keep.
11. What does my free one-year membership in the Designer Society of America entitle me to?
Membership benefits include:
- Design News Flash and Support, an all-member communication concerning the interior design industry, practice issues, and trends, sent every three weeks via e-mail.
- Invitations to chapter and region meetings, special events, and activities.
- DSA Web site access, with information and online versions of past DSA newsletters and publications.
- DSA's online membership directory.
- Discounted prices on national product lines and resources, with direct links (for members in U.S. and Canada).
- Invitation to DSA annual celebration, which features winners of the Interior Design Competitions and member awards.
- Reduced member rates for DSA-sponsored competitions and Residential Design Competition.
- Free membership in Pier 1 design concepts, Designer Trade Market, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, program for DSA members.
- Chapter-level CEU programs.
- Tele-seminar and webinar annual schedules.
- DSA logo upload (member-only section) and appellation.
- Use of DSA professional designation.
- DSA Membership Card.
- Discounted advertising rates in DSA publications and on the DSA Web site.
- Networking opportunities through chapter and motivational task forums.
- Personal 80-page portfolio for designers to exhibit their work.
- Trade center locations and information in resources.
- Locate-a-designer program for consumers.
- National recognition.
- Hotel and resort discounts during meetings.
- Member advantage program to promote members’ success.
12. How can I get more information about the program?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button toward the top of the page). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the "Contact Us" form to the right. You may also call us at 1-855-520-6806. We will answer your questions promptly.
13. When can I start the program?
Our programs are all open enrollment. You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready.
Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.
14. What if I don't have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?
The time allotted to complete your program has been calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don't worry too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort, you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee may be charged for an extension.
Facilitator was very helpful, greatly and enthusiastically sharing her knowledge and experience.
- L.S., Edmonds Community College, Business & Training Center
I appreciated the ease of navigating through course, the depth of info of the course. The facilitator was very helpful, offered advice and feedback that was informative and useful. Great overall experience!
- K.W., Tennessee State University
My instructor was very supportive and kind throughout the program. The course was very instructive and support was always there when I needed it.
- M.S., University of Central Florida
Natasha was amazing! I live in Zhuhai, China and she was understanding and helpful the entire way. This is the first time I have taken an online course and I must say I was very lucky to have such a wonderful, caring, supportive facilitator as Natasha. She is a gem!
- C.P., Monroe Community College
The Residential Interior Designer course was a wonderful experience for me. I am a person who already has three years of college in an unrelated area of study and am wanting to enter the interior design field. The instructor, Natasha Lima-Younts, was extremely helpful; she was eager to share her professional knowledge and experience. I greatly appreciate the level of enthusiastic support and the personal and prompt attention offered cheerfully to a student in every turn. I particularly enjoyed the way the course was written -- in a spirit of friendliness and optimism -- and still so informative, yet easy to read. The included textbook serves as a valuable addition to the course, with a vast source of comprehensive information. I would recommend this course to any residential interior designer.
- L.S., Edmonds Community College
“I entered the 13th Annual Northwest Design Awards contest back in the fall sponsored by Seattle Design Center. In the student category I won the 1st or 2nd place! At the award ceremony they will tell me which one. Thank you ed2go!
- L.S., Edmonds Community College
Thank you so much for your feedback, it has meant a lot to me, and I'm grateful for the time you have taken to point me in the right direction and encourage me!
- P.R., University of Georgia
I greatly enjoyed the set up of the program, very easy to understand and follow. I cannot say enough good things about my facilitator, she was absolutely amazing. I have and would recommend this program to many more people in the future. Y'all are doing a wonderful job. Thank you for creating such a great program!
- G.J., University of Texas at Arlington, Division of Continuing Education