If you’re thinking of studying interior design, you might find the choice of courses out there overwhelming to say the least. Here’s a list of the most relevant interior design courses, diplomas, and certifications for aspiring interior designers in 2024 to help simplify your decision-making process!
In this article, we’ll be outlining each course’s content and study styles before rounding off with the pros and cons, the course duration, and, finally, the price. Using our guide, we hope you’ll be able to find a course that meets your specific needs and helps you launch a successful career in interior design.
Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll be covering:
Contents:
- 1) Why study interior design?
- 2) The 8 best interior design courses
- AND Academy: Interior Design Certificate
- New York School of Design: Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design
- National Design Academy: Design Your Future–Online Diploma
- Parsons Schools of Design: Interior Design Certificate Program
- The Interior Design Institute: International Certificate of Interior Design
- Skillshare: Interior Design Basics: Simple Steps To Your Perfect Space
- The British College of Interior Design: The Professional Interior Design Course
- Udemy: How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like A Pro
- 3) Conclusion and next steps
Ready to learn more about interior design courses? Then, let’s begin!
Why study interior design?
Interior design is an increasingly popular area of study for those new to the workforce and career changers alike. Not only can skills and knowledge in this area enhance your current career, they can provide you with the foundations for launching a new one that’s both creative and rewarding.
Working as an interior designer means you not only experience variety on a day-to-day basis, but also get the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Variety also comes from the range of clients an interior designer gets to work with; from residential to commercial, government to corporate, interior designers are required in every sector and have the chance to work with individuals from every walk of life. By studying interior design, individuals also have the chance to become self-employed or to start their own businesses, with the industry offering a more flexible work-life balance for those who feel restricted by the nine to five.
With demand for interior designers coming from every industry, opportunities for trained interior designers in India are only expected to increase over the next decade. The construction industry is growing at speed, which means skilling up in this field ensures students have the required knowledge and practical experience to take advantage of this growth and secure their futures in an in-demand and impactful field.
The 8 best Interior Design courses, diplomas and certifications in 2024
1. AND Academy: Interior Design Certificate
Course overview
Taking place over 16 weeks, the AND Academy Interior Design Certificate course offers a fast–track learning route for interior design beginners who wish to get to grips with the core assets of the field and hone their practical skills. The online course is split into two parts: the first, Interior Design Fundamentals, covers the essential elements of interior design such as interior design principles, functionality of space, ergonomics, working with clients, and how to use 3D modeling software. The second part, Residential Interiors Project, sees students apply their knowledge to a hands-on project. This includes creating the client’s brief, spatial planning, an introduction to Vastu Shastra, material selection, and 3D rendering.
The dedicated Career Services Division,ensures students are thoroughly supported as they launch their interior design careers. As well as being assisted in the building of a professional portfolio showcasing real world projects and technical skills, students have the opportunity to take part in career development sessions that run alongside the course, receive expert guidance on setting up their own practice, and network with industry professionals and leading design studios.
Take a look at some of the projects from AND learners:
- Residential Project by Pawanjot Singh
- Commercial Project by Sunali Khajuria
AND Academy’s Interior Design Certificate is a flexible option for those with other work or family commitments. The course is offered part-time with live and interactive sessions running in the evenings and at weekends, six hours a week. In addition to these sessions, students are expected to study for around six hours a week in their own time.
Pros:
- Flexible learning option for those with other commitments
- Covers both the practical and theoretical elements of interior design practice
- Students come away with a professional portfolio
- Career guidance and job application support are available alongside the course
Cons:
- The course is extensive and requires a considerable time commitment
Duration: 16 weeks
Price: Rs.60,000
Learn More: AND Academy Interior Design Course
2. New York School of Interior Design: Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design
Course overview
Founded in 1956, and ranked as one of the best interior design schools in the US, The New York School of Interior Design prepares students to work in commercial and residential design settings over the course of two years. It does this by training students to become competent in all aspects of interior design, from the creative elements through to business administration, with courses offered full and part-time, in-person and online. Students learn legal processes, business and administrative systems, how to use the tools of the trade, and communication skills during this well-rounded course which additionally prepares students for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination.
The tangible skills students learn during the Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design course include drawing, hand and digital drafting, color theory, the history of design, materials and methods of construction, building systems, and professional practice. With the course boasting 100 faculty members who are practicing designers, students can learn directly from those at the peak of their careers in both residential and commercial settings.
Pros
- This is a very flexible option; courses are offered in-person and online, as well as full and part-time
- Focus is on both residential and commercial interior design
- Course lecturers are established interior design professionals
Cons
- Course length may put some students off who wish to start working sooner
- The cost of the course may be beyond the budget of some students
Duration
- Two years
Price
- $1,220 per credit. (A typical undergrad course is around 130 credits)
3. National Design Academy: Design Your Future–Online Diploma
Course overview
The National Design Academy’s Design Your Future online diploma is a chance for those interested in interior design to learn the skills needed to start their own project, launch their own business, find a role in interior design, or study for a bachelor’s degree.
Students can choose from three different ways of studying: online, online fast-track, and in-studio fast-track, with modules covering subjects such as Interior Design & the Role of the Designer, Using Color in Interior Design, and Plans and Space Planning in a Professional Context.
The eighth and final module sees students complete a Professional Interior Design Project, bringing together all of the skills they’ve acquired so far in a project that can be presented as part of a professional portfolio. The module itself guides students in developing a design concept, creating a color scheme, selecting surface finishes, space planning, creating a lighting plan, and professional presentation techniques.
Finally, the diploma comes fully accredited by AIM Qualifications. The National Design Academy is in fact the only design school that is able to offer both funding and student loans because its diplomas come fully accredited.
Pros:
- Fully accredited course
- Student loans and funding are available
- Flexible learning styles
Cons:
- Loan and funding options are only available to UK citizens
Duration: 8-10 months (or fast-track in 14 weeks)
Price: £1,590
4. Parsons School of Design: Interior Design Certificate Program
Course overview
Founded in 1896, Parsons School of Design is a private art and design college in Manhattan, New York. The Interior Design Certificate Program fully incorporates the school’s research-based and design-intensive approach to studying interior design. It does this through the development and strengthening of students’ understanding of spatial and structural design. This is achieved through the teaching of tangible skills such as two and three dimensional sketching, hand drafting, and computer modeling, while the theory behind interior design concepts such as spatial relationships and the importance of client psychology are also covered in depth.
With the goal of the course being to equip students for working in interior design upon course completion, the Interior Design Certificate Program ensures students are fully up to date on modern working practices and digital innovation in the industry, too. It does this by covering topics such as bio-based materials, sustainable practices, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). By teaching the latest approaches and technology in interior design, the program ensures students are fully prepared to enter the workforce with confidence when they complete their studies.
Another advantage of Parsons’ Interior Design Certificate Program is that it is a fully online program of study, enabling those who are unable to live and study in the New York area full access to both course content and high-level teaching.
Pros:
- Course is brought to students by industry experts
- Collaboration within small classes is facilitated and encouraged
- Project-based learning that contributes to a professional portfolio is central to the program
Cons:
- Course requires a lengthy time commitment
Duration: 18 months
Price: $7,120
5. The Interior Design Institute: International Certificate of Interior Design
Course overview
Having launched back in 2006, The Interior Design Institute provides online interior design courses which enable students to build creative and rewarding careers in the field. Students’ education and training during the completion of the Certificate focuses heavily on the practical skills and the technical knowledge needed to build a body of work in interior design, with each exercise in the course designed to give students a new addition to their portfolios. Areas of focus include the creation of floor and lighting plans, furnishings, fabrics and window treatments, lighting, upholstery and accessories, different design styles and approaches, color schemes, project budgets and costings, and how to work with contractors.
The International Certificate of Interior Design Course is led by industry experts who provide support and assistance to budding students. Each student is assisted in their studies by a personal tutor who guides them through each module and provides grades for their assignments. In addition to the support of their personal tutor, students are also encouraged to help and support one another as they learn. This is enabled by an exclusive Facebook group for students of the course, providing a space wherein they can interact with other students and alumni, share their learnings, and offer support.
Flexibility is a key component of The International Certificate of Interior Design Course which offers students the opportunity to complete study modules and coursework at their own pace. While the majority of students finish in around 24 weeks, the course can be extended to up to a year for those who need more time.
Pros:
- Students complete professional portfolios throughout the course
- Students are actively assisted by personal tutors
- Thriving online student community
- Multiple payment options
Cons:
- Course is entirely online, which some students may find restrictive
Duration: Flexible, but most students finish in 24 weeks.
Price: Rs 44,999 (when paid in full)
6. Skillshare: Interior Design Basics: Simple Steps to Your Perfect Space
Course overview
Skillshare’s Interior Design Basics course is an actionable and inspirational interior design course aimed at beginners looking to transform their homes or the homes of others. Led by expert interior designer, Lauren Cox (in collaboration with Havenly), students are taught the skills and tools they need to uncover their own personal style, find their inner creative, and redesign their interiors to meet their own specific needs.
Many of the lessons focus on core design principles, such as balance, proportion, scale, rhythm, and repetition. In addition to the theory, students are also expected to complete two hands-on projects towards the end of the course. As students follow the video-based lessons, they learn how to identify and develop their own unique design style, curate a color palette, hone their sense of rhythm and balance, and select both functional and decorative pieces that complement their designs.
At only one hour twenty seven minutes long, Skillshare’s Interior Design Basics course is more of an introductory course to interior design than a deep dive into the subject. Students hoping to launch careers as interior designers are likely to need additional training before they are ready to look for interior design work. However, for those simply looking to spruce up their own homes or interior design hobbyists , this is the ideal course to get inspired and learn some important design principles.
Pros:
- Easy-to-digest video content for interior designer beginners
- Hands-on projects and interior design principles are covered in this short course
- Led by an industry professional who brings clarity to complex topics
Cons:
- Content is not comprehensive enough for a career change or professional upgrade
Duration: 1 hour 27 minutes
Price: Free
Learn More- Interior Design Basics: Simple Steps to Your Perfect Space
7. The British College of Interior Design: The Professional Interior Design Course
Course overview
With its focus on structured, yet flexible, learning, interior design experts at The British College of Interior Design steer learners towards their professional goals. Students complete coursework assignments designed to hone their practical design skills, while extra modules are provided on business strategy and best practices for those thinking of becoming self-employed or starting their own business.
The college boasts leaders with more than 30 years of experience in distance learning, with tutors working directly with students to help them find the area of design which best suits their skills and goals. In addition to tutors, program instructors and mentors are very accessible and provide students with feedback on their work and offer professional support once the course is over. During the 12 or 24 weeks (depending on a student's availability), students learn all aspects of interior design, including building structure and technology, environmental and other building systems, design theory and history, design communications, and the science of interior space.
In contrast to other interior design courses, The British College of Interior Design’s Professional Interior Design Course is somewhat more business-focused than its competitors, with students being taught how to meet clients’ needs, how to market their services, and how to get paid for their design skills. For this reason, the course is potentially more preferable to those thinking of starting their own business than those simply hoping to land a junior role within an interior design company.
Pros:
- Professionally supported and flexible distance learning option
- Students receive certification upon course completion
- Students have access to professional support during and after the course
- Students learn about the business side of the industry as well as the practical and creative sides
Cons:
- There are fixed starting dates for each course. If a student misses the start date, they have to wait until the next one
- Those who are looking for fixed employment–rather than considering self-employment-may find the learning modules related to starting a business unnecessary
Duration: 12 weeks or 24 weeks depending on a student’s flexibility
Price: Starting at $590
8. Udemy: How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro
Course overview
Created as an introductory course for interior design students, hobbyist interior designers, and established interior designers looking to brush up their existing skills, Erikka Fogleman’s How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro course provides a deep dive into eighteen different interior design styles, including English Country, French Modern, Mid-Century Modern, and Art Deco. Erikka walks students through the history and key features of each style such as furniture characteristics, commonly-used materials, color schemes, window and floor coverings, lighting, and decoration.
Throughout the five and half hours of video lessons, students are encouraged to identify their own interior design style and how to mix together different styles effectively. This is done through the adoption of Erikka’s simple, formulaic approach. Teaching comprises video-based lectures, downloadable resources, and real life case studies.
To help uncover their style preferences, students have the opportunity to take a quiz before each style section. The results of this quiz can help students prioritize which lectures to watch and where to focus their studies.
Pros:
- 28 downloadable resources
- Provides a deep dive into interior design styles and history
Cons:
- Course is not sufficient for launching an interior design career
Duration: 5.5 hours
Price: €159.99
Learn More: How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro
Conclusion
We hope our rundown helps you compare the different offerings of these interior design courses and enables you to find the one that best meets your needs, whether that’s learning the basics of interior design or launching a new career in the field. If you’d like to find out more about AND’s Interior Design Certificate course and take the first step towards your new career, head over to the site now!
If you’re looking to study Interior Design in Mumbai, head over to our blog for a rundown of the top Interior Design Courses in Mumbai.
Here are some additional resources that may be useful in your learning efforts:
- Watch this session by Snehanshu Mukherjee, Founding Partner at T.E.A.M and Mansi Almadi, an Interior Designer at Studio Lotus
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Check out our Interior Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts.
- Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
