apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Alright maybe someone can answer this question. I'm a graphic designer, have a BA in art & design, but I really want to transition to Interior Design. Now I can go to school (harrington) and go that route, but it seems there are a lot of people who became Interior Designers by experience. But according to people I've talked to, in order to be called an Interior Designer you need to have accredidation which takes a degree in interior design (either Associates or BFA) work experience with an accredited designer.

This might not be the place for this, but I need to know! I'd prefer to not have to go to school, but to work my way up in a design company. I'm just at a crossroad right now. Any advice from anyone would be appreciated.

But yes, I'm hoping for eddie to win. I like some of the other contestants, but he just has a good grasp on things.

Fine, I'll say it. Big Daddy should have thrown Wisit under the train. Seriously folks. Rococo? For that client? I don't think so. Jeffrey had it right when he said Wisit would take Kerry down. Secondly, Shazia should have been the one to leave.

Ugh. I feel like such a complainer, ha.

But, I would have to say that Eddie is now my favorite. And, although I don't care for all of Natalie's stuff, she seems to have a cheery disposition which is a nice change of pace.

Yeah, has Eddie already won Top Design? Sure seems like it.

As for Wizit- I'm not really sure what to think of that guy- all he seems to do is awkwardly giggle and get very little done.

I agree with I_Heart_The_Eastside that Shazia should have been the one to go!

miked-i remember discussing this in in school, but i'm on a long hiatus and cant remember all the details, but i think it depends where you live- there are Interior design registration laws. depending on your state you to have a certain number of years in school and work experience before you can be registered as an "interior designer"- and in IL you have to take a test as well through fider I believe.

check out this link i found:

http://www.asid.org/NR/rdonlyres/A22C82EB-AADD-4A60-B587-58780C8892BC/0/Matrixbranded.pdf

but i remember the class also discussing ways to get around this to get work, you can call your self a designer or interior decorator.

i'd do some research through ASID and IIDA (interior design organizations)

miked- yeah its the NCDIQ test... its on the fine print in that link

I love love love Eddie. His blog is very inspiring. I think we all know Shazia should have been the one to go last week....NOT Kerry.

My favorite was Big Daddy...that gentle Southern drawl. But i do think Shazia should have gone. At least Big Daddy had produced something. He simply was too nice. Wisit comes across as such a nice person...but he really pushes constantly, just quietly, so you don't notice it. (Although those sketches he did in the first mini-challenge---wow.)

@erin- Thanks for that link. I'm aware of the test and how to become accredited. It just seems so many interior designers don't have accredidation. Which is fine, because I don't think education or a piece of paper should be able to determine your career, but I'm also not against it...whatever works for that person.

It's just interesting to see how designers got started in the field. For instance, Eddie. He went to culinary school, then got involved with Martha. I think that's great and I'm just curious if I can turn my Graphic Design career into an Interior Design career without going back for a second BFA.

Thanks again for your advice/link!

Wizit should of gone! I don't think it was Shazia's fault since the other guy was in the lead and doing all the talking and couldn't really get a word in edge wise. She said she didn't think the wicker and the world objects were right but, he went ahead and did it anyway. I think the problem is the stronger personalities like Ricky Shroders wife (ugh) are dominating the others and directing them instead of collaborating. My favorite is Ondine. She rocks!!

I liked him on the show, but now that I've just skimmed his blog - I heart him. Just the way he writes it's so clear his mind is just popping with ideas. That's so hard to see - really how their creative brains work- if creatively at all- on those edited shows.

i totally love eddie. and no, big daddy should have NOT gone home last week.. i was even screaming at the tv. i was pissed.

My husband and I could not believe that they sent Big Daddy home. He was one of the best. I still can't believe it!

Wizit, Shazia, the other guy: any of them deserved to leave before Big Daddy.

I love Wisit

I want him as my BFF.

milked -- a lot of your credits may be transferable. The academic burden may not be as large as you think. Also schools often will help with placement, which is a step up for a career.

Meanwhile, why not just try to get a job in an interior design office? It will give you some experience. And it will also tell you whether you actually like doing it.

Wow, I have to say that I had to stop watching this show because all of the designers really come across as being inane and lacking in intelligence.