Want to become a great interior designer? According to market research, the US interior design market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% by 2033. If you're considering entering this industry, now is a great time! This article will show you many ways to get free interior design courses to help you realize your dreams.
Which platforms offer free courses?
1. Skillshare
Course content: Skillshare offers a variety of interior design-related courses, including residential and office design, home decoration, color theory, space layout, etc. Courses range from 15 minutes to several hours, suitable for learners of all levels.
How to apply: Visit the relevant website and register for an account. New users usually enjoy a one-month free trial period, during which they can have unlimited access to hundreds of interior design courses.
2. MasterClass
Course content: MasterClass invites well-known interior designers to teach, and the course content covers from basic to advanced interior design skills, including creative concepts, space planning and material selection.
How to apply: Visit the website and register an account. While most courses are paid subscriptions, there is usually a trial period during which you can try out some of the courses.
3. Alison
Course content: Alison offers a free interior design diploma course covering project planning, client communication, spatial layout and various design principles. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate to add highlights to your resume.
How to apply: Visit the website, register an account and search for interior design courses to start learning immediately.
4. Interior Design Online
Course content: In partnership with the well-known Sydney School of Design, the platform provides high-quality interior design courses, including the use of software such as Photoshop, Revit, AutoCAD, and real-life project case analysis.
How to apply: Visit the website, view available free courses and register to participate
5. YouTube
Course content: There are a large number of free interior design tutorials on YouTube, covering videos from basics to advanced techniques, including DIY projects and professional advice.
How to apply: Search "interior design tutorial" or "interior design basics" directly on YouTube to find videos of interest for learning, and you can watch them without registration.
6. Coursera
Course content: Coursera cooperates with many well-known universities to provide free online interior design-related courses, including basic knowledge and professional skills training.
How to apply: Visit the website, register an account and search for "interior design" related courses. Many courses allow free auditing, but you may need to pay a fee to obtain a certification certificate.
7. edX
Course content: edX also cooperates with top universities to provide free online learning resources, including introductory and advanced courses related to interior design and architecture.
How to apply: Visit the website, create an account and search for "interior design" related courses. You can choose to audit for free or pay a fee to obtain a certificate.
What you will learn
1. Master software skills
Modern interior design is inseparable from various design software. Here are some essential software:
AutoCAD: Used to create floor plans and construction drawings.
3D Max: Used to make renderings to help you better display your design concepts.
SketchUp: Suitable for rapid modeling and space layout
Photoshop: For post-processing and rendering editing.
2. Build basic knowledge
At the beginner level, you need to master some basic knowledge, including:
Color theory: Understand color matching and its impact on the atmosphere of the space.
Space planning: Learn how to make rational use of every inch of space.
Material knowledge: Familiar with commonly used building materials and their characteristics.
3. Practical experience
After theoretical learning, try to practice as much as possible. You can try the following methods:
Simulation project: Design a small space for yourself or a friend, and use the knowledge you have learned to layout and decorate.
Participate in internships: Look for internship opportunities in interior design companies to gain practical work experience.
Case analysis: Study successful interior design cases and analyze their design concepts and implementation processes.
Benefits of studying interior design
1. Flexible learning: Online courses usually allow you to learn at your own pace without worrying about time conflicts. This flexibility makes it easy for even those who work or study full-time to participate.
2. Practical experience: Many online courses offer real-world projects, allowing you to gain practical experience while learning theoretical knowledge. This practical experience is essential for finding a job or taking on a project in the future.
3. Build a network: When taking online courses, you will have the opportunity to interact with other learners and industry experts. This will not only expand your horizons, but may also bring opportunities for future career development.
4. Get a certificate: Some free courses offer a certificate of completion, which will become a highlight on your resume, demonstrating your expertise and skills.
Salary of interior design
- Current salary level: According to the latest data, the average annual salary of interior designers in the United States is about $55,510. For example, in large cities such as New York City and Los Angeles, the salary of interior designers is generally higher than the national average, and some senior designers can even earn more than $75,000 per year
- Expected growth: The increase in market demand for professional design services, especially in the fields of residential, commercial, and sustainable design, has driven up salaries; it is expected that by 2025, the salary of interior designers will increase significantly.
- Regional differences
Salary levels vary significantly between states and cities. For example:
California: Average annual salary is about $60,100.
New York: Average annual salary is about $63,830.
Texas: Average annual salary is about $50,060.
The high salaries in these regions are usually related to the cost of living, market demand, and industry competitiveness - Career development opportunities: After accumulating experience, there are opportunities to be promoted to senior designers, project managers, or open their own design firms. These senior positions are usually accompanied by higher salaries.
Overall, the salary level of interior designers in the United States is expected to continue to rise by 2025.
Summary
Through these free interior design courses, you will master basic design skills and then master advanced techniques to become a professional interior designer. Making good use of these resources can not only save tuition fees, but also accumulate experience through practice and improve your competitiveness in the industry. Don't wait any longer, take action now and start your interior design career!
