How to become a sustainable interior designer

How to become a Sustainable Interior Designer

The path to becoming a sustainable interior designer often starts with an early interest in design, followed by formal training in the field, professional qualification, and continuing education.

Here is a snapshot of the common pathways to the career:

High School
As you earn your high school diploma, start preparing for a career in interior design by looking for inspiration in everything, including books, magazines, the internet, and store displays.

Practise your math skills – because they will be useful in completing scale drawings and understanding measurements, both of which are part of the interior designer’s work.

Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design
Most design firms require designers to hold at least an undergraduate degree. An associate degree is not typically enough to begin a career as a professional interior designer, though it may prepare you for an assistant position or other related roles in the industry. Students wishing to enter the field should verify that the program they are considering is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Some programs may offer specializations or coursework and studio projects focused on sustainable interior design and green building practices.

These 10 US schools are renowned worldwide for their interior design programs:

• Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York
• New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury
• University of California, Berkeley Extension
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Architecture
• Florida International University
• The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• International Academy of Design & Technology, Tampa, Florida
• West Valley College, Saratoga, California
• Interior Designers Institute, Newport Beach, California

Here is a summary of the curricula covered by most associate and bachelor’s degree programs in interior design:

Two-year Associate Degree Program
The first year of Associate level programs generally covers the fundamentals of design and basic skills in both hand drawing and digital drawing. The focus of the second year is typically on more specialized topics such as architectural lighting, color theory, furniture history, and introductory business and marketing concepts.

Common coursework and target skills include the following:

Modern Architecture & Design
A review of designs of the last two centuries, highlighting the emergence of specific design theory and stylistic elements; traces modernization of style back to origins

• Foundational knowledge in design history and different styles
• Ability to adapt past designs for present and future use
• Understanding of the connections between interior and exterior design

History of Building Types
An overview of how specific purpose-built spaces have evolved over time; examples often include corporate spaces, museums, hotels, hospitals, government buildings

• Recognition of the evolution of common spaces
• Grasp of what has and has not worked in past designs
• Framework for understanding modernization of existing buildings

Color Theory
The cultural, social, and psychological implications of color use; the effects of color, including productivity and tranquility; examination of varied theories, optical illusions, the Bezold Effect (how our perception of a color is affected by its surrounding colors), and contrasts

• Awareness of how colors affect the human brain, moods, and emotions
• Guidelines for use of colors in particular spaces

Drawing
Various drawing techniques and how to translate an idea into a reality by hand or using digital drawing practices and tools

• Familiarity with multiple drawing techniques
• Architectural drafting and digital drawing software skills, including computer-aided design (AutoCAD), SketchUp, Revit, and 3D rendering tools

Four-year Bachelor’s Degree Program
These programs comprise courses that address the aesthetic, technical, and business skills required of the well-rounded interior designer. Students are immersed in several topics: drafting, design, 3D imaging, space planning, project management, marketing, sales, and business development.

Common coursework and target skills include the following:

Design Theory
Examination of the literature and portfolios of leading designers of the past, including William Morris, Claude Perault, and others; analysis of how their theories informed contemporary designs and how they can be used in modern design

• Understanding of historical influences on design approaches to various projects
• Insight into the mindset of influential practitioners
• Understanding of how to renovate existing spaces and create designs relevant to present and future use

Textiles for Interiors
A survey of the historical production and use of fabrics throughout significant decorative arts periods; a review of how various kinds of fabrics are produced

• How to estimate yardage and how to select fabrics for specific projects
• Knowledge of historical code requirements for outfitting protected properties and maintaining fabric properly

The Business of Interior Design
An overview of the practical skills needed to succeed in the field, including project management, research and problem solving, client interviewing, client presentations, and contract negotiation

• Effective handling of clients and negotiations
• Ability to develop client proposals and pitch ideas to prospective employers
• Communication skills to ensure proper translation of clients’ wishes

Materials and Assembly
Examination of the use of both hard and soft materials in developing spaces, creating partitions, and changing environments; review of materials’ historical applications

• Knowledge of how to use hard and soft materials such as room dividers, drapery, and furniture
• Theoretical knowledge to inform design decisions
• Developing personal aesthetics for design implementation

Alternative Degrees
A degree in a field related to interior design, such as interior architecture, industrial design, or environmental design may also open doors to a career as a sustainable interior designer.

Qualification Exam
Several US states and Canadian provinces have laws that require professional designers to hold an interior design license. To qualify for licensure, candidates must pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, which tests competency in areas such as building codes, space planning, and health and safety regulations. The NCIDQ is the most recognized interior designer credential.

Practical Experience
Gaining relevant hands-on experience is crucial in the field of sustainable interior design. Look for opportunities to intern or work as an assistant with established interior design firms, architectural firms, or construction companies, ideally ones that prioritize sustainable practices. This practical experience will expose you to real-world projects, industry practices, and client interactions, and will help you determine the area of sustainable interior design that interests you the most – residential, commercial, hospitality, or healthcare.

Build an Online Portfolio
A well-curated online portfolio that showcases your credentials, vision, and best design work is crucial to your success as a sustainable interior designer. Include a variety of sustainable projects to demonstrate your abilities to work on different scales, in both residential and commercial sectors, and in different design styles.

Start Your Own Business or Seek Employment
Decide whether you want to work for an established design firm, start your own business, or work as a freelancer. Each option has its own pros and cons. Starting your own business requires additional skills in marketing, project management, and business development.

Certifications and Professional Organizations
These are some prominent industry certifications available to sustainable interior designers:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate (LEED GA) – Offered by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED Green Associate certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of green building principles and practices, including sustainable interior design strategies. This certification serves as a strong foundation for those pursuing a career in sustainable design.
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) – The LEED AP certification is a more advanced level of accreditation within the LEED system. Sustainable interior designers can choose from different specialty tracks, such as Building Design and Construction (LEED AP BD+C) or Interior Design and Construction (LEED AP ID+C), depending on their specific area of expertise.
• WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) – The WELL AP certification is offered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and focuses on designing spaces that prioritize human health and well-being. It is particularly relevant for sustainable interior designers who want to create environments that promote occupant health and comfort.
• Living Future Accredited (LFA) – The Living Future Accredited certification is provided by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) and is intended for professionals committed to creating regenerative and restorative interior spaces that have a net-positive impact on the environment. ILFI supports the Living Building Challenge and other sustainability-focused initiatives.
• Fitwel Ambassador – This certification is offered by the Center for Active Design (CfAD) and focuses on evidence-based design strategies that promote the health and well-being of building occupants. It is suitable for designers who prioritize health-oriented design principles.
• Green Building Councils Certifications (Country-Specific) – In addition to the US Green Building Council, many countries have their own Green Building Councils that offer sustainability certifications specific to their region. For example, in Canada, there is the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), which offers certifications like LEED Canada.

Also supporting the sustainable design community are these organizations:

• Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and manufacturing processes in the furnishings industry.
• Center for Active Design (CfAD) promotes design strategies that encourage physical activity, health, and well-being. Through CfAD, interior designers can access research and tools to create active and sustainable spaces.
• Global GreenTag offers product ratings that help interior designers identify eco-friendly and sustainable materials and products for their projects.

The following organizations serve the interior design industry at large, offering certifications as well as design resources, conferences, workshops, and summits which provide members with continuing education and networking opportunities:

• American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is one of the largest and most recognized interior design organizations in the United States. ASID offers sustainability-focused events, webinars, and resources for members.
• International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is a global professional association for interior designers, including those working in sustainable design. IIDA conducts design competitions and promotes the value and importance of design in commercial spaces.
• International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is a global association that represents professionals involved in facility management. While not specific to interior design, IFMA offers resources and networking opportunities for sustainable interior designers who work closely with facility management teams. It provides certifications related to facility management and workplace design.
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
• Designers Guild
• Designer Society of America
• British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
• Society of British and International Design (SBID)
• Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC)