How to Become an Interior Architect
Interior architects design the indoor spaces of the buildings that architect’s design. Interior architecture is a branch of architecture, and is very similar in educational courses, career duties, and salary to those of an interior designer, as interior architects address the attractiveness and functions of the interior space of buildings and structures. Utilize this article to understand what educational, internship, exam and licensure requirements are necessary for one to call his or herself an interior architect.
Educational Requirements
Gaining knowledge and understanding of the interior architecture industry while in high school can really help a prospective interior architect sharpen his or her skills early on. Taking classes surrounding design, art, drafting, and communications can benefit a future interior architect. In order to get into an accredited architecture or interior design degree program, students need to make sure the college or university they are interested in offers courses that are accredited by the Foundation of Interior Design Education and Research, or FIDER. Entry-level positions for interior architects generally require a bachelor’s degree, or 4-years of education.
It’s important for a student in an interior architectural program to understand how to design structural interiors for living, recreational and business purposes. Courses that can be expected include:
- Structural Systems Design
- Heating and Cooling Systems
- Occupational and Safety Standards
- Interior Design
- Specific End-Use Applications
- Professional Responsibilities and Standards
- Drafting or Drawing
- Colors
- Art
- Seismic Retrofitting
- Architecture
- Home Economics
- Spatial Planning
- CAD
- Perspective
- Ethics
- Ergonomics
Internship Requirements
Internships or apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and practice using it in the field. Internships also lead to future jobs once an individual has graduated, as interns are able to work closely with licensed interior architects, building relationships and becoming accustomed to the ways of the company.
But it starts before all of this. Interior architect students should put together a diverse portfolio before seeking an internship. This can help you land an internship quicker, plus it gives an employer or manager a sense of your talent, skills, knowledge, education and creativity. Talking with professors and advisors are a great way to learn about various internships available in your area. Another way to find an internship that could lead to employment is through the American Society of Interior Designers, or the ASID. The program has numerous locations throughout the United States, plus it gives discounts of memberships to students. Obtaining an internship at one of these practices looks great on an interior architect’s resume, especially if there’s no chance of future employment with the company. In most States, 1-3 years of internship or professional experience is required for licensure.
Interior Architect Licensure Requirements
In order to practice interior architecture, an individual must receive a formal education, plus a state license. Practicing interior architects can only use the term “Interior Architect” legally after meeting requirements and becoming registered or licensed. Once all educational and professional experience requirements are met, an individual may take the exam administered by the NCIDQ to obtain a license.
The exam covers a wide range of topics that test an individual’s knowledge and skills that interior designers use in their daily practice. Topics such as protecting the public’s health, life safety and welfare are tested for, rather than topics such as design history and furniture styles. The exam consists of two multiple-choice sections (half-day each) and one practicum section (full day). Test takers must pass all three sections in order to complete the exam. Unlike other exams, this exam is administered through the use of paper and pencils rather than computers. Combining all three sections, the cost of the exam totals $835.00. However, there are additional fees administered for things such as late fees, deferral, cancellations, and candidate reactivations.
To learn more about the exam, click here: http://www.ncidq.org/
