Certified Residential Interior Designer

Elevate your design aspirations and transform spaces with our Certified Residential Interior Designer course. Ideal for aspiring and experienced designers, this interior design class empowers you to expand your knowledge, advance your career prospects, and enhance your industry standing. Throughout this interior design certification course, you will explore the elements of interior design in great depth and investigate ways to combine these elements to meet your clients' needs and preferences.

From key design elements and principles to the history of styles and furnishings from different eras to reviewing materials, finishes, color, and textiles, you will leave this interior design course with a strong fundamental overview of interior design essentials. Beyond your interior design training, you will learn how to build a successful design business, cultivate your client base, and interact with clients in various scenarios appropriately. This program will help you hone your craft through its enriching, practical coursework intended to help you fine-tune your skills and give you real-life scenarios to discover your personal branding and style.

This interior design certification course requires you to complete a final project where you will have the opportunity to design a family room that meets certain touchpoints gained throughout the course. This project can be used as a compelling portfolio presentation to earn new business and captivate potential clients by showcasing your unique design concepts. Your final project presentation will also be submitted for review by the Designer Society of America (DSA), which will qualify you to sit for the Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC) certification exam.

Upon successfully completing this program, you will earn your R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) credential as part of the final exam and qualify to sit for the Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC) certification exam. The RIDQC exam voucher is included with course enrollment for qualifying students. You will also obtain a free one-year DSA membership.

Please note: The Certified Residential Interior Designer course is designed to prepare students for the R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) credential and Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC) certification exam only. It does not meet the educational requirements for state licensure in interior design, nor does it prepare students to sit for any state licensing exam. This course also does not authorize students to pull work permits.

What you will learn

• Prepare for both the R.I.D.E. and RIDQC exams
• Gain a deep understanding of design elements and principles and learn how to apply them effectively
• Develop proficiency in the entire design process, from concept development to the final presentation
• Acquire comprehensive knowledge of various materials and finishes commonly used in residential interiors
• Develop a strong foundation in color theory and gain the ability to apply this knowledge to create cohesive color schemes for residential interiors
• Obtain expertise in space planning techniques to effectively design residential spaces to meet clients' needs
• Acquire valuable insights into the business aspects of interior design, including project management, client relations, ethics, and professional practice
• Study the history of architecture and interiors to draw inspiration from various design movements and apply historical references in contemporary design work
• Develop an understanding of the selection and application of textiles, window treatments, accessories, and artwork to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces
• Learn the lighting design principles, including the selection and placement of fixtures, to create well-lit and aesthetically pleasing environments

How you will benefit

• Obtain your R.I.D.E. credential and prepare to sit for the RIDQC certification exam
• Demonstrate to clients and industry professionals that you are qualified and possess the necessary skills to handle any residential interior design job
• Gain the essential skills and tools to establish your business, attract clients, and create functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors that will advance your career
• Understand the history of design to aid you in applying and explaining design concepts and techniques to clients

1. Becoming an Interior Designer
2. Developing an Eye for Design: The Elements of Design
3. Developing an Eye for Design: The Principals of Design
4. History Of Styles and Furnishings, Part I, Prehistoric Times to Middle Ages
5. History Of Styles and Furnishings, Part II: The Renaissance to the 20th Century
6. History Of Styles and Furnishings, Part III: Modernism to the 21st Century and Non-Western Influences
7. Space Planning and Working with Clients
8. Materials and Finishes
9. Color
10. Textiles
11. Lighting Fundamentals
12. Furniture, Accessories and finishing Touches
13. Professional Practice
14. The Business of Interior Design
15. Final Presentation
16. Final Exam Preparation and Completion

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• New York School of Interior Design: Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces by Ellen S. Fisher
• The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book by Chris Grimley and Mimi Love

Please note: You may receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Prerequisites:

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. It is taught at the college level and requires the basic high-school level academic competencies. You should have a high school degree or the equivalent, basic liberal arts knowledge, and an understanding of and interest in different cultures. You will also need a basic understanding of computers and must be comfortable navigating the Internet.

Certification Requirements:

Upon successful completion of this interior design certification course, you will earn your R.I.D.E. credential which is included as the final exam of this program. Students who complete the course and gain their R.I.D.E. will then qualify to sit for the RIDQC exam. This course is a prerequisite to the RIDQC exam, and qualifying students will receive a voucher to sit for the RIDQC exam.

Please note: The Certified Residential Interior Designer course is designed to prepare students for the R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) credential and Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC) certification exam only. It does not meet the educational requirements for state licensure in interior design, nor does it prepare students to sit for any state licensing exam. This course also does not authorize students to pull work permits.

Natasha Lima Younts

Natasha Lima Younts has worked in interior design for more than 20 years and is one of the founders of the Designer Society of America (DSA). She is devoted to increasing opportunities for residential interior designers through purposeful education, believing that creative individuals should enter the field with a solid understanding and professional knowledge.

Previously, Natasha designed couture clothing under her own signature and created themed parties for high-profile clients. The latter evolved into her clients requesting her talents as a designer for their homes. This led her to establishing Gables Interiors, where she managed multi-million-dollar interior design project budgets for luxury homes valued up to 30 million dollars as principal designer and owner. She also developed interior design "Discover Your Style" seminars for design shows to help the public with DIY projects.

Natasha has also designed green rooms for the Latin Billboard Awards and has been selected to design for the "Designer for the Stars" seven times. She has published several articles about her home designs in magazines and newspapers, including Lincoln Road, Florida Architecture, Florida Design, Veranda, Elle, Southwest Georgia Living, and Miami Herald. She has also featured luxury homes on "The View."

Natasha balances her time between her own interior design work, educational programs for residential interior designers and her roles at DSA.

What is the average salary of an interior designer?

According to Lightcast labor insights data, in 2023, the median compensation for interior designers in the U.S. was $62,504.

What is an interior designer? What does an interior designer do?

Indeed.com states that an interior designer is a skilled professional who plans interiors for residential and commercial spaces. They create new interiors or assist with renovating existing living spaces. They focus on the general and detailed planning of interior spaces, considering technical aspects such as lighting and acoustics.

In addition to addressing the aesthetics of their designs, interior designers also consider health and safety concerns, usability, and functionality. They can also take on the role of project manager and collaborate with general contractors and other tradespeople, including electricians, carpenters, and painters.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

This course allows you to obtain the R.I.D.E (Residential Interior Design Education) credential and is designed to prepare you for the RIDQC (Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification) certification. Individuals who have the necessary hands-on experience, design-related education, or a combination of both are eligible to take the RIDQC Exam.

To fulfill the prerequisites, you will need to successfully complete this course, which includes passing the R.I.D.E (Residential Interior Design Education) exam and completing the final interior design presentation for review by the DSA. You can view the full requirements at .

What does my free one-year membership in the Designer Society of America entitle me to?

As a DSA member, you gain increased client exposure, exclusive marketing opportunities, discounts on business tools, access to industry insights and professional growth programs, and the chance to earn recognition through the DSA Design 360 Award.

Does this course prepare me to become a licensed interior designer?

Certain states require a license or registration to become a "certified", "licensed", or "registered" interior designer and to use such regulated titles in their state. This course does not meet the educational requirements, nor does it prepare students to sit for any licensing exam in order to become a licensed or registered interior designer in any state.

However, this course is designed for students pursuing a career in residential interior design and prepares a student for the R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) credential and Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC) certification exam only.

Is there a credential you can obtain from taking the Certified Residential Interior Designer course?

Yes. Upon successfully completing this program, students will earn their R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) credential as part of the final exam and qualify to sit for the Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC) certification exam.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 9 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

Hope Training Academy courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

Hope Training Academy courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available by phone. You can also call us at 1-855-532-7642 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."