Read this review of the best Interior Design Courses Online to quickly learn the art of planning, designing & implementation of interiors to become a perfect interior designer:
Interior design courses provide fundamental knowledge and hands-on training that can help you achieve your dream of becoming a professional interior designer.
The courses mentioned below provide a range of information about interior design from the history and trends in interior design to color theory, styles, lighting, and matching fabrics for different interior design projects.
Selecting the best interior design courses online is not an easy task. There are so many interior design institutes to choose from. Selecting the best one can be a difficult process. To make the process easier for you, here we have reviewed the top online interior design courses that will pave the way for a successful career as an interior designer.
Table of Contents:
- Interior Design Courses – Top Rated Review
- FAQs of Online Interior Design Courses
- List of the Best Interior Design Courses Online
- Comparison of Top Online Courses for Interior Design
- #1) Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design
- #2) Corey Damen Jenkins Teaches Interior Design
- #3) New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD)
- #4) British College of Interior Design (BCID)
- #5) The Interior Design Institute
- #6) Interior Designers Institute
- #7) Berkeley College
- #8) Autodesk Design Academy
- #9) ASID Course on Interior Design
- #10) Parsons School of Design
- Conclusion
Interior Design Courses – Top Rated Review
The chart below shows the expected global interior design market size by value in US dollars from 2016 to 2027:
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FAQs of Online Interior Design Courses
Q #1) What is meant by interior design?
Answer: Interior design according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is the art of planning and overseeing the design and implementation of the interiors of the architecture including the furnishings.
Q #2) How to become an interior designer?
Answer: You can become an interior designer by completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in interior design.
In North America, you can gain wider credibility by passing the certification requirements of the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). The requirements include a degree in interior design, two years of experience working under a licensed interior designer, and passing a 4-hours exam.
Q #3) Is a certificate in interior design worth it?
Answer: A certification will help you in getting credibility in the field. It will allow you to verify your knowledge, skill, and experience. Additionally, you can expect to earn more after becoming a certified interior designer. With an NCIDQ certification, you can expect to earn $17,000 more per year according to the American Society of Interior Designers.
Q #4) How much do online interior design courses cost?
Answer: Online interior design courses will help you brush up on your interior design skills. The cost of online interior design courses on average ranges between $500 and $1500 per course.
Also read =>> Comparison of the top Graphic Design Tools
Q #5) What are the best online interior design courses?
Answer: The best overall online interior design courses are by Kelly Wearstler and Corey Damen. If you are a beginner, you can choose courses from the New York Institute of Art and Design, the British College of Interior Design, and The Interior Design Institute.
List of the Best Interior Design Courses Online
Here is a list of the top online interior design courses you can enroll in this year:
- Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design (MasterClass)
- Corey Damen Jenkins Teaches Interior Design (MasterClass)
- New York Institute of Art and Design
- British College of Interior Design
- The Interior Design Institute
- Interior Designers Institute
- Berkeley College
- Autodesk Design Academy
- ASID Course on Interior Design
- Parsons School of Design
Comparison of Top Online Courses for Interior Design
| Courses | Best For | Price | Duration | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design | Interior design experts who want to know how to make a space more creative, inspiring, and beautiful. | Starts at $15 per month Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee | 2 hours 13 minutes |  |
| Corey Damen Jenkins Teaches Interior Design | Beginner and intermediate interior designers who want to learn how to make bold and functional spaces on any budget. | Starts at $15 per month Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee | 2 hours and 10 minutes | |
| New York Institute of Art and Design | Beginner and expert interior designers who want to obtain an accredited interior design certificate or degree. | Course Fee: $1299 Physical copies of course materials: $250 RIDQC Interior Design Certification: $495 Trial: 14-day money-back guarantee | 13 hours | |
| British College of Interior Design | Beginner and expert interior designers who want to learn creativity and competence in designing homes. | Starts at $540 | 12 – 14 weeks | |
| The Interior Design Institute | Beginners want to learn about the art of designing a home, selecting furniture, and optimum planning of space. | • Interior Design Course: $999 • Interior Design Course + Dave Palmer MASTERPIECES: $1,399 • Advanced Modules: $199 each | 24 weeks |  |
Detailed Review:
#1) Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design
Best for interior design experts who want to know how to make a space more creative, inspiring, and beautiful.
About Kelly Wearstler:
Kelly Wearstler is a famous American interior designer from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She established her own interior design business, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design, in the mid-1990s focusing mostly on the hospitality sector. She currently creates designs for luxury residential, business, retail, and hospitality venues.
Her famous clients include Stacy Snider, Cameron Diaz, and Gwen Stefani. She is also the design partner of Proper Hotel Group. Her stellar work allowed her to win numerous awards including Time Magazine the Design 100, AD 100 Hall of Fame, Elle Decor A-List Designers, and many more.
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Learn about scale, color, spaces, lighting, materials, and furnishing.
- Get insights into the interior design world.
- Know about Wearstler’s design philosophy.
- Select techniques to make a space inspiring, creative, and beautiful.
A Review of the Course:
Kelly Wearstler’s interior design course is available on MasterClass online platform. The interior designer course consists of engaging pre-recorded videos, a workbook, and assignments. The course provides students about the foundation of interior design including color, lighting, materials, texture, space, and pattern.
The interior design course comprises 17 videos. Each video is between four to thirteen minutes long. The course video is divided into seventeen main sections:
- Meet Your Instructor: Kelly Wearstler
- Sources of Inspiration
- Starting a Project
- Working With Space
- Field Trip: Working With Space
- Materiality in Design
- Living With Color
- Field Trip: Experimenting With Color
- Discovering Texture
- Pattern: Movement and Scale
- Lighting: Enhancing Your Space
- Furnishing: Balance and Comfort
- Creating Experience With Art and Objects
- Field Trip: The Completed Story
- Design Heroes
- Creative Journey
- Life as an Interior Designer
You get a workbook containing colorful illustrations of interior design projects by Kelly Wearstler. The workbook helps you build the foundations in interior design by looking at some inspirations. In the workbook, you get a review of projects mentioned in the video lessons.
It also contains assignments that cover different themes and topics. In addition, the ‘Put Into Practice’ section encourages students to find materials and put them into vibe trays for experimenting with different designs.
Kelley puts her heart out to the audience telling about her personal experiences in becoming an interior designer. Kelley also provides insights about some of her early works and how her skills improved over the years.
She talks about working with clients with a budget that requires greater creativity on the part of designers. Most reviewers also like how she shares personal stories in the courses such as getting up early in the morning to go to the flea market to get inspiration for her projects.
Pros of the Course:
- A lot of inspirational design visuals.
- Walks you through a lot of design concepts.
- Focuses on creative design techniques.
- Comes with a supplementary workbook containing many images.
- Learn about Kelly Wearstler’s personal experiences and inspirations.
Cons of the Course:
- Videos end abruptly with no conclusions.
- Not practical for most people as the courses don’t provide tips for interior designing of average homes.
Verdict: Kelly Wearstler’s interior design course allows you to upgrade your interior design skills. It is a great course for people looking to start a professional career in interior design. However, the course may not be for you if you simply want to spruce up your home. The course mostly deals with design techniques for upscale hotels and celebrities.
Price:
- Starts at $15 per month for all classes and sessions.
- Trial: Sample | 30-day money-back guarantee
Website: Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design
#2) Corey Damen Jenkins Teaches Interior Design
Best for beginner and intermediate interior designers who want to learn how to make bold and functional spaces on any budget.
About Corey Damen Jenkins:
Corey Damen Jenkins is considered one of the best interior designers in North America. The acclaimed interior designer from Detroit is the owner of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates. His firm headquartered in New York provides services to both small and large businesses.
He designed the Dining Room and the Ladies’ Library for the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse in Dallas and New York. Other projects include the Secret Speakeasy for the inaugural FLOWER Magazine Showhouse in Atlanta, Minneapolis Principal Bath, and personal residents of many rich individuals.
Damen is an inducted member of the A-List of ELLE Décor and AD100 of Architectural Digest. The interior designer is also the recipient of several accolades. He won the 2023 ARTS Award for Interior Designer of the Year.
Additionally, he won the Traditional Home’s New Trad Rising Trad Star of Design Award, D&D Building’s Stars on the Rise Award, Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars Award for Interior Design, and the New York School of Interior Design’s Larry Kravet Design Industry Leadership Award.
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Learn professional residential interior design skills.
- Know about creating functional and styling spaces.
- Define your distinct style.
- Coordinating color and matching patterns.
- Customizing window decoration.
- Maximizing design on a budget.
A Review of the Course:
The MasterClass interior design course by Corey Damen teaches you how to make a bold statement with functional interior design. You will learn about creating elevated spaces with mood boards and other techniques. The course touches the base of interior design for both residential and commercial buildings.
The course contains 12 videos. Each video is between 10 and 20 minutes long. The lessons are through video only. There are no assignments or workbooks.
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The course video is divided into the following main sections:
- Meet Your Instructor: Corey Damen Jenkins
- Creating Stylish and Functional Spaces
- Defining Your Style
- Coordinating Color
- Mixing and Matching Patterns
- Customizing Your Window Treatments
- Finding Your Light
- Space Planning
- Maximizing Your Design Budget
- Living Room Walkthrough
- Design Is for Everyone
- Becoming a Design Entrepreneur
The courses teach you how to build functional interiors for clients on a budget. You will learn how to embrace the design process with a custom touch. The course also tells about the influences that inspired the works of the famous interior designer.
Corey also takes members on a tour of the living room he had designed specifically for the course. He provides examples of creating eclectic exuberance with the right color and textures. You will also learn about the discovery process of creating the unique style that differentiates you from the competitors.
Pros of the Course:
- Focuses on both residential and commercial interior design.
- Know how to make a bold statement with your unique style.
- Space planning with mood boards.
- Execute projects on a budget.
- Learn how to blend smart jewel tones with adventurous prints.
- Create timeless rooms with less.
Cons of the Course:
- No supplementary material is available for students.
Verdict: Corey Damen is known for mixing different colors and patterns. His course includes professional tips and techniques to create unique and uplifting spaces. People who took the course praised the course for helping them get a lot of know-how about home styling.
Price:
- Starts at $15 per month for all classes and sessions.
- Trial: Sample | 30-day refund period
Website: Corey Damen Jenkins Teaches Interior Design
#3) New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD)
Best for beginner and expert interior designers who want to obtain an accredited interior design certificate or degree.
About New York Institute of Art and Design (NIAD):
New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD) is an online education company founded in 1984. Originally called Sheffield School of Interior Design, the institute aims to provide affordable, flexible, and relevant distance-learning training in art.
NYIAD offers home-study courses on various art and design-related topics including interior design, graphics design, AutoCAD design, website design, user experience (UX) design, digital photography, home staging, personal styling, jewelry design, floral design, landscaping design, 3D modeling with SketchUp, and event planning.
Graduates of the institute are allowed to display a “Proud Member” badge on social media and websites that show that they are a graduate of the institute.
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Learn about furniture styles, fabrics, lighting, and more.
- Know about the history and trends of interior design.
- Get a license after completing the course.
- Physical copy of course materials.
A Review of the Course:
New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD) courses will help you become a professional interior designer. The course covers a range of topics related to interior design including furniture styles, history, color theory, lighting, and more. The course involves completing different design projects to master the learned material.
The course consists of six units. Each unit teaches different topics related to interior design.
Here are the units of the NYIAD interior designing course:
- Unit 1: Nurturing Your Inner Designer
- Unit 2: Acquiring Skills and Techniques
- Unit 3: Working with Furnishings and Fabrics
- Unit 4: Setting the Decorating Stage
- Unit 5: Bringing Harmony Into Your Designs
- Unit 6: Putting it All Together
The courses are rigorous that teach the fundamentals and details of interior design. The courses will prepare you for a successful career in the interior design industry. It is approved by the Designer Society of America, and you can opt to get RIDQC Interior Design Certification after completing the course.
Pros of the Course:
- Detailed information on interior designing.
- Choose RIDQC certification upon registering.
- Get physical copies of course materials for a small fee.
- Rigorous interior design curriculum.
- Plethora of arts and design topics.
Cons of the Course:
- The cost is a bit pricey.
Verdict: NYIDC interior design course has a user-friendly interface, and the content is rich with text, images, and videos. Reviewers at Trustpilot praise the course for clear communication, excellent customer support, and well-planned detail-oriented courses.
Price:
- Course Fee: $1299
- Physical copies of course materials: $250
- RIDQC Interior Design Certification offered by the Designer Society of America: $495
- Trial: No | 14-day refund period
Website: NYIAD
#4) British College of Interior Design (BCID)
Best for beginner and expert interior designers who want to learn creativity and competence in designing homes.
About the British College of Interior Design (BCID):
British College of Interior Design (BCID) is a branch of the International News Syndicate that provides quality education in over 80 countries and territories. The institute has been offering courses on interior design for over 10 years.
The institute partners with experienced interior designers who act as a mentor or tutors for students. Anyone who enrolls in the program gets detailed and up-to-date comments from the tutors. Students also receive insider tips and tricks to become successful interior designers.
The college is approved by the International Approval and Registration Center (IARC). It is also a member of The International Association of Private Career Colleges (TIAPCC).
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Create beautiful interior spaces.
- Gain foundational skills to start a career as an interior designer.
- Know about how to meet clients’ needs, promote services, and get paid.
- Learn about skills for the interior design of homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
- Gain knowledge and skill to start an interior design consulting company.
A Review of the Course:
The British College of Interior Design course provides in-depth tutorials on all aspects of interior design. The tutorials are prepared by a team of expert interior designers and manufacturers of design materials.
The course consists of 12 tutorials that are delivered online. Students receive the tutorials throughout 12 to 24 weeks. But the course is self-paced and students can complete the course in over one year.
During the course, you will learn about the marketplace of interior design. Additionally, you will learn various design skills to create appealing and functional spaces.
The tutors provide insider tips on offering interior designing consultants. They also provide feedback on assignments prepared by students. Additionally, students can access examples and resources available at the site.
Pros of the Course:
- An affordable way for beginners to pursue a career in interior design.
- Flexible payment options.
- Gain knowledge on how to work as a freelancer or full-time consultant.
- Instant feedback from professional and experienced interior designers.
Cons of the Course:
- Fees can only be a pain in pound sterling through Visa/MasterCard cards.
- The interior design course has a British course and explains the British cultural aspects of design.
Verdict: British College of Interior Design is an affordable and recognized interior design course. Everyone who completes the course gets a certificate with an official stamp. The certificate from the institute will give you an edge when starting a career in interior design.
Price:
- Starts at £445 ($540.47)
- Trial: No | 7-day refund period
Website: British College
#5) The Interior Design Institute
Best for beginners who want to learn about the art of designing a home, selecting furniture, and optimum planning of space.
About the Interior Design Institute:
The Interior Design Institute is a San Francisco-based company that was founded in 2006. The company provides advanced and comprehensive interior design home study courses. It offers practical and technical skills that are necessary to translate design concepts into reality.
The company offers a unique student and teacher support system that is effective in imparting the required skills. The programs offered by the company are interactive and unique. They are available in dozens of countries in multiple languages.
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Start your own interior design company.
- Work on real-life assignment projects with support from a personal tutor.
- Study interior design at your own pace.
- Take part in online workshops with industry experts.
A Review of the Course:
The interior design course offered by the company consists of two parts. The main part consists of 12 modules that teach basic interior design skills.
Each module consists of an assignment and the total course can be completed in 24 weeks. But students are allowed to complete the courses in 12 months or more if required. The basic modules build knowledge of how to design a residential place.
Students can take part in design experience to apply their knowledge and also build their professional portfolios. Each student will be required to upload new floor plans. They make suggestions regarding fabrics, furnishings, lighting, window treatment, and color schemes.
Additionally, students are required to create mood boards, write the scope of work with quotations, prepare ads for newspapers, and offer a preliminary quote for clients.
The advanced modules that students can select include:
- SketchUp (Mac Metric)
- SketchUp (PC Metric)
- SketchUp (Mac Imperial)
- SketchUp (PC Imperial)
- AutoCAD (Mac Imperial)
- AutoCAD (PC Imperial)
- AutoCAD for Interior Designers
- Plant Styling & Landscape Design
- Home Staging & Property Styling
- Business, Branding, Marketing & Social Media for Interior Designers
- Commercial Design
- Kitchen & Bathroom Design
- Setting Up Your Website
- Darren Palmer MASTER SERIES
Advanced modules focus on specific interior design topics in detail. These can be purchased after completion of the first two assignments of the basic course. Each module consists of 10 to 30 video tutorials. Students must complete an assignment after completing a module.
Pros of the Course:
- Provides a lot of foundational design instructions.
- Complete the course at your own pace.
- Get valuable and instant feedback from expert interior designers.
- Take part in workshops to build upon the skills gained.
Cons of the Course:
- Limited delivery of course material with no presentations or live classes.
Verdict: The Interior Design Institute course is well structured with detailed step-by-step tutorials. Students get detailed support from mentors. However, some students complain about the lack of live classes and presentations.
Price:
- Interior Design Course: $999
- Interior Design Course + Dave Palmer MASTERPIECES: $1,399
- Advanced Modules: $199 each
- Trial: No | 7-day money-back guarantee
Website: Interior Design Institute
#6) Interior Designers Institute
Best for getting up-to-date knowledge regarding interior design and interior architecture.
About Interior Designers Institute:
Interior Designers Institute is an established and renowned interior design college. The company was founded in 1984 in Corona del Mar California. The institute is presently located in Newport Beach, CA. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) which is recognized by the US Department of Education.
The boutique college offers short courses as well as associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in interior design and architecture. The specialized curriculum of the college focuses on the personalized education of each student for the best outcome.
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Get an edge over others by gaining advanced interior design skills.
- Gain practical skills working on a plethora of interior design projects.
- Learn about the background and history of interior design and architecture.
- Complete a degree or diploma in interior design for career progression.
A Review of the Course:
Interior Designers Institute provides a Certification Course, an Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and a Master of Interior Architecture Degree. Students can select any program that fits their requirements and budget.
Certification Course:
The certification course is designed for students who want to focus on residential interior design. The course is avocational that touches upon the model interior home design. Students get to tour the hottest design centers in Southern California with tutors. They can get advanced tips from guest speakers at workshops.
Students learn about remodeling rooms, source materials, outdoor space planning, high-tech home designing, indoor plant scaping, home staging, and more.
The certification course comprises 72 class hours that can be completed in 12 weeks.
Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design
After completion of the certification course, students can enroll in the Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design. The program provides in-depth information on residential and commercial designs. Students learn about building codes, lighting design, and ground-up construction of building projects.
The associate degree can be completed in 24 to 48 months. Students have the flexibility to take morning or evening classes.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design
A Bachelor’s degree in interior design is accredited by the Council of Interior Design Education. The program allows students to learn advanced interior design skills for small and large residential and commercial projects.
Topics covered in the bachelor’s program include hospitality design, health care, office design, retail design, set design, interior illustration/rendering, lighting design, furniture, textile, and wallcovering design.
The bachelor’s degree can be completed in 30 to 54 months, and students receive an equivalent of 120-semester credit units upon completion of the program.
Master of Interior Architecture Degree
Master’s degree in interior design focuses on the architectural side of designing. The degree is one of the most prestigious US degrees in interior architecture design. It is a part-time program that is offered in the evening. The class size is small, and the enrollment is limited.
Enrollment in the master’s program requires a personal interview and a review of the portfolio. The curriculum consists of topics that build the research and analytical skills of students.
The program consists of the following parts:
- Design Project Part 1
- Research Methods Part 1
- Graduate Seminar, Special Topics
- Design Project Part 2
- Research Methods Part 2
- Graduate Seminar, Professional Practices
- Design Project Part 3
The master’s degree is scheduled on a quarter system comprising 45 quarter units. The program can be completed in 15 months. The institute has set a requirement of a cumulative GPA average of 3.0 to obtain a master’s degree.
Pros of the Course:
- Live class hours are flexible.
- Students receive career advice and support.
- Instructors are professional interior design experts with their firms.
- Well-rounded and detailed curriculum.
- A good combination of hands-on training and classroom activities.
Cons of the Course:
- The program is fast-paced that can be challenging for busy individuals.
- A lot of assignments are required to pass the courses.
- Too expensive for most people.
Verdict: Interior Designers Institute provides in-person and online interior design courses and degrees. The company provides engaging and interactive courses for students. Each student receives personalized attention from tutors that result in an optimum outcome.
Students praise the flexible class hours, helpful support services, and hands-on training activities. But some complain about the large amount of homework required to complete the course.
Price:
- Avocational Combined Certificate Course Tuition: $2797
- Avocational Combined Certificate Course Workshop: $1495.50
- Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design Tuition: $40,700
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design Tuition: $20,900
- Master of Interior Architecture Degree Tuition: $19,650
Website: IDI
#7) Berkeley College
Best for Beginners, Intermediate, and Professionals who want to advance their interior designing career.
Berkeley College is a private for-profit educational institute located in New York and New Jersey. Established in 1931, the college is one of the most prestigious educational firms in the US. The US News & World Report has ranked the college as the best bachelor’s degree institute for more than 10 years.
The institute offers in-person and online classes to students. The college has been offering online courses to students since 1998. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the US.
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Know advanced interior design techniques.
- Gain mastery over interior designing software including Autodesk, SketchUp, and Photoshop.
- Gain credit hours that will transfer to a degree.
- Learn from leading industry professionals.
A Review of the Course:
Berkley College provides one of the best interior design courses for professionals. Students are taught a variety of topics related to interior design. The program consists of four courses that make up a total of 12 credits. It focuses on the fundamental skills and knowledge that are required to become an interior design and architecture professional.
Topics that are covered in the course include:
- Free hand sketching and rendering.
- Drafting
- Materials, fabrics, and finishing.
- Color theory.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software: AutoCAD, Photoshop, Sketch-up.
The interior design course can be completed in two semesters. You can complete each semester in about 15 weeks. The certificate program is open in Fall and Winter. The credits earned by completing the course can be applied to the associate and bachelor’s degree programs if enrolled after completing the course.
Pros of the Course:
- Credits carry forward to a degree program in interior designing.
- Online and in-class options are available to students.
- Focuses on key interior design skills.
- A practical approach to teaching interior design.
Cons of the Course:
- Limited to one certification.
- The course is expensive.
Verdict: Berkley’s interior design course is the best course for professional interior designers. By taking the course, you will gain various interior design skills such as drafting, reading floor plans, working with software, industry best practices, and more.
Most reviewers praise the course instructors most of whom are industry experts and knowledgeable and communicative. Several also like the hands-on training and career focus curriculum of the course.
Price:
- $2895
Website: Berkeley College
Suggested reading =>> Best 2D and 3D CAD Software for Beginners
#8) Autodesk Design Academy
Best for gaining skills in interior design using AutoCAD software for free.
Autodesk Academy provides free educational resources to students and instructors of interior design software. The self-paced courses are suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
The courses offered by the company can be used by professionals in different industries including architecture design, construction, auto manufacturing, civil engineering, and interior designing.
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Build software skills for interior design projects.
- Gain mastery over interior designing software.
- Learn concepts at your own pace.
- Gain Autodesk certification.
A Review of the Course:
Autodesk Design Academy is a self-paced modular course designed for individuals who have career ambitions in interior design. You can select courses related to architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, interior designing, and more.
The courses let you gain mastery over tools including Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and others that are used in architectural design and remodeling projects.
The courses teach you how to model using architectural design software. You will learn about tips to use Area Plans, Note tags, and more. The course teaches you high-end interior space design with different modeling techniques.
Pros of the Course:
- Explore learning pathways to get certification in Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, Fusion 360, and more tools.
- Complete certification courses at your own pace.
- Become certified to get a job as a design software specialist.
Cons of the Course:
- Limited to tools used for designing.
- No concepts related to interior design such as color theory, balance, and others.
Verdict: Certification courses are best for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers. The training programs can help in gaining mastery of various tools used to create an architectural design.
Individuals who have taken the course praise the course for a clear and well-thought-out curriculum. But several complaints about the lack of peer-to-peer support and few chances to explore advanced features of the different software.
Price:
- Course: Free
Website: Autodesk Design Academy
#9) ASID Course on Interior Design
Best for earning IDCEC and AIA-approved Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) in the interior design field.
ASID Academy offers online courses that are AIA-approved on different topics. Online education is an initiative of the American Society of Interior Designers Foundation. The company provides educational courses to promote knowledge sharing and outreach focusing on the interior design profession.
The Society of interior designers has over 13,500 members with 6,000 industry partner representations and 5,500 student members.
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Identify the ROI of interior design projects
- Find out how to create a design with measurable impacts
- Know about evidence-based and human-centered design
- Learn about community-based interior design outcome
- Hear stories of leading designers and learn how to implement the practices, processes, and knowledge in your design
A Review of the Course
ASID course on interior designing helps individuals learn about effective design practices. The course will help you find out how to amplify the impact of your design. This course has been prepared in partnership with MillerKnoll and Mohawk Group which are leading interior design firms.
In the course, you will learn about the principles of design from leading industry experts. The course includes a metric-driven criterion that can help in determining the results of your interior design projects. You will learn about the ASID Design Manifesto in promoting research-based results.
Pros of the Course:
- Know metrics-driven criteria for design projects.
- Research-based results including post-occupancy results.
- Determine the impact of your interior design projects.
- Access to Project Toolkit to measure the outcome of the design process.
- Learn about the ASID manifesto on interior design.
Cons of the Course:
- Course content is not suitable for beginners.
Verdict: ASID program provides you with the foundation for creating effective interior design projects. The course is suited for interior design professionals. This course is not suitable for beginner interior designers.
Price:
- One-Time Application Fee: $100
- Membership Fee: $535
Website: ASID
#10) Parsons School of Design
Best for individuals who want an elite interior designing degree from one of the oldest interior design institutes.
The New School Parson School of Design is a program of The New School located in New York City with a branch office in Paris. Established in 1896, it is the number one ranked design school in the US as per the QS World Rankings in 2021, and ranked among the top three design schools globally.
The institute offers courses that highlight the transformative potential of design. It has more than 5,100 students of which 35 percent are international students.
Who is this course best for?
You could benefit from this course if you are/wish to:
- Develop the knowledge and skill required to succeed in interior design.
- Get an associate, undergraduate, or graduate degree in interior design.
A Review of the Course:
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Parsons interior design courses offer a blend of learning and applied modules on interior design. The coursework consists of hands-on training regarding design concepts. You will learn about the latest fads and trends and apply them in your work.
The institute offers 17 online degree courses in interior design. The courses equip students with skills to advance in professional fields some of the topics covered in the course include:
- Designing for guest experiences
- Basic drafting
- AutoCAD design
- Basic interior space planning
- Commercial and residential interior design
- Designing a lighting system
- Drawing interiors to represent spatial ideas and conceptualization
- Fundamentals of Building Information Modelling with Revit
- Hospitality interior design
- 3D modelling with Rhino 3D and SketchUp
- Healthy sustainable materials design
The online courses offered at the institute are taught by renowned design experts.
Pros of the Course:
- Flexible class hours
- Good for career progression
- Helpful career services
- Hands-on training
Cons of the Course:
- The program is tough with a low passing rate.
- Expensive than most programs.
Verdict: Parsons School of Design provides top-quality courses and degree programs in interior design. Taking the course at the institute will allow you to gain industry-specific skills regarding interior design. Students praise the courses for a combination of theoretical and applied modules.
Moreover, they praise the course for its engaging content and experienced staff. Most graduates of the prestigious interior design school have gone on to work with renowned design firms or create their successful design studios.
Price:
- Full-time tuition: $26,854 per semester
Website: Parsons
Conclusion
The best interior design online course depends on your budget and requirements. MasterClass courses by Kelly Wearstler and Corey Damen are the most affordable online interior design courses that provide advanced interior design tips.
The New York Institute of Art and Design offers the best contemporary online interior design course in North America. If you intend to provide interior design services in Australia or the UK, you should select the British College of Interior Design.
Lastly, Interior Designers Institute is the best educational institute for getting an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in interior design online for jumpstarting your professional interior design career.
Further Reading => Compare the top Floor Plan Software
Research Process:
- Time Taken to Research this Article: 27 hours
- Total Number of Interior Design Courses Researched: 30
- Total Number of Interior Design Courses Shortlisted: 10