what is the process of becoming an interior designer?

Question

I have already had training and have done a few projects with friends and family. I am being encouraged by lots of people that see my ability to pursue this. My problem is i am hitting a wall on how to find my resources on manufacturers, etc. I feel I need to know where to go for resources. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I would suggest joining a decorating organization, such as The Society of Decorating Professionals. I have added their link below.

They are a very supportive group, and offer webinars, seminars, conferences, continuing education and advice to all members...it's been extrememly valuable to all members, and especially to those who are new to the business.

Good luck!

Answer 2

There is a bright line distinction between being an interior decorator and an interior designer. You say you have had some training, but you don't specify what it was.
If you have an interior design degree, as part of your education, you would have been exposed to vendors who market primarily to interior designers or "persons in the trade." It is merely a matter of contacting these companies to set up accounts.
They are going to want proof that you are a legitimate business and not just someone who has a knack for making things pretty.
Too, more than half the states have laws concerning who may call themselves an interior designer and how those businesses are conducted. Most of these will require an interior design degree, several years of working under the supervision of a licensed designer, passing a test (on the order of one that architects, lawyers, and CPA's take in order to practice their professions,) applying for a license, and then annual continuing education. Working as an interior designer without the qualifications and state license can get you serious fines and censure. (In my state, those fines start in the $500 a day range.)
On the other hand, any sales person working in a store selling anything from paint to furniture to silk flowers to picture frames can call themselves a decorator. Clients should assume their expertise will start and stop with the selling of their particular merchandise. So bottom line, if you are a legitimately trained, licensed interior designer, it's unlikely you would be asking this question in this venue.
If you are a freelance decorator, you can charge clients for your services by the hour, by the square foot, or a flat fee per project and simply find local merchandise that the client will purchase directly from local stores. If you find people are unwilling to pay for your professional expertise, then perhaps you should consider additional training.
If you want to continue your education, there are good colleges all over the country that offer interior design degrees. The average length of time to earn a bachelor's degree is 5 years, the same as engineering and architecture.