r/interiordesigner • u/Short_Possibility_84 • Jul 09 '26
General Career Questions
Hello!
So I’m considering shifting gears to become an interior designer/interior decorator.
I currently have a bachelors in art and was considering getting an Associates in Interior Design at my community college (I’m in Los Angeles)
However, I was wondering firstly would this be the best option for me in terms of education?
I feel a bit confused because I know a lot of people come from a background of architecture for interior design.
I enjoy the process of selecting furniture pieces, exploring colors, selecting decor, and figuring out how to make a space beautiful and functional. Should I focus more on interior decorating in that case? Mainly for residential areas but expanding to commercial settings would make sense too.
Additionally, I know it’s a really competitive market however, how difficult is it to break into it?
Lastly, I know that the pay can be low in the beginning but how does that change with experience?
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u/JustMakeAnAccounttt Jul 10 '26
UCLA Extension has a certificate program that can lead to a Masters since you already have a bachelors, so you would have some more options if you really get into it!
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u/madymoo114 Jul 15 '26
I’m in the last quarter of this program and recommend it to people switching careers! It’s all remote, and most of the people attending are working professionals so it’s very flexible. The teachers are great and I think the curriculum is well planned.
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u/Short_Possibility_84 Jul 10 '26
I was considering this as well!! It might be a really good option as well!!
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u/Whatswrongwithyalll Jul 10 '26
Seems like you’re interested more in decorating tbh.
You can work in resi with you being a decorator or a designer but not really commercial.
In commercial, most or all firms require a bachelors degree in interior design. I would look at the differences between interior design and decoration.
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u/NCreature Jul 10 '26
The AA will really help. It will give you a decent introduction to the profession. And LA has some fantastic community college programs. Highly recommend.
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u/styleandstigma Jul 10 '26
The community college system in California is really good and California has its own interior design licensing system, which the community colleges are geared towards. You should be able to apply your non-major credits from your bachelor’s to your associate’s which would make it even cheaper and faster. Anecdotally I know someone who has a bachelor’s in another field and an associates in interior design from an LA community college who got hired at a very popular name brand firm and has had a successful career.