Course Description

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.

Course Outline

Course Objectives

• 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

How the course is taught

• Self-paced, online course

• 9 Months to complete
• Open enrollment, begin anytime
• 160 course hours

Notes

Instructors & Support

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.