Career questions tagged interior-architecture


What type of schools should apply at for Interior Architecture/design?
As an international student applying to US schools, they're many opinions about going to an art school (a lot of which are negative opinions) or state/general school. I'm not sure how to weigh the pros and cons of deciding which schools to apply to but I'm leaning towards general schools for financial reasons.

As an interior designer, how do you balance wanting to design in your style with your client's vision on projects?
I'm a high school senior planning to major in interior design at RIT next fall. I have always wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to work with my hands to build. Throughout high school, I have taken both engineering and carpentry electives, which have allowed me to explore my passion. My interests also lie in furniture design, urban planning, and environmental psychology.

Is it worth getting a Master's degree in interior design in order to advance in later in the career field, or is a bachelor's degree enough?
What are the requirements if I were to pursue a Master's degree. Would I need to study something slightly different yet related, such as architecture or interior architecture as majors?

As an interior designer, is it possible to have various projects around the world- If so how would someone get to that level? ?
(asking a high school junior applying to colleges this summer)

Is AutoCAD 3D still necessary in #2025, with tools like SketchUp and 3ds Max available?
I’m an interior designer from Thailand with over 5 years of experience. I’m now based in Denver, CO and currently applying for drafting/interior-related jobs in the U.S. I’ve mostly worked with SketchUp for 3D modeling and rendering, and I’m also familiar with tools like 3ds Max and Revit. But recently, I’ve seen some job listings that still mention AutoCAD 3D. So I’m wondering — is AutoCAD 3D still considered necessary in #2025? And if yes, in what kind of jobs or industries is it most commonly used? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

What is the best portfolio layout for 2025 – portrait, landscape, or square? #2025
I’m an interior designer from Thailand with 5+ years of experience. I’ve been living in Denver, CO, and currently looking for drafting/interior-related positions in the U.S. I’m updating my portfolio this year and wondering: what’s the best layout in 2025—portrait, landscape, or square? I’d like my portfolio to work well across different formats: - Sending as a PDF - Uploading to websites or job platforms - Presenting during interviews (online or in person) - Possibly printing it If anyone has advice or has seen what works best lately, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance! #2025

Thai Interior Designer is trying to get a drafting job in Denver for 1 year. What should I improve? #2025
I’m an interior designer from Thailand with 5+ years of experience in commercial projects like retail stores, restaurants, and department stores. I moved to Denver, CO, about a year ago and have been actively applying for CAD drafter or entry-level architecture/drafting jobs ever since. I have a U.S. Green Card and full work authorization, so I’m legally allowed to work in the country. I’ve had a few interviews, but I haven’t been hired yet. I’m starting to wonder: does my international experience not count for much here in the U.S.? Or is there something I’m missing that would make me a stronger candidate? I’m currently self-studying Revit and AutoCAD, and I’m considering joining a certificate program at a community college. I’m also trying to improve my portfolio and resume. I’d love your advice on: - How can I make my background more appealing to U.S. employers? - What should I focus on learning or improving right now? - Are there common mistakes that international professionals like me should avoid when job-hunting in the U.S.? Any tips or feedback would be truly appreciated. Thank you! #2025

Comparing In-State Tuition in Denver vs. Moving to LA for CAD/Drafting Programs? #2025
Hi, I live in Denver, Colorado, and am exploring options to study CAD/Drafting. I have over 5 years of experience working as an Interior Designer in Thailand, and now I’m looking to enhance my technical drafting skills to better align with U.S. industry standards. I’m debating whether it would be more cost-effective to: Stay in Denver and study as an In-State Resident at a community college like Arapahoe Community College (ACC) or Move to Los Angeles to attend a CAD/Drafting program, even though I’m currently not a California Resident Here are my main questions: How does the cost and value of studying in-state at ACC in Denver compare with non-resident tuition in LA (e.g., at LATTC or ELAC)? Are there any affordable CAD/Drafting programs in LA for non-residents, including private schools or bootcamps? How long would it take to become a California resident and qualify for in-state tuition? Based on my experience, would it be better to stay in Denver or move to LA for career opportunities and education in this field? Any advice or insights from people who’ve gone through something similar would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! #2025

Can you advise on becoming a CAD Drafter in Denver — Bootcamp vs. Certificate? #2025
Hi everyone! I'm seeking advice about becoming a CAD Drafter in the U.S., especially in Denver. I’m originally from Thailand and have over 5 years of experience in interior design, mostly in commercial spaces like retail stores and restaurants. I recently moved to the U.S. and am exploring a new career path in drafting. I'm considering joining a CAD or drafting bootcamp instead of going through a full college program. I live in Denver, CO, and I’m hoping to find a job locally. I’m currently self-studying some software and considering a certificate program at a community college, but I’m also curious if a bootcamp might be a faster and more effective path. My questions are: Has anyone here joined a drafting bootcamp (online or in-person)? Was it helpful in finding a job? Are there specific bootcamps or certificates you’d recommend, especially around Denver? Do employers value bootcamp certificates, or should I go for a community college certificate instead? What should I focus on learning first—AutoCAD, Revit, or something else? Thanks in advance for your help—I appreciate it! #2025

How to find the right internship for your major?
I am currently a firsyt year majoring in architecture, I want to apply for interships this summer but having trouble on where to start.

Architects, I have a few questions below about career interest in Architecture, thanks!
Architects, Could you describe one of your typical workdays? What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis? What do find most enjoyable? Are there any negatives to your job? How frequently do layoffs occur? How does it affect employees' morale? Are too many or too few people entering this profession? Why do people leave this field or company? How did you get your job? How do most people enter this profession? Who are the most important people in the industry today? Considering all the people you've met in your field, what personal attributes are essential for success? What is the advancement potential in the field? What is a typical path? Is there anything else you think I need to know? Thank you so much!!

I'm looking for interior design career in Denver, CO. Please advise.
Hi, I'm interior designer from Thailand. I'm looking for interior designer career in Denver, CO, USA. I'm keep looking for the job 6 months already. There was some interviews but still not get the job yet. I have 5 years experience work from Thailand. Now I live in Denver, CO. I'm interest in interior designer career, whatever position. I really need any advise how can I get the job. Thank you. - Can anyone give me some advise? - Do I need to get certificate for the job? (I'm interesting in Arapahoe College. Anyone has any opinion to share?) - Can anyone advise me Resume, CV, Cover Letter, Portfolio Guild line

What should I incorporate to properly make a portfolio for architecture?
I want to go to Cornell and ive talked to some students and teachers and understand the grades required, but I dont understand what could be the first steps to making a portfolio.

What should I become a planner, interior designer, or architect?
I'm in 8th grade and I have a passion for art, design, and creating spaces. Urban planning is the most interesting to me, but I'm not sure about the political side of it. Interior design also is fascinating, but I would if I'm not creative enough. Lastly, I love architecture but I am not the best at math and I wonder what daily work is like. Any other career ideas? I know I want to go into those kind of field areas. Perheaps a civil engineer? This is stressful..

How hard is it to get into residential architecture after college?
I know that most people after majoring in civil engineering or architecture tend to go into commerical architecture building targets and walmarts, but how hard would it relatively be in order to get into residential architecture and to find a job that would pay a lot?

What are difficulties you face as a architectural manager?
Hi my name is Jimena and I’m a middle school student, I was wondering the difficulties architectural managers face because I’m interested in working as one when I’m older. What are difficulties you face as a architectural manager? What do you like about your career as a architectural manager?

How is it like being an Architect?
If there are any Architect’s here, how much do architects make and is it worth it to be an Architect?

How can I have an NCIDQ certificate as a foreigner?
I am an interior designer from Thailand, I relocated to the US. I found a lot of jobs that required NCIDQ to apply for the job. And the certificate requests the very USA background to have the test. Do I have to start over in my career in the US?

What are the best programs for interior designers?
I am an interior designer from Thailand who just moved to the US. I'm very good in AutoCAD / Exel / Powerpoint, moderate in Sketch-Up / Photoshop, Beginner at Revit / Indesign. I like to know that is there any programs / Applications that I should learn in 2023.

What can I do if my SAT scores are low and can't get into a college? Is there any classes I can take at my school to prep me and give me credits for architecture?
What can I do if my SAT scores are low and can't get into a college? Is there any classes I can take at my school to prep me and give me credits for architecture?

How do I start a business for a interior design service? Is there a need for interior designers?
Hi, I'm a junior in high school who's very passionate about interior design. I want to be my own boss or be the marketing manager of a business to take control of the initial look of the company.

What qualifications it takes to become an architect?
To influence my decision into going in a career in architecture by providing me more knowledge of what an architect do. Thanks for reading my question. #architecture #architecture-and-planning #information-architecture #interior-architecture #server-architecture #architect

What can I do with a degree in Interior Architecture?
I'm looking into getting a degree in Interior Architecture, but I'm not exactly sure what jobs are available for someone with said degree. #college #interior-architecture #choosing-a-major #architecture

What is the most exciting part of being an architect?
I am very interested in becoming an architect and I want to know what part of a project is the most fun or exciting. Is it designing the general layout of the building or designing the interior? Where do you think you make the most impact in the design of a building? #architecture #interior-design #interior-architecture #information-architecture

About architure
Well is it true that the math and other units of architecture is really hard??? What type of math there is? Will there be a lot of making model structure? Will there be a lot of reports? I really wanted to take up architecture but the math scares me ,makes me think to just change career choice. Any suggestions that has math and art in it? #mathematics #architecture #mathematics-education #artists #architectural-design #interior-architecture #teachers #arti

What are some benefits of Architecture over Interior Design?
I have been struggling with choosing my major before college. Ive been planning on becoming an architect, but I also have the idea of interior design in my head and would love some advice. #interior-design #interior #interior-architecture #majored

As an interior designer, are the projects that people come to you for more free range or are there more guidelines?
I am going into my junior year as an interior design major. So far our projects have had minor guidelines, but I can pick and design the space how I want. In a real life situation are there more guidelines? Are people more picky, or do they trust your design? #jobs #design #interior-design #interior #interior-architecture #interior-designer #commercial #residential-homes

What career choices I have with interior design and Japanese?
I been studying interior design in college but due to some academic issues I have to change to Japanese which I still want to be doing something with design. Is there any career choices that can combine the two together? #interior #japanese #interior-architecture #interior-designer

If I don't graduate with a degree in Interior Design, is it very hard to find a job?
I am asking this question because I am studying interior design right now, but due to some academic issues I can't continue with the major. I still want a job associate with interior design will that be something difficult to do? The major I will be changing to was my minor - Japanese. #architectural #japanese #interior-architecture #interior-designer

Is having a wildly different and innovative idea practical in the architecture world? It may seem like an easy question, but are most architectural projects designed to have a "wow factor" or are they just whatever is trending?
I am currently a senior in high school who will be majoring in architecture next year. I've always loved architecture and have wanted to be one since my kindergarten days. I want to know from an actual architect if they have the liberty to design pretty much whatever they want (within practicality of course), or if those certain codes limit the extent of creativity. #architecture #architect #interior-design #architectural-design #interior-architecture #architectural-engineering