How to become an interior designer – “without a degree or going back to school”

In this post, I’ll tell you how to become an interior designer without needing a degree or going back to school. 

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to start your journey—even if you’re an absolute beginner.

Step One: The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of interior designer you want to be. 

It’s also important to check if your state or country has any legal requirements, such as licensing. In most cases, you don’t need a license, which means you can start designing homes without a formal degree. 

This is especially true for working with private clients—most of them won’t even ask about your credentials.

Most clients hire you based on your style and portfolio rather than your education. However, your career path as an interior designer may look different depending on your goals. 

If you want to work for a major interior design firm that focuses on commercial spaces like airports or shopping malls, check whether they require a degree. While this is becoming less common, it’s always smart to review job listings in your area to be sure.

If you’re interested in going to university and learning through that route, go for it! Everyone’s journey is unique, and you should choose what feels best for you. I just want to make it clear that a degree isn’t the only way to build a successful career in interior design.

Step Two: Building a strong portfolio—that should be your top priority. To do this, focus on developing your interior design skills so you can create a portfolio that truly represents your style. 

Since clients rely on your portfolio to decide whether to hire you, it’s essential to showcase your vision effectively.

One of the best ways to start is by learning how to make mood boards. These are image collages that visually present your design concepts and style. Mood boards are a key step in helping clients understand how you envision their space, and mastering this skill can make a huge difference. 

The trick is to choose images that clearly communicate your design ideas while also looking cohesive and professional, but one important thing to remember is to always use images you have the right to publish—this will help you avoid copyright issues.

Now, what else should be in your portfolio? You need finish boards to demonstrate your ability to coordinate materials like a professional. 

It’s a great idea to include both physical and digital finish boards. There’s a structured approach to doing this properly, which I also cover in my lessons.

Another important element is high-quality floor plans and elevations, but I’ll get into that in a moment. Showcasing these technical skills proves that you’re more than just a stylist or decorator. Over time, you’ll add actual projects to your portfolio, but for now, start with mood boards.

You should have four versions of your portfolio: a physical copy, a PDF version, one on your website, and another on social media. Each should be formatted slightly differently to suit its platform. 

Step Three: Learn how to create technical drawings and floor plans.

No one can bring your designs to life if they aren’t properly documented, so this is a crucial skill to master. If you’re serious about becoming an interior designer, start by learning how to use a scale ruler and create floor plans. 

Ideally, practice working with both centimeters and inches so you can handle international projects with ease.

You don’t need to jump into complex software right away—begin with hand-drawn plans. It’s simpler, more cost-effective, and much faster. 

Step Four: Get familiar with local design. When people ask me how to become an interior designer, my answer is always the same: you need to understand design solutions and available products. 

That means visiting showrooms, exploring different options, and learning what’s on the market. Get familiar with prices, production times, and availability. You might even consider reselling some of these products for extra income, so it’s worth discussing with suppliers.

A key part of being a great designer is knowing where to find unique products that clients wouldn’t be able to source on their own. Keep track of your discoveries in an organized system—Google Sheets and Pinterest work well for this. That way, when you land your first project, you’ll be fully prepared.

Step Five: Don’t rush to quit your day job! Forget the common advice to drop everything and follow your passion immediately. Take time to build your skills and create a solid portfolio before making any big moves.

When setting out to become an interior designer, make sure you have at least six months’ worth of savings to cover your expenses. This is essential because it takes time before you start making a steady income in this field. 

You may need to keep your current job while working on your portfolio in your free time.

Step Six: Focus on practice. Instead of worrying about whether you have a natural talent for design, just start doing it! Even those with a good eye for design need hands-on experience. 

Begin with your own space, or offer to redesign a family member’s or friend’s home. You can also collaborate with small local influencers who can help spread the word about your work. 

Volunteering for charities is another great way to gain experience while building your portfolio. Be sure to take high-quality photos of your projects and showcase them on your website and social media.

Step Seven: Don’t overlook the importance of social skills. Many clients choose designers simply because they feel comfortable and trust them.

Building good relationships is key in interior design since every project requires teamwork. You’ll need to collaborate closely with architects, clients, suppliers, and contra

Step Eight: Don’t stress too much about learning advanced software right away.

Start with Photoshop, as it’s a powerful tool for adjusting floor plans, changing furniture colors, and editing images. 

I also recommend drawing floor plans by hand first using a scale ruler—it’s simpler and gives you a strong foundation. Larger design firms use programs like AutoCAD and InDesign, but they’re not always necessary for small projects. 

If you’re interested in 3D modeling, you can learn SketchUp, but an even better option is to hire a skilled freelancer online. This approach saves you countless hours of learning and working on models, and honestly, a professional will always deliver higher-quality results. 

Hiring freelancers for tasks like this is becoming increasingly affordable through platforms such as Upwork. Keep in mind, you don’t have to master everything yourself—start small, but make sure you start.

Step Nine: Build a strong brand. When people ask me how to become an interior designer, I always emphasize the power of branding. 

It’s not just about showcasing your work—you need to create a brand that people recognize across all platforms, from your website and social media to your business cards. Whether you use your own name or create a unique company name, consistency is key to making your brand memorable. 

Style isn’t just about design, Your personal style extends beyond interiors—it reflects in your fashion and lifestyle choices too, and you can easily showcase both on Instagram. 

Step Ten: Get the word out. Nothing works better than a personal recommendation. If you’re wondering how to start getting clients as an interior designer, reach out to everyone you know—call, email, or message them. 

Let them know you’re now offering interior design services and looking for projects. Use your WhatsApp groups, ask friends if they know someone who needs design help, and don’t forget to send them a link to your portfolio. You’d be surprised how effective this is!

 understand that reaching out to people might feel uncomfortable, and imposter syndrome can creep in—it’s completely normal. Honestly, I’d be surprised if you didn’t feel a little nervous. But the truth is, everyone goes through this at the beginning. The key is to push past the fear and just go for it—you’ve got this!