Interior designers are the professionals behind the scenes when it comes to creating the spaces we live in. Whether they’re putting the final touches on a room makeover or designing an entire home from the ground up, these design experts have a knack for taking all the paint colors, pieces of furniture and lighting and making them all work together in harmony. They know how to use different design elements to create aesthetic value, which is why they’re so sought-after.
Getting started as an interior designer interior designers perth requires formal training, either in the form of an associate or bachelor’s degree from a reputable design program or a master’s degree for those wishing to teach at the university level. But not all programs are created equal, and the choice of which one to attend can impact future career opportunities. To help in the decision-making process, we’ve put together this guide to the top 10 interior design schools and their unique programs.
1. Kelly Wearstler
Founded in 1997, Kelly Wearstler is known for her world-leading designs that have graced the pages of Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, as well as attracting high-profile clients like Gwen Stefani, Cameron Diaz and Stacey Snider. Her signature style is characterized by mixing different eras of furnishings, blending unexpected colors and lines, and adding just the right amount of eccentric glamour to any space.
2. Timothy Corrigan
An internationally renowned interior designer, Timothy Corrigan’s one-of-a-kind homes are known for their timeless nature, comfortably elegant style and the inclusion of antiques. His firm has offices in Paris and Los Angeles and has completed projects over multiple continents, earning him an enviable reputation in the industry. Corrigan is also a frequent feature on television and has appeared in numerous magazines, including the pages of Vogue.
3. Mark Cunningham
Another Polo Ralph Lauren alum, Mark Cunningham’s style is masculine and well-tailored, with subtle textures and plenty of neutral tones. But this isn’t your typical neutral palette—Cunningham mixes crisply upholstered custom-made pieces with American antiques and accessories to create a quietly invigorating look.
4. Victoria Sanchez
While she’s best known for her high-profile clients (think the Kardashian sisters), this California native is a master at designing livable spaces. She often combines mid-century modern with Eastern accents and other contemporary styles, resulting in dynamic spaces that feel comfortable and fresh at the same time.
5. Getting to work with clients
Working with clients is a top reason why interior designers love their jobs. According to a survey by our partner Houzz, nearly 4 in 5 interior designers say that client satisfaction was the number one factor in selecting their careers. And that’s no surprise, given the positive impacts a strong customer experience can have on business revenue.
Achieving a high-quality customer experience isn’t easy, however. Nine percent of interior designers report that coordinating with vendors or contractors is their least favorite aspect of the job, and sometimes these relationships can be challenging to navigate. But for those who can overcome these challenges, the rewards can be enormous.
