How do I become an Interior Designer as a Realtor?

Question

Hello,

I currently have my real estate license and I'm also about to be done with a fix and flip I've been working on. Throughout the process of this fix and flip I've realized I really enjoy doing the Interior Design part of real estate, not just the decorating part. I have been looking into Interior Design and I've noticed you can go to college and get a degree for it, and they also have an online certificate program. I would still keep my license as a Realtor, but I was wondering if anyone knew the best route to take? I'm not sure if I would HAVE to be "certified" or have a degree for it but I'm definitely trying to avoid the years of college if at all possible. Does anyone know how I could start or get my foot in the door as an entry-level designer or design assistant with no degree/little experience? Any and all advice is appreciated, thank you!

Taylor L. · Answer

Why not offer that service either for free or a steep discount to someone in your network? Do it for free at first to build a resume and references. Then expand.

I'd strongly recommend checking out Alex Hormozi on YouTube. He has fantastic content centered around building a business and thinking about new products & services. Here's an awesome video from just the other day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MHQr-Z17Hc&ab_channel=AlexHormozi

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

I used to work with top level interior designers during my years as a high-end builder. Most of them did not have college degrees in design, nor much of any training. They were self taught and just naturally good at it. You can peddle your skills to local Builders, Realtors, and Architects. It's a fun and potentially lucrative business to get into, so I'd strongly suggest you follow your dream.

PS - Get one of your projects into the local Home Magazine and you're golden...!

Scott Mac · Answer

Why not find a couple of people who are really good at it, and work closely with them adding your ideas where needed.

I have always found that produces things way better than I can do on my own.

Of course there is labor cost with this--just discuss your budget ahead of time, both for them and for the project.

And I have found "Artistic Types" can be temperamental and "low on creativity" from time to time, so a strict time line project should allow extra time for this (involve them early on).

If you find someone you really work well with--all the better.

Good Luck!

Matt Bishop · Answer

@Fallon Morris, go to work at an upscale furniture store in your area as a sales associate and designer.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Fallon Morris

Getting into a company without a degree in this field will be very difficult, as it’s very competitive and it’s an expensive degree so companies typically hire from the best schools.

What type of homes are you dealing with? If these are million dollar homes then I would say you would need to go to school and get the education as there is a lot that goes into interior design from the lighting to color to furniture layout and use of rooms. If these are cookie cutter B and C type homes then you could get a certificate of some sort because in that price range people typically will go cheap or not want a designer anyways.

Eliott Elias · Answer

You do a few projects for flippers for free and build a resume. Work done is more important than your credentials

Michael Davidson · Answer

I'm not an expert but I highly doubt that you have to be "certified" or have a license to be an interior designer. Licenses are required for professions with the potential to mess up BIG. Think Lawyer, Doctor, CPA, Real estate agent such as yourself....Interior Design doesn't fall in that category. As for schooling...skip the schooling. Why dish out money if you're already good at it? You seem to be pretty confident in your abilities so market yourself online and see what comes up. Maybe do it for free like others have suggested to see if you're ACTUALLY good at it. The reason I say that is because I think I'm hilarious, my wife...not so much.

Kaci Hunter · Answer

A teacher friend of mine didn't want to go back to college either and pursued the online route. I asked her to help me redesign and decorate my kitchen and dining room. So we went to stores together, she made me some design boards to look at, and sent me online links.  In return, she's getting practice and pictures to post to her social media.  And of course I will give her a 5 star reveiw and customer referrals.

I feel interior design is something that you are naturally gifted with and the online courses will just help you fine tune what you're already inclined to see. Every designer has their own style, so there's a lot of self discovery and finding your niche. That doesn't come from a college degree.

Best of luck pursuing your talents!

Corey Mitchell · Answer

I think that's a great match. I going the school would enable you to get started sooner. I was thinking of a similar idea of creating a side-hustle for my real estate career - property staging could be other outlet for interior design skills.

Shiela R. · Answer

Hi @Fallon Morris!  Lots of good suggestions here.  I agree with you!  The interior design and envisioning of a flip is one of my favorite parts of REI.

I have offered this service via consultation for clients and friends (I'm also a licensed agent).  I am a trained designer that used to work in a product and brand development firm.  So not quite the same but very similar principles. I simply take before and after pics and send then to my list.  Over the years, I've gained a reputation for knowing what and how to make the least amount of improvements possible for the highest return.  I work 100% on referral.  Be creative!  And keep it fun :)  I don't know that you really need a certificate or degree if you know design and have success with flipping, IMHO.

How do I become an Interior Designer as a Realtor?

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