8 minute read
Do you love architecture? Perhaps you wish you could work in architecture but you lack the time or resources to get a full-fledged design degree?
Here’s the good news:
Embarking on a career in interior or architectural design has never been more accessible, thanks to the fast-track route of specialization. More than a single program or educational route, it’s a way of approaching a design education in a new way.
Here’s the big idea: We’re always told that we need a degree and licensure to become an architect, or to do meaningful work in the field of design. In fact, the world of design education is changing rapidly and continues to offer up new avenues to enter and even excel in the industry by focusing on specific aspects of the craft.
In this article, we’ll explore how honing expertise in areas like CAD drafting programs, interiors finishes and furniture selection, or digital design can catapult you into the world of architectural design without the traditional education route.
The Swift Route to Working in Architecture: Specialization
Newsflash: Gone are the days when a comprehensive university-level design education was the sole gateway into the interior design and architecture industry. Although educated professionals with five year degrees will always have their place, the landscape is shifting to accommodate people with specific skills to focus on special aspects of architectural design work.
Was this means is that aspiring designers today can hone in on particular skills and domains, allowing them to make an impactful entry into the field in a relatively shorter span of time.
The Power of CAD Drafting Programs
Ask any designer worth their ‘salt’: Mastery in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drafting programs is a potent asset in the world of design. These programs enable you to transform ideas into visual realities, creating detailed plans and blueprints that form the backbone of any design project.
But this knowledge is not the sole domain of large studios and universities. In fact, specialized online courses and tutorials offer a quick and effective way to learn CAD software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and there are many accredited courses that are recognized in the industry to choose from.
As design projects hinge on precise technical drawings, becoming proficient in CAD can open doors to positions like architectural drafter, CAD designer, or even pave the way for freelance design gigs.
Read “How to Teach Yourself Architectural Design” on Smart Architect
Color, Materials, and Furnishings: The Expertise Trifecta
Another route to working in the broader interior design and architecture field is by “niching down” and specializing in aspects of design theory. How is this done? By becoming a ‘specification wizard’.
Yes, believe it or not, becoming a color, finishes, or furnishings expert can be very useful to large firms running projects at scale. Another specialization worth exploring is ergonomics and design psychology. Understanding design psychology brings a unique angle to the design world, especially as a consultant on architectural projects. While you might not lead projects, your area of expertise is invaluable to the overall cohesion of the project, or for running the specification side of the business.
We all know that color theory and psychology can greatly influence the mood and atmosphere of a space. Delving into the materials specification niche equips you to choose textures and finishes that complement the design concept while considering functionality and durability. This knowledge, combined with industry know-how and the right connections can make you an integral part of a design department’s team.
Do you know a lot about furniture? Specializing in furniture specification (especially contract) enables you to curate and specify pieces that seamlessly integrate with the overall aesthetic and needs of the project. Each of these aspects requires focused learning and practice, but could make you an invaluable asset to design teams or clients seeking a unique vision.
You can even work freelance as a consultant.
Digital Architect: Designing for the Metaverse
As technology advances, the metaverse emerges as a realm brimming with design opportunities. Designing virtual interiors for platforms the likes of VRChat, Decentraland, or Roblox opens up a realm where you can create immersive digital spaces. Self-learning in this area involves understanding the unique constraints and possibilities of virtual environments, from optimizing 3D models to considering user interaction and experience (UI and UX).
If you choose to go into the purely virtual side of the design world you’ll be in good company. Some pretty well-known designers and architects have already ditched their traditional projects to work on metaverse projects, where the realm of the imagination is way more exciting than building codes and door schedules. You yourself can embrace this avenue to craft digital habitats, interactive showrooms, or even spaces for social gatherings.
Specializing in metaverse design not only taps into a futuristic realm but also positions you at the forefront of a growing and evolving niche.
Read: The Architecture of the Metaverse (So Far) on Arch Daily
Why Interior Design for the Metaverse is the Next Big Thing
Property Staging: Creating Marketable Spaces
Property staging is an art form loosely associated with architecture, that can significantly impact property sales. Specializing in home staging, for examples, equips you to transform spaces into alluring showcases that resonate with potential buyers. Through self-learning and practice, you can learn to enhance a property to highlight its best features. These days there are many AI tools that can allow you to specialize in this totally virtually, but the opportunities for real staging are there, too.
Property Staging requires a keen eye for aesthetics, an understanding of design psychology, and the ability to create an emotional connection between buyers and spaces. Becoming proficient in home staging provides valuable skills that are highly sought after by real estate professionals, developers, and homeowners seeking to maximize property value. The best part? You don’t need a degree to break into this design specialization. Take a course instead.
Read: 8 Clever Ways to Get into Interior Design for Real Estate on Design Baddie
Pixel Perfect Designer: Photorealistic Renderings
In the digital age, visualizations are pivotal in communicating design concepts. Mastering the art of creating photorealistic rendered visualizations allows you to bring your ideas to life in stunning detail. Self-learning in this realm involves learning software like Blender, V-Ray, or Unreal Engine to create visuals that resemble real-life photographs.
The need for designers in this specialization is increasingly on the rise. Useful applications for architectural visualization, interior design presentations, and marketing materials abound, making it easy to find the right tool for the job and get cracking. By honing the skill of rendering, you can provide one of the most sought-after and exciting aspects of design: visualization. Bridge the gap between imagination and reality, creating visuals that captivate clients, stakeholders, and potential buyers.
All in a days work for the aspiring and talented rendering artist.
Why Specialization?
Specialization may not be the solution for every design path, but it is a compelling way to get started. For individuals unable to pursue a traditional interior design university course, specialization offers a tailored alternative. These focused skills can be acquired through online courses, workshops, community college classes, or even self-study.
Specialization allows you to delve deep into an area that resonates with you and holds immense potential for employment. Furthermore, specializing is a strategic move in a competitive market, as it positions you as an expert in a niche, making you sought after by employers, clients, and collaborators.
The Versatility of Specialization
Whether it’s diving into virtual metaverse design, mastering home staging techniques, or creating photorealistic visualizations, each of the avenues we mentioned offers a unique trajectory into the world of design. The beauty of specialization lies in its versatility – you can immerse yourself in an area that resonates with your passions and goals or even the needs of the market.
As the design landscape continues to evolve, remember that your journey is as unique as your specialization, and the possibilities are limited only by your imagination and determination.
Benefits Beyond the Curriculum
Choosing a specialized path doesn’t mean missing out on the broader design world. Often, specialized skills intertwine with broader design concepts, enriching your overall perspective. Learning CAD drafting programs, for instance, not only empowers you to create technical drawings but also equips you with a crucial understanding of spatial relationships and design principles. Similarly, expertise in color, materials, or furnishings harmoniously complements holistic design thinking. As you evolve as a designer you can continue to learn, branching out into the neighboring aspects of your specialization that make sense to you.
Final Thoughts: Carving Your Unique Design Journey
We hope that through today’s article we’ve helped you to gain a new perspective on your design career. The design landscape is rapidly evolving, and we believe specialization offers an express route to a fulfilling career in interior or architectural design. By focusing on specific skills like CAD drafting, materials specification, or metaverse design, you’re not only harnessing the power of a specialized skillset but also proving that a passion for design can be pursued on your terms.
Embrace the design path that most resonates with you, as it’s not just a shortcut; it’s a unique trajectory that defines your design journey.
If you’d like to learn more about interior design niches or career paths you might enjoy these articles:
How to Pick the Ultimate Interior Design Niche – 60+ Ideas!
10 Great Interior Design Careers to Consider
See you in the next one,
–Vonsassy
