Have you been considering a career in the exciting alternative decorating field of Interior Redesign? If so, there are several important questions to ask your potential trainer.

First and foremost is...

Does the training provide a certificate or certification?

The difference being, many instructors will hand out a "certificate" after the student has been involved with several other people in rearranging a handful of rooms. It doesn't really mean much and is hardly worth the paper it is written on. A "certification" usually requires the student pass some sort of testing procedure to indicate they are knowledgeable in the said field. This means much more.

Will there be actual client contact?

This is very important for the interior redesign student. To observe the instructor interacting with a client is a great learning experience and vital to everyone starting in the business. Not only does the student obtain valuable insight to the process of interior redesign but they get caught up in the excitement of the project reveal!

How many redesign projects will be completed during training?

I learned that the IRIS standard of professionalism in FIVE! This hardly seems like enough but it seemingly is the standard to become a professional. Be wary of instructors that offer less than this as it may be difficult for to join future affiliations to add to your credibility.

What is included in the training and what additional purchases will be needed?

Most instructors include a manual and offer ongoing support. If they offer monthly or quarterly meetings, this is hardly useful if you live out of the instructor's home state. Some do offer teleconferences and web meetings that can be accessed from anywhere. Ask if the course includes any tools...especially business forms and information about starting your own business. Factor into your cost of tuition these additional purchases.

I would like to mention the tuition factor. After researching this alternative decorating field of interior redesign, I discovered that there are no checks and balances. Most training centers are in it only for the money and do not even require testing of their students. Moving around furniture for a few days does not a professional make.

Buyers beware when choosing an instructor in this field.

Julie Rieman

Julie has been in the design field for almost twenty years. Starting out with wall coverings and faux painting finishes before they were all the rage. Rearranging furniture and hanging artwork upon completion of her painting projects... The story began. After many years of helping family and friends she decided to be paid for her efforts. Julie accepted a position with a National Retailer, completed her training and went on to become one of the Top Decorators in the Nation. Credentials Include Member IDS ~Interior Design Society Member IRD ~Interior Redesign Directory Member MBD ~Minnesota Best Decorators Member HDWFI ~Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Institute Member IDDP ~International Directory Decorative Painters Nationally Top Ranked Interior Decorator Trainer in Home Decor and Window Treatments Fabric Specialist Color Analyst Painting Professional Faux Painting Instructor Decorating Columnist Successful Small Business Owner Interior Redesign & Home Staging Instructor