Lausanne, CH
From Dreamer to Achiever: My Interior Design Journey.
I was always passionate about interior design, but life had other plans for me. I felt stuck, not knowing how to make the leap into my dream career. Then, the pandemic hit, and lockdown gave me the time I needed to explore. That's when I stumbled upon this master's program online. It was like finding the missing puzzle piece to my dream. I took one module after the other, eager to learn and grow.
Balancing a full-time job as a project and team manager, along with a baby on the way, was a Herculean task. But three years later, I proudly graduated.
During this journey, I had the chance to help family members with home renovations, deepening my love for interior design. And now, I'm finally about to embark on a massive renovation project of my own. I still can't believe it!
Whether my career takes off or not, I'm ecstatic. I've loved every moment of this course and what I've learned. That, in itself, is a tremendous accomplishment for me already.
This is a testament to the power of pursuing your passion and never giving up. No matter the challenges, education has the power to transform lives. I'm living proof. Chase your dreams; they might just come true.
Thank you, Interior Design Institute and to my great tutor, Sophie, for lighting the path to my dream career.
Victoria, BC
The Interior Design Institute was perfect for my needs. After working in a completely unrelated industry for nearly 15 years, I decided to gain more knowledge about my hobby: Interior Design.
IDI stood out immediately, as I could do it at my own pace while working full time and being a mother, wife, etc. I began the course when I was on maternity leave and quickly found my time taken away when I returned to work. Three years later, I picked up on Module 4 and completed the diploma program. I am grateful for the wealth of knowledge and feedback from the tutors on my assignments or any questions I had throughout the course.
Taking the design diploma program gave me the confidence to branch out and finally start my own interior design company: Hanbury Design Co. My true love is rooted in the finishing and staging of products, so I am leading my business in that direction.
I look forward to taking some of the advanced modules, including the Business, Branding & Social Media module.
Thank you, IDI, for giving me the knowledge I need to turn my passion into a career!!
North Vancouver, BC
I was very impressed with the quality of each module. I wanted to gain as much information as possible from a quality interior design course, similar to that of getting a degree in interior design.
I didn't have the time or budget to get a degree but really wanted to have something to show at the end of the course to give me clout in the business. I think this course accomplishes that. You can tell with each module that there is just so much to learn on that particular subject, and I think each module provided the right amount of information.
The assignments initially seemed like they would be easy but they really challenged and pushed me to accomplish my best. My instructor, Ashley, was great! The FB group was an amazing lifeline. The response from the student support was extremely fast. I'd highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn more about the interior design business.
Thanks so much! Jamie
Toronto, ON
I have to thank The Interior Design Institute for allowing me to finally follow my heart and do what I love.
Before this course, I worked a 9-5 at a dental office, and although I loved the people, I really wasn’t fulfilled in what I was doing. I would decorate and design for friends and family but never thought I could make it my career as I have a three-year-old and going through 3-5 years of school didn’t seem like an option.
I stumbled upon The Interior Design Institute online and loved what I saw. It was flexible, great reviews, great content, so reasonably priced and you get to be recognised by the CIDA.
This definitely isn’t your quick little course. There was a lot of work involved, and I think that is why I enjoyed it so much; I really felt like I was learning and gaining the knowledge I needed to become a full-time designer.
During the course, I picked up a few clients and recently decided to start my own business, G-Foster Designs. Things have been going great; I already have 4 clients lined up for this year's 1st quarter and couldn’t be more excited!
Thank you so much IDI!
Toronto, ON
During the Covid-19 pandemic, I found myself feeling uncertain and uneasy about the field of work I was in. At the time, I was working in retail management, and my store, just like millions of others, closed down. I felt that I was stuck in a dying industry and unable to have a stable income and a job that brought me satisfaction. So, when the lockdown started, I enrolled in The Interior Design Institute. Looking back, I can certainly say that it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made in my life.
The modules are well-written, easy to understand and beautifully illustrated. The communication with the tutor was amazing; I felt the effort that she was putting into our interactions and communication. It is such a great introduction into the design world, and the course truly touches on every subject that you might need working in the field. If you can organise your time and work around your schedule to get the assignments done, this course is for you!
A few months later, and I am now working in the industry and loving every second of it! I am so grateful that this opportunity came along, and looking forward to getting more experience in the field.
Hudson, QC
This course was a wonderful learning experience. The course is designed in a way to push you out of your comfort zone.
Even though it is an online program, your tutor and student support are with you every step of the way and available to answer any questions. The Facebook support group was a fundamental part of my learning process and also introduced me to many new people in the industry. I learned so much, and I feel with this foundation, I have the confidence to start my career in interior design. I am also looking forward to continuing my education with advanced modules.
I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in interior design.
Armstrong, BC
I had so much fun completing this course. Being able to take your time and work around your own schedule is a huge benefit. The way the course is laid out is methodical and smart. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in learning more about interior design.
Hamilton, ON
Learning at The Interior Design Institute has been better than I imagined. The curriculum is vast and detailed, giving both a broad look at Interior Design while focusing on specific, crucial details needed to develop one's skill and eye as an Interior Designer. The personalized feedback from my tutor, Marieke, has been incredibly helpful and her attention to detail is remarkable. I learned so much from the modules, recommended reading, and her remarks on my assignments.
If you are interested in Interior Design - perhaps you enjoy decorating your own home, or following design accounts on social media brings you joy - I highly recommend investing the time and money in this course. Your eyes will be opened and you'll begin to understand the "why" behind the design styles you love. Once you learn the principles of Interior Design, you'll begin to see them everywhere and will begin the process of making informed, educated choices in your design projects moving forward.
I work full-time, am married and am raising teens, I have a side-gig over on YouTube, am launching a design business AND decided to enrol in The Interior Design Institute. The flexibility of this program allows you to work at your own pace and study when it works with your schedule. I aimed to complete the course in 10 months and enjoyed what I was learning so much that even with everything else I had on the go, I was able to complete it in 7 months! Trust me, if I can do this, you can too!
Whistler, BC
The course was fantastic and gave me valuable insights to start-up my interior design company here in Whistler.
With experience in the European industry (prior to moving to BC), my exposure to the interior design world solely stretched within the European market. Taking the course gave me the insight to contextualize my learning symbiotically with my previous experience, to then confidently practice my career and start-up my business here in Canada.
Having knowledge of commercial retail renovation and design, I was one step ahead when launching our high-end fashion boutique, Bach & Co. The shop is located in Whistler, Creekside, and we sell a great range of designer wear online and in-store. - Having the ability to merge both fashion and interior design has been a dream.
I'd recommend the course to anyone wanting to kick start their career or fill gaps in their existing knowledge.
Toronto, ON
Prior to taking the 12 module course at the Interior Design Institute, I was studying 3D art in college. Once I graduated from college, I found a passion for 3D architectural pre-visualisation and interior design. After some research, I learned about The Interior Design Institute program; the reviews were encouraging, it is easily accessible (the course is all online) and you can work at your own pace, so I enrolled.
This course teaches you more than just “how to make a space pretty”; it teaches you the foundation of design as a whole, going in depth about colour and shape language, some history on architecture, the different styles in different eras, how to create floor plans and much more. Each module teaches you something new. As you move forward through the course, you make connections to what you learned in the previous modules, giving you a great learning experience and a strong understanding of design. At the end of each module, there is an assignment. The assignments are fantastic learning tools. Some are more difficult than others and some make you work outside of your comfort zone, but that’s the point! This course is designed to encourage you to be creative and innovative as you develop your skills.
If you have any interest or passion in design, I think this course is a great starting point for you. It can be the perfect foundation for designing your own space/home, an introduction into working as an interior designer or starting your own design business or the beginning steps for learning design before moving onto another area of the design world. For me specifically, this course was perfect because I wanted to learn more about interior spaces to create a stronger and more knowledgeable 3D architectural pre-visualisation portfolio and to seek employment in interior design. Now, after graduating from this program and with everything I have learned, I have gained confidence in becoming an exceptional designer.
Oakville, ON
I count my time as an #IDIstudent invaluable as it gave me great confidence as a new designer.
As a stay at home mom with previous education looking to break into the field, I found this course to be incredibly helpful and very well written. The support from the student staff team, and the prompt responses from my tutor, meant completing the course on time was very manageable.
Now, my husband and I have our own design firm! He manages the construction, and I do all of our interior and architectural design. We are building spec homes in Oakville, Ontario, Canada as well as numerous interior design projects across North America!
Thank you for all the knowledge this program has given to me to start my career as an interior designer!
Calgary, AB
IDI has been a fantastic experience and has solidified my desire to pursue an interior design career. The self-directed format let me work at my own pace but with the network of the tutor and student Facebook group, I still had support when I needed it. The content is up to date with current trends and gave me a real understanding of what it takes to deliver great interior design.
Etobicoke, ON
I've been working in the business marketing profession for six years until earlier this year when I decided to quit my full-time corporate job and pursue something I've always had a passion for - interior design! I discovered IDI and quickly enrolled myself in the course in April, which I completed in July. Soon after, I opened my own interior design business under the name of Elevated Living By Sarah Adnan, and since then I've been fortunate enough to be keeping myself busy with both residential and commercial projects. While I was studying at IDI, I started my Instagram page and YouTube channel, which gained an audience that soon started converting into clients for my business.
After graduating, I wrapped up two projects, one of which is a Skincare Spa and Clinic. I turned the second floor of a Heritage Home into a contemporary, urban and high-end Skincare Spa, which also happened to be my client's first commercial location.
Bedford, NS
I can't say enough positive things about the content of this course and the process. The modules are precise yet the length of each one is manageable and very well explained. The content and layout are easy to understand and to manoeuver. I will definitely be going back to many sections of this course for reference. The images are very helpful to support the content and very inspiring.
My personal experience completing this course in a short period of time was using the momentum. Starting each assignment right after or within a short period of time after reading each of the modules is key. The information is fresh in your mind and easy to refer back to. I understand this may be difficult for a lot of people but if you are passionate about it, go for it, push through. I am an entrepreneur who runs a business of 18 years as well as a mom of 3 children.
My me-time is mostly in the evening so instead of watching HGTV, I would pick up my computer and get in the zone. I became so dedicated and passionate about this course that I found myself working on my assignments in my sleep lol! What I am saying here is that a passion is something you think about constantly and interior design like anything else is a business that requires work on many aspects, some you'll love, some you wish someone else would do for you but this course is meant for you to gain knowledge on all aspects of this industry. Trust this course, trust the process and you will succeed!
I want to thank the team of people who created this amazing course along with all the tutors for their hard work.
You have gained one more very happy graduate!
Markham, ON
The course is easy to follow and understand, and it gives a high-level scope of the interior design industry. The course is assignment based and I find that extremely practical as opposed to written exams, because it applies the knowledge you've learned in that chapter on to a real-life task in the interior design industry.
The classmates and tutors are very helpful and supportive through the Facebook group, and with their help, I was able to execute my first renovation project! I also completed the SketchUp Advanced Module, which helped me to create my first renovation with ease.
Toronto, ON
It is completely bittersweet graduating from IDI. I am overwhelmed with mixed feelings about the fact that it's over, as it was so much fun, so inspiring, and such an incredibly fulfilling journey.
I couldn't have done this without the support of my amazing tutor Sophie Seeger. You were always there to answer my many questions and even when I was panicking if I couldn't understand something, you were there to explain it no matter how many emails back and forth that it took. You are brilliant! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
Update: After graduating from IDI, I launched Alexis Koehler Interiors! This year marked my one year anniversary as an entrepreneur and businesswoman! I have loved every minute of it, even during the tough days. The amount of growth and opportunity that this last year has brought to me, especially during these scary and unprecedented times, has been incredible, and I am beyond thankful to be a part of this extraordinary industry.
Steinbach, Manitoba
As an aspiring interior designer that just so happened to be in the midst of a new diagnosis of a chronic illness called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, it felt as if all my career hopes and dreams were crumbling away piece by piece as I learned how to live my new normal. I had started my blog thepetitepress.ca about six months earlier as a means of distraction and a way to connect with others who shared the same passions as I, interior design.
When I had heard through a fellow blogger on Instagram how she completed her ID education through The Interior Design Institute and learned it was a distant education program studied from home I immediately cried tears of happiness. I was able to fulfil those aspirations I had trapped inside me while accommodating my life living with a chronic illness. While writing was a passion of mine and helped me to express and connect it still wasn't filling that void of working in other peoples homes and starting my own business. Almost instantly I applied for the program and a year later I am so incredibly proud to be a graduate of IDI.
I'll continue to write on my blog, as it is one of my passions but I'll most certainly appreciate the opportunity to use it as a means of building lasting connections with my clients going forward. I already have begun to receive inquiries for my work, and I owe many thanks to IDI for providing me with that confidence as I continue to grow. While with my personal background, my journey and growth may look a lot different to some but I am proud to start my design journey that's uniquely me.
Prince George, BC
I would rate my experience with my teacher as very inspirational, supportive and motivating. With her amazing advice and suggestions, this has helped me to want to improve myself further, and it has motivated me to do more self-studies beyond what I have learned in order to be the best that I can be.
It has truly taught me a lot, and I feel more confident now than I did going into the program. When I first applied for the program, I did it out of a passion for interior designing, but with the progression of the course, my passion for interior designing grew even more, and I have also gained a further curiosity for design materials and products that I did not have initially.
This course has broadened my enjoyment for design. Initially, I took the course just for furthering my personal knowledge, but now I have gained an interest in going further with my knowledge and potentially beginning my own business in the future. Thank you to my teacher for making this experience rewarding and enjoyable.
Toronto, ON
The Interior Design Institute appeared to me in a very important time of my life. A moment where I was rediscovering myself personally and professionally. I always had a passion for interior design but never invested in this. I was always too busy living a life that was not for me.
Since I can remember I have a passion for design, colours, architecture and art! I started at a young age as an entrepreneur in the communication industry and later on, I landed into the project coordination world. Yes, I am sure was life preparing me to finally invest in what I love. Managing projects and dealing with hundreds of designers, architects, and manufacturers just rekindled my passion for interior design.
The course is very well structured with great And easy to understand information, and the support we get from our tutor is just amazing. They are always ready to help and I would like to thank Wendi for all the time and effort spent with me.
Throughout this journey I have created One Design – Mindfulness Interiors where I can put together two of my passions, interior design and conscious living. I am happy to share that I got my first paying client even before finishing the course
Thank you very much to all of you. Thank you for making it timely possible and affordable for us to invest in what we love!
Toronto, ON
This course was the perfect way to find my career purpose in life.
My 20 year old self who studied fashion business and merchandising in college would have never believed I would end up in interior design as well.
I always knew I wanted to design fashion pieces and be an owner of my own boutique, but never saw myself also designing homes, let alone commercial spaces. Little did I know I was guided on the right path since day 1.
I made the right choice by buying an additional module that would take me one step further from the rest. Who knew merchandising would have a lot to do with the design of a commercial space? Now I have two diplomas and many certificates of courses I taken to better my career.
Thank you IDI for this amazing opportunity; I have gained so much career confidence due to this course.
Toronto, ON
The Interior Design Institute has already changed my life, and I've only just graduated!
What started as a course that I decided to take "for fun" confirmed my passion and gave me the confidence to apply for a job as a design coordinator for a well-respected Toronto based interior design firm - which I got!
This course gave me a really thorough base knowledge across all spectrums of design and filled the gaps in my skill set (Arts and Real Estate background).
Every module was different than the last, which kept things interesting, and my tutor gave great feedback on each assignment, which mirrored an in-class learning experience.
I didn't know what to expect but am so glad that I took the leap with this course and would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in interior design! Thank you IDI!
@meghangrievedesign
Toronto, ON
I decided to take this course after completing a renovation on my own home. I always loved interior design, and my family and friends always compliment me on the final result. I had never imagined taking it further than that.
After having two children, I wanted to take a different path in terms of a career so I researched different design courses and decided that The Interior Design Institute would provide me with what I desired. I wanted something informative and creative to do in my own time and at my own pace.
The course proved to fit perfectly into my lifestyle. My tutor provided me with excellent feedback after each assignment, and if I ever had any questions, she would respond promptly.
I was able to learn everything I needed to know about running an interior design business. As a result of this course, a friend and I have joined forces to create an interior design business, Lusare Design. We have already completed three diverse design projects! This course has given me the added confidence to run a design business; without it, I wouldn't have half the knowledge needed to succeed.
Schreiber, ON
The past year of this course has been worth all the reading! I've gained so much knowledge and really enjoyed learning. Finishing this course and graduating means so much, and I am so thrilled as this is the first post-secondary school I've enrolled in.
The community has been so great as well; marks from the tutors are so personal and being able to message them and other students on Facebook anytime has been so comforting.
I am looking forward to learning more with advanced modules as well as my future career in interior design.
Cambridge, ON
I fell into the field of interior design rather accidentally but definitely not unintentionally. While I hold a degree in psychology, I have always had a passion for design along with a natural instinct for placement, colour and overall knack for creating harmony within a space.
After helping family and friends with renovation decisions and decoration of old homes, lofts, etc., I received many inquiries as to whether I would be interested in helping individuals within their homes and places of employment.
This is what kick-started my desire to potentially make this my career.
I knew that I wanted an education to back my business. I decided that The Interior Design Institute was as an excellent starting point; the help and feedback I received from my tutor, the materials and assignments that were covered in general, and the freedom it gave me to work at my own pace was excellent. Through this course, I found that I have extensive interest in home renovation.
After completing the course, I have the added confidence in pursuing and furthering my career. I would highly recommend taking this course from The Interior Design Institute.
Thanks so much to my tutor for all your help and advice.
Edmonton, AB
Last year, my husband and I bought a partially finished condo in Costa Rica. I found designing the kitchen and bathrooms great fun and discovered that as a drafter by trade, my drafting skills really helped with the space planning and details of the design. I thought that this might be a great avenue to explore.
I started looking for a course that would help me get into this area. I discovered The Interior Design Institute online and decided to try it out. I liked the fact that it was a Canadian course and was affordable.
This wonderfully fun course really opened my creative side. I now see design elements wherever I go that I would have never even noticed before. It has helped me blend my drafting, technical side with the creative side that I had but wasn't using to its potential.
I was excited to finish an assignment and see what the next module would be about.
I was fascinated with the architectural history of buildings and furniture and the detail and depth of all of the modules. I was also fascinated with the textile world. I had no idea what goes into creating different fabrics and textiles.
I felt that I really got involved with the design world. The assignments were challenging, but I really worked hard on them. I think you can get so much out of this course if you really apply yourself.
The course was easy to access at anytime, and it really got me using the internet for research. I, of course, bought loads of magazines and books too, which isn’t required but was a comfort to me.
My tutor, Wendi, was wonderful. I appreciated the encouragement, positive feedback and helpful suggestions from her. The student support team are very helpful and prompt at getting back to you with any questions or problems you have.
I am applying at kitchen and bathroom design companies and also commercial interior design companies and feel this course will help me with getting a great job that I love.
Thank you for all of your help and providing me with all of this wonderful design knowledge and experience. I would highly recommend The Interior Design Institute.
Pickering, ON
Interior design has always been a passion of mine. Last year, I had my 'aha' moment and decided to do something about it and enrolled in the Diploma course offered by The Interior Design Institute.
I found the course information, the website and the module descriptions very informative and felt that this course was the right fit for me. It allowed me to learn on my own time at my own pace. My tutor was an invaluable help and source of support during my studies. Her feedback on my assignments and quick responses were extremely helpful to me and helped me to understand the lessons.
The program has taught me so much about design, and has given me the confidence to start my own design and decor business, Altona Design. I can now approach clients and jobs with confidence in my abilities.
Thank you to The Interior Design Institute for providing me an opportunity to gain knowledge and a skill set to help me to move forward in my new career path in design and decor. I would recommend anyone interested in design as a hobby or a career to take this program.
Luseland, SK
I am extremely satisfied that I chose The Interior Design Institute to provide my education in interior design. I researched online opportunities in interior design and quickly came upon this one, which had a well laid out format and detailed curriculum. I loved that I was able to work at my own pace, which was critical for me, given that I live in a rural Saskatchewan community and am raising three small children. I was unable to pursue my dream of a career in interior design with the current commitment of family. Luckily, I didn’t have to sacrifice anything to pursue my goals.
The Interior Design Institute has provided me with a solid foundation of design knowledge from the ground up. The course incorporates the history of design and architecture and the basic principles and elements of design. Each module builds upon the last as you design a residential floor plan. My tutor was fantastic. She was quick to respond to questions and offered fundamental design advice, which I am sure will further my success as a designer. She was timely in marking assignments, and the feedback was constructive and beneficial.
While taking the course, I partnered with an architectural technologist and started a business offering a compliment of architectural and interior design services. I am confident that my Diploma from The Interior Design Institute will provide me with the practical skills and knowledge to make my business a success.
Since completion of the course, a realtor has approached me and would like to utilise my services to help her clients with home staging. She believes that partnering with me would be a benefit to her clients and help them get a better purchase price for their properties.
I have always felt that I had a creative flair and from a very young age, rearranged and redecorated my room continually. However, I never had the confidence to pursue this dream until now. Thank you IDI for providing me with the expert knowledge and skill set needed to take on a new chapter in my life.
Nanaimo, BC
This is a wonderful program! As a mom of two young children, making a career change to interior design was looking out of reach until I found The Interior Design Institute. IDI allowed me to obtain a Diploma in interior design while working full time at my job and fulfill my family obligations with my husband and children.
When I first started the course, my goal was to compliment my newly created home staging business located in Nanaimo, BC with a Diploma in interior design. After completing this very thorough online course, I now have the confidence and tools to pursue interior design as a profession and am going to add it to the services offered by my business.
This course went above and beyond my expectations and has not only taught me everything I need to know about interior design but revived the skills I have acquired over many years of drawing, drafting, carpentry, furniture refinishing and much more.
The feedback from my tutor was both reassuring and constructive, full of insight into the world of interior design and allowed me to better understand the details of the processes involved in this industry. The assignments were not only fun to do but gave me a start on a portfolio and some excellent templates for future work. I would recommend this course to anyone with a passion for interior design wanting to hone in their talents, gain confidence and get a Diploma. You will not be disappointed!
Dartmouth, NS
As a stay at home mom, I didn't think I would be able to pursue my interest in interior design without going back to school full time until I found The Interior Design Institute. I love being home with my daughter but was also looking for the right opportunity to expand on my interest in interior design, and that is exactly what The Interior Design Institute gave me. The fact that I could do this program on my own time and at my own pace was the deciding factor for me. I am extremely happy that I decided to do this course, and I only wish I would have done it sooner.
Friends and family always compliment me on my home and design skills. Now with a great education from The Interior Design Institute, I have more knowledge and am better equipped to take on even larger projects. When friends and family heard I was studying interior design, they put me to work for them right away and now love their new spaces.
During this course, I could not have asked for a better tutor. She was very informative, gave great guidance and was always helpful and prompt in answering questions and marking assignments. Her feedback was always positive, and she offered tips and ideas that I loved. She definitely did a great job at boosting my confidence in this field.
In the beginning, I was only doing this course to enhance my design hobby, but the further I went and the more assignments I did I could see this becoming something bigger than a hobby. There were times I could not wait to finish one assignment just to see what I would learn next. After finishing this course, I feel I have the knowledge and information to make interior design my new career choice and not just a hobby. With this new knowledge and set of skills, I look forward to all that the world of interior design has to offer.
Toronto, ON
To those who think they can’t? I say you can! I completed this course 2 weeks before my 67th birthday! The IDI diploma was an accomplishment I wanted to cross off my bucket list. I now have the confidence to continue learning and improving my CAD and hand rendering skills. Who would have imagined learning CAD at this age?
The journey continues! And it all began with taking that first step and enrolling in The Interior Design Institute. Thanks Ashley and the IDI community.
Abbotsford, BC
I have enjoyed working with The Interior Design Institute team. This online course was very convenient as I could work at my own pace with no pressure. Its interactive assignments covered many areas of interior design, which gave me a thorough understanding of how to create a design from start to finish and communicate with the trades and clients. I also had a lot of fun with the colour and fabric interactive assignments.
The student support was very quick to respond and helpful if I needed them. Throughout the assignments, my tutor, Wendi, made useful suggestions and shared her tactics, which I was able to use with my clients right away.
I gained confidence as I completed each assignment, which encouraged me to register my business and start promoting myself. I have gained 3 new clients in a short time and feel more confident with each new client. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to learn or expand on any aspect of design. Enjoy!
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