Accreditations & Qualifications for Interior Designers

Delving into the vibrant world of interior design? If you're drawn to the transformation of spaces, the colour palettes, and the intricate details that make a room come alive, you're in the right place. As New Zealand's interior design landscape evolves, aspiring designers must equip themselves with a blend of formal qualifications from accredited institutions, as well as practical experience, in order to pave the way for a vibrant career in interior design.

What Qualifications Do I Need To Be An Interior Designer?

To set a firm foundation for your career in New Zealand's dynamic interior design landscape, choosing the right educational path is key. What qualifications do you need to be an interior designer in New Zealand? Opting for programs accredited by recognised bodies, isn't just an added bonus; it's essential. These accrediting institutions maintain high educational standards, fostering professionalism and ensuring that the courses you undertake are both qualitative and relevant to current industry standards. Here, we break down the range of qualifications you might pursue, depending on your career aspirations.

Interior Design Certificate

  • Duration: 6 months
  • Career Outcomes: Ideal for beginners, this course equips you with the basic knowledge and skills needed to start a career in interior design. Graduates can look forward to entry-level positions such as assistant designer or visual merchandiser in retail settings.

Diploma of Interior Design (Offered by IDI)

  • Duration: 6-12 months
  • Career Outcomes: Building upon foundational knowledge, this program is your gateway to deep knowledge and expertise in the field, opening doors to interior design jobs for residential spaces or starting your own interior design business.

Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Career Outcomes: An Advanced Diploma of Interior Design, offered by traditional higher education providers equips students with in-depth knowledge and skills, paving the way for various career opportunities in the dynamic field of interior design. Graduates can pursue roles in esteemed design firms, specialise in niche areas or even consider teaching within the interior design landscape.

Bachelor of Interior Design

  • Duration: 3-4 years
  • Career Outcomes: Though this is not offered by The Interior Design Institute, pursuing a bachelor's degree in interior design can further provide comprehensive knowledge and open doors to advanced positions in the field. Graduates can aspire to senior roles in top design firms, specialise in areas like sustainable design, or become educators in the field of interior design.

Imagine building an impressive portfolio that speaks louder than any degree. That's the essence of our course – empowering you with practical skills and technical know-how to kickstart a fulfilling freelance career or elevate your hobby to new heights. Your journey to success begins with The Interior Design Institute!

Our Global Accreditations

We strongly believe in providing the best quality service and learning experience available online. We have partnered with a number of third-party accreditation bodies to give students peace of mind and confidence in studying with us. We are recognised globally by the following bodies:

IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre)

The International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC) is a globally recognised organisation with a primary mission to evaluate, approve, and register educational institutions, particularly those offering vocational education and training programmes. Founded on the principles of quality assurance and educational excellence, IARC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that institutions maintain the highest standards in delivering educational services. Through a rigorous accreditation process, IARC assists educational providers in enhancing their offerings, ultimately benefiting students and the workforce. With a commitment to fostering educational quality worldwide, IARC facilitates international collaboration in the field of education, bridging gaps and promoting the global exchange of knowledge and skills.

BAC (British Accreditation Council)

The British Accreditation Council (BAC) holds a significant position as a leading accreditation body in the United Kingdom. Established to uphold and monitor the quality of education and training institutions, BAC assesses and accredits a wide range of organisations, including educational institutions, training centres, and language schools. Through a rigorous evaluation process, BAC ensures that these organisations meet and maintain defined quality standards in teaching, learning, and overall performance. BAC accreditation is a symbol of educational excellence and signifies an institution's dedication to providing high-quality educational experiences. By supporting institutions in their pursuit of excellence, BAC contributes to the enhancement of education and training across the United Kingdom and beyond.

SBID (Society of British and International Interior Design)

The Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID) stands as a prominent institution devoted to the promotion and development of the interior design profession both in the United Kingdom and on the international stage. SBID serves as an invaluable resource for interior designers, offering a wide array of educational initiatives, professional accreditation, and a vibrant network of industry connections. The organisation's overarching goal is to elevate the practice of interior design to the highest standards by fostering collaboration, facilitating ongoing education, and championing design excellence. Through its advocacy efforts and commitment to raising the profile of interior design, SBID contributes to enhancing the overall quality of interior spaces and the well-being of those who inhabit them.

DDA (Decorators & Designers Association of Canada)

The Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA Canada) is a respected national association representing professionals in the dynamic field of interior design. With a mission to uphold and elevate the standards of interior design practice in Canada, DDA Canada provides a supportive community for decorators, designers, and related industry experts. It fosters professional growth through educational opportunities, industry collaboration, and recognition of design excellence. By promoting the value of well-designed spaces and encouraging ethical and innovative practices, DDA Canada contributes to creating aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable environments that enrich people's lives.

BBB (Better Business Bureau)

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a reputable non-profit organisation that plays a vital role in establishing trust and transparency between consumers and businesses. Operating as a mediator and watchdog, BBB provides consumers with valuable information regarding the reliability, ethical practices, and customer feedback of businesses. Through a comprehensive rating and accreditation system, BBB assists consumers in making informed decisions while encouraging businesses to maintain high standards of customer service and integrity. BBB's commitment to ethical business practices and dispute resolution ensures a fair marketplace, where both consumers and businesses can thrive.

UKRLP (United Kingdom Register of Learning Providers)

The UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP) is the portal for government departments, agencies, learners, and employers to share key information about learning providers.

Why Pursue Interior Design Qualifications?

Securing qualifications isn't just about acquiring credentials; it's about building a backbone for a successful career in the dynamic world of interior design. By seeking proper education, you underline your commitment to professionalism, demonstrating to potential employers and clients your genuine dedication and competence in this field.

Obtaining the right qualifications does more than just enhance your reputation in the industry. It helps you build a strong skill set that keeps pace with the changing demands of the field, it opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, and allows for networking and collaboration with seasoned professionals and like-minded peers.

Why Choose The Interior Design Institute For Your Interior Designer Qualifications?

When you choose The Interior Design Institute, you're not just getting an education; you're gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and experiences that are unrivaled. Here's why we stand out:

  • Holistic Curriculum: Our courses, backed by industry-recognised faculty, ensure a well-rounded education steeped in both theory and practice, covering pivotal areas including design aesthetics and technology.
  • Flexible Learning: Catering to diverse learning paths, our courses fit seamlessly into your life, allowing for a balance between work, study, and personal commitments.
  • Resources and Mentorship by Darren Palmer: Beyond the standard curriculum, students have the exciting opportunity to dive deeper into the world of interior design with the guidance of industry maestro Darren Palmer Through an inspiring set of 15 online videos and a complementary eBook crafted by Darren himself, learners can augment their understanding based on Darren's extensive experience and enriching anecdotes, taking their knowledge, passion, and experience to unprecedented levels.
  • Career Support: Our support extends beyond education, assisting you in building a portfolio and helping facilitate a smooth transition from a student to a professional.

Student Reviews

The Interior Design Institute: Your Journey Starts Here

Embarking on a career in the vibrant world of interior design is more than a pursuit of knowledge; it is a journey infused with inspiration and an unyielding commitment to crafting spaces that tell compelling stories.

Your dream of transforming spaces and creating immersive experiences begins here. Join us at The Interior Design Institute and set off on a thrilling path towards of inspiration and creativity. Browse our course or get in touch today.

Interior Design Online Course Reviews

Take a moment to read some of our graduate testimonials.

Mariana Gorra Devars

Christchurch

The Interior Design Course was a great reminder of the bases for design and allowed me to dive deep and connect with my inner designer. It let me learn and explore in a safe environment with different ideas and design proposals. 

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Penny Sharp

Whanganui

I have always had a passion for Interior design and I have always found myself involved in the industry, and now with the experience and knowledge I have gained from the Interior Design Institute Diploma I feel 100% ready to start my own interior design business.

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Nikki Astwood

Wellington

The course is easy to follow and provides a great base of information that can be applied to many different roles. I have since started my own photography and design business, where I apply many of the elements I learned in the course.

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Carina Ferguson

Auckland

For anyone interested in interior design and who wants the flexibility of studying from home, I would highly recommend this course. Being able to set how slowly or quickly I worked through each module while looking after young children and part-time work, was really ideal.

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Donna Stringer

Whangarei Heads

My love for interior design has always been strong, I went looking for a course to do that I would be able to afford and when I stumbled across The Interior Design Institute, I knew it was the perfect course for me. As it was not only affordable, but it is also self-paced therefore being able to fit my study time in around a busy life!

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Lucy Furniss

Morrinsville

The Interior Design Institute was a great choice of study for me. It was enjoyable from start to finish. Studying online made it very easy for me to still work full time and study at night without me needing to be anywhere at any particular time and it meant I work it all around my busy lifestyle.

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Student Images

A sample of our students design work

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