Turning Dreams into Customized Designs: Careers in Residential Design
By Caitlin Sanfordcaitlin.sanford@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist
Residential Design: Customized Dreams
Design entails much more than matching colors and fabrics. Designing and building homes and organizing the layout of building sites are important parts of design. If you are structurally inclined and have a knack for understanding layout and planning, a career in residential design could be for you.What is Residential Design and Planning?
Residential design and planning includes architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and designing customized homes. Residential designers are trained professionals who help homeowners and city planners create spatial plans for construction and customization of homes, gardens, and parks. Careers under the umbrella of residential design and planning include:- Architects
- Urban planners
- Landscape designers
- Customized home designers
- Civil engineers
- Community designers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were over 30,000 residential planners working in the US in 2004. The majority worked for local government agencies, but a large number of residential planners also ran their own business or worked for consulting groups or architecture firms.
Diploma Programs in Residential Design and Planning
A diploma in residential design and planning is necessary to start a career as a residential designer. Professionals such as architects and building engineers must receive additional training from a specialized program. Select design schools offer diploma programs in residential planning. In a residential planning diploma program you will learn about urban planning, customized design, and basic architecture and engineering. You can even get your diploma in residential planning online.After getting a diploma, you may want to seek professional certification. The American Institute of Building Design and the American Institute of Certified Planners are two of the many organizations offering certifications.
Sources:
- Residential Design and Building Magazine
- American Institute of Building Design
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Caitlin Sanford is a consultant and freelance writer. She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Stanford University.
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