Interior and spatial designer : Training

Further training is widely considered to be a good way of developing your career and can open up new areas of expertise.

Short courses are run by further education, art and design or private colleges. Relevant professional bodies may also publicise opportunities. Useful subjects of study include:

• computer-aided design (CAD);
• Photoshop;
• green energy/eco topics;
• lighting or building regulations.

It is important to research courses thoroughly to ensure they meet your requirements.

Large consultancies offer on-the-job training, and some may also provide courses on subjects such as negotiation, marketing (particularly branding), website creation, CAD and software packages such as Photoshop, Flash and Illustrator.

Members of the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD)  can access continuing professional development (CPD) courses, including training seminars and workshops, and are awarded a professional practice certificate to document this professional development. The CSD also offers a professional portfolio checking and updating service. It is also possible to study for a diploma in design business management.

The British Institute of Interior Design  provides professional practice seminars to their members throughout the year on a range of subjects including business practice and regulatory matters. Members are also required to undertake a certain amount of CPD each year in order to update personal and professional skills, as well as network and share ideas.

Further study also provides the opportunity to experiment, diversify or obtain the specialist knowledge required to progress. Postgraduate Masters and PhDs are available in specialised areas of interior design and related subjects.

Designers interested in running their own practice may undertake business start-up training in associated skills such as finance, marketing and management.