Can anyone help decor8 reader Helen from Seattle, Washington?
She writes, “Hi Holly, I am a marketing professional looking to go back to school and change my career path. I live in Seattle and I’m looking into evening interior design programs. So far I have talked to Seattle Art Institute and I will be talking to International Academy of Design. Since you are in the field, I would like to get your opinion and perspective on the above schools. Do they have a good reputation? Will companies hire based on the above name recognition or lack there of? Anything you could provide or suggest would be greatly appreciated. Since I do work full time, I am somewhat limited to just evening programs in the Seattle area.”
Sorry Helen, I’m not too savvy when it comes to design schools on the west coast, can anyone provide Helen with some direction?
Thanks Helen for writing in!
October 3rd, 2006 at 4:15 pm
I’d like to think your reader could open up some local design books (like Seattle Monthly, or some other publication.. like a newspaper) and write the designer for their opinion. That’s what I would do.
One thing to caution: starting over a second career has serious financial implications. If she’s a “marketing professional” she may be used to a certain level of salary. That will change for the first few years of starting her business! Oh boy! I’d start saving and NOT leaving your day-job. Look at it as not just an artistic passion, but listen to your business sense too. School on!
October 3rd, 2006 at 5:02 pm
That’s a really good tip John. She may be looking for tips from students or former students that attended a Seattle-based art school – especially since the idea of returning to school can be scary, and even more so when you don’t know much about the reputation of the school.
Perhaps she can start with a night course – I suggest taking a very basic “Intro to Interior Design” course offered at most art schools. That alone will provide her with SO much information and will help her figure out the direction she wants to go with her interest in design.
Does anyone have a Seattle school in mind to suggest for an Intro class? Also chatting with a career counselor… Very helpful.
Holly
October 3rd, 2006 at 9:26 pm
I live in Seattle and I’m a senior design professional at a reputable commercial design firm. We have not hired anyone from the Art Institue, however we hire many employees from the Interior Design Program at Bellevue Community College. They ususally start out in our library and then they’re promoted to a full time position when they graduate.
Starting salary for an interior design in our market is around 30k – 40k depending on your field of interest. Residential tends to be lower on the pay scale for new designer. Commercial tends to be higher.
Hope this helps!
October 4th, 2006 at 8:06 pm
Holly– you too gave me great advise. I too have always wanted to get the fundementals of design by taking a class. I haven’t persued it yet, but your post has inspired me. I am sure LA has it’s share of art schools, and I can’t wait to start looking.
- jt