Become a Certified Interior Designer

Elevate your design career with our Certified Residential Interior Designer course, a comprehensive program designed for aspiring and experienced professionals. This interior design certification course covers essential principles, including design elements, color theory, textiles, furnishings and the history of styles, giving you the knowledge and confidence to transform any space. By completing this program, you will strengthen your expertise, expand your career opportunities and enhance your credibility in the interior design industry.

In addition to interior design fundamentals, you will gain practical business training to help you build and grow a successful design practice. Learn how to connect with clients, manage projects effectively and define your personal design style. This course combines technical training with real-world applications, ensuring you are fully prepared to deliver exceptional results for clients while also positioning yourself as a skilled professional in a competitive market.

A highlight of this interior design course is the final project, where you will design a family room that demonstrates your mastery of the concepts learned. This project can be showcased in your professional portfolio and will be reviewed by the Designer Society of America (DSA). Upon completion, you will earn your R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) credential, receive a free one-year DSA membership, and qualify to sit for the Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC) exam, with the exam voucher included for eligible students.

Course Objectives:

• Prepare for both the R.I.D.E. and RIDQC exams
• Gain a deep understanding of design elements and principles and learn how to apply them effectively
• Develop proficiency in the entire design process, from concept development to the final presentation
• Acquire comprehensive knowledge of various materials and finishes commonly used in residential interiors
• Develop a strong foundation in color theory and gain the ability to apply this knowledge to create cohesive color schemes for residential interiors
• Obtain expertise in space planning techniques to effectively design residential spaces to meet clients' needs
• Acquire valuable insights into the business aspects of interior design, including project management, client relations, ethics, and professional practice
• Study the history of architecture and interiors to draw inspiration from various design movements and apply historical references in contemporary design work
• Develop an understanding of the selection and application of textiles, window treatments, accessories, and artwork to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces
• Learn the lighting design principles, including the selection and placement of fixtures, to create well-lit and aesthetically pleasing environments

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Course Instructor

Natasha Lima-Younts 

has worked in interior design for more than 20 years and is one of the founders of the Designer Society of America (DSA). She is devoted to increasing opportunities for residential interior designers through purposeful education, believing that creative individuals should enter the field with a solid understanding and professional knowledge.

Previously, Natasha designed couture clothing under her own signature and created themed parties for high-profile clients. The latter evolved into her clients requesting her talents as a designer for their homes. This led her to establish Gables Interiors, where she managed multi-million-dollar interior design project budgets for luxury homes valued up to 30 million dollars as principal designer and owner. She also developed interior design "Discover Your Style" seminars for design shows to help the public with DIY projects.

Natasha has also designed green rooms for the Latin Billboard Awards and has been selected to design for the "Designer for the Stars" seven times. She has published several articles about her home designs in magazines and newspapers, including Lincoln Road, Florida Architecture, Florida Design, Veranda, Elle, Southwest Georgia Living, and Miami Herald. She has also featured luxury homes on "The View."

Natasha balances her time between her own interior design work, educational programs for residential interior designers and her roles at DSA.

Interior Designer FAQs

What do interior designers do?
An interior designer is a skilled professional who plans interiors for residential and commercial spaces. They create new interiors or assist with renovating existing living spaces. They focus on the general and detailed planning of interior spaces, considering technical aspects such as lighting and acoustics.

In addition to addressing the aesthetics of their designs, interior designers also consider health and safety concerns, usability, and functionality. They can also take on the role of project manager and collaborate with general contractors and other tradespeople, including electricians, carpenters, and painters.

What does my free one-year membership in the Designer Society of America entitle me to?
As a DSA member, you gain increased client exposure, exclusive marketing opportunities, discounts on business tools, access to industry insights and professional growth programs, and the chance to earn recognition through the DSA Design 360 Award.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

This course allows you to obtain the R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) credential and is designed to prepare you for the RIDQC (Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification) certification. Individuals who have the necessary hands-on experience, design-related education, or a combination of both are eligible to take the RIDQC Exam.

To fulfill the prerequisites, you will need to successfully complete this course, which includes passing the R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) exam and completing the final interior design presentation for review by the DSA. You can view the full requirements at https://www.ridqcexam.org/about/.

Interior Designers - Employment and Education

Despite limited employment growth, about 8,200 openings for interior designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Job Stats

• Job Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
• Number of Jobs, 2023: 92,200
• Median Pay: $63,490 per year

Source: BLS, 2025