Residential interior designers are skilled professionals who transform living spaces into beautiful and functional areas. Their expertise in design and aesthetics helps homeowners create personalized and comfortable living spaces that reflect their style and needs.
From key design elements and principles to the history of styles and furnishings from different eras to reviewing materials, finishes, color, and textiles, you will leave this interior design course with a fundamental overview of interior design essentials. You will also learn how to build a successful design business, cultivate your client base, and appropriately interact with clients in various scenarios.
This interior design certification course requires you to complete a final project, which will be submitted for review to the Designer Society of America (DSA), qualifying you to sit for the Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC) certification exam. Course completion enables you to earn the R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) credential as part of the final exam and qualify for the RIDQC certification exam.
The RIDQC exam voucher is included with course enrollment for qualifying students. You will also obtain a free one-year DSA membership.
Employment opportunities for interior designers are expected to remain steady as demand continues for professionals who can create functional, aesthetically appealing, and sustainable residential spaces.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of interior designers is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 7,800 job openings each year nationwide, driven by both industry growth and the need to replace retiring workers. Demand is expected to be supported by ongoing home renovation projects, aging-in-place design, accessibility needs, and increased interest in personalized living environments.
In North Carolina, long-term employment projections indicate continued job growth across the state’s service-providing industries through 2034, creating opportunities for professionals in residential design, home improvement, and related creative services.
There are no specific prerequisites for this course. You should have a high school degree or the equivalent, basic liberal arts knowledge, and an understanding of and interest in different cultures. You will also need a basic understanding of computers and must be comfortable navigating the Internet.
Students who complete the course and gain their R.I.D.E. will then qualify to sit for the RIDQC exam. This course is a prerequisite to the RIDQC exam, and qualifying students will receive a voucher to sit for the RIDQC exam.
Natasha Lima-Younts
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 establishing 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.
This course is 100% online. Start any time.
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
There are no specific prerequisites for this course. You should have a high school degree or the equivalent, basic liberal arts knowledge, and an understanding of and interest in different cultures. You will also need a basic understanding of computers and must be comfortable navigating the Internet.
Students who complete the course and gain their R.I.D.E. will then qualify to sit for the RIDQC exam. This course is a prerequisite to the RIDQC exam, and qualifying students will receive a voucher to sit for the RIDQC exam.
Instructor
Natasha Lima-Younts
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 establishing 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.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start any time.