Online Residential Planning Degrees

Residential planning is a branch of interior design which focuses first on space planning, room traffic patterns, and the customer’s lifestyle.  Aesthetics play an important role in residential planning as well.  Residential planners must consider first how a room is intended to be used, and then make that room livable and stylish.

Residential planners are most often employed for home remodeling projects.  You will need practical skills in space-planning, as well as drafting skills, mathematics, design fundamentals, sketching, and an ability to communicate clearly with clients.

Most interior design firms who hire residential planners require that you complete some type of formal training program or degree.  You can obtain a residential planning diploma, or you can focus on residential planning as a part of your bachelor's degree in interior design.

Degree programs in residential planning are offered at community colleges, universities, art schools, and through online universities and colleges.  You can expect to take classes in architecture, space management, drafting and AutoCAD, textiles, and design.

Completion of these courses will enable you to put your skills right to work as a residential planner, a kitchen or bath designer, an interior design retailer, a manufacturer’s representative, a design consultant, or a showroom coordinator.
Job opportunities for residential planners fluctuate with the real estate market.  When the real estate market is slow, people often decide to remodel, and work is steady for residential planners.  However, some residential planners also specialize in remodeling to sell, thereby maintaining constant employment regardless of the real estate market.