Interior designers not only make aesthetically pleasing spaces, but also spaces that are function and optimized for safety. If you have an eye for design and are interested in creating functional, pleasing spaces, then becoming an interior designer may be a great fit for you. Learn more about what interior design is and what it takes to become an interior designer below!
Find a design program near you.
WHAT IS INTERIOR DESIGN?
Interior design enhances spaces within buildings, or homes, by using a combination of art and design principles. The result? A stunning, aesthetic, safe, and functional space for the client. Interior design goes beyond visuals — it also focuses on the conceptual and technical values of a space.
PICTURE YOURSELF AS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
Interior designers determine the functional and aesthetic needs of an area by working with clients, architects, and other professionals in related industries. Achieving a successful project requires for interior designers to be able to accomplish the following:
- Determine the client’s needs/wants
- Read and create blueprints
- Create project timelines
- Sketch out the design plans either freehand or with a Computer Animated Design (CAD) program
- Use Building Information Modeling (BIM) for a 3-D visual of the project
- Estimate potential costs
- Order the materials
- Oversee the duration of the design project
There are two main types of interior designers: residential and commercial. Residential interior designers work with homeowners to design their living spaces. Some interior designers may specialize in particular rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms.
Commercial interior designers work on government buildings, schools, corporate spaces, and other public-facing spaces. Within the commercial interior design sector, specialties can be broken down even further: kitchen and bath, hospitals, hotels, and restaurants, are just a few sub-specialties of commercial interior designers.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND INTERIOR DECORATORS
Very often, the jobs are referred to and used interchangeably. However, there are major differences between the two; the main one being that interior designers can decorate, but interior decorators are not able to do the same design work as interior designers.
Interior designers are involved in projects from the ground up. Interior decorators are not: their focus is solely on the furniture and the materials that embody their client's taste, and they decorate the space accordingly. Also, interior decorators do not always require the extent of education that interior designers do.
DO YOU HAVE THE SOFT SKILLS?
Not only is schooling and experience important, but there are also some soft skills that can take one's interior design career far. Let's examine a few listed below:
- Communication: You will need to have strong communication skills to communicate effectively with both clients and colleagues.
- Creativity: It goes without saying that interior designers must have creative talent. The more creatively inclined you are, the more comfortable you are likely to feel in your role as a designer.
- Artistic Talent: Similar to creativity, designers with strong artistic abilities can excel in the field of interior design. Whether it comes to simply sketching out ideas, rooms, or even blueprints, having an artistic eye is paramount when it comes to being a designer.
- Detail-Oriented: Noticing the little things and how they connect to create a space is a part of the job, as is noticing any errors that may cause future issues for the design team and clients.
- Intuitive: Not all clients know what they want or how to communicate it. If you are a designer who can use your skills and judgement to bring someone's vision to life, you're likely to please your clients.
- Problem Solver: As with any job, you'll encounter problems when working on your projects here and there. If you're a decisive person who uses their best judgement to find solutions at difficult times, it should help you tremendously in the field.
STEPS TO TAKE
- Earn your degree from an accredited interior design program
- Pass the licensing exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ)
- Gain work experience
- Build a strong design portfolio
- Continue your education through courses and additional licensing
SUGGESTED DEGREES
There are a few different degree paths for budding interior designers to take. Associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees are the most common. While both provide a quality education, many design firms are beginning to prefer hiring designers with bachelor's degrees.
- Associate of Arts Degree: Associate degrees are designed to take 2 years to complete if the student attends full time. In an interior design program, students will take courses in the fundamentals of design (both by hand and computer), digital drafting, lighting, color theory, furniture design, art history, and a variety of business courses.
- Bachelor’s Degree: An associate degree can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree, which takes about 4 years to complete. Bachelor's degree programs are more well-rounded, as the student takes classes in areas beyond their major. Most accredited bachelor’s degree programs will include courses such as design theory, textiles, business, 3-D imaging, and space planning.
HOW MUCH DOES AN INTERIOR DESIGN DEGREE COST?
Learn about financial aid options you could be eligible for in our handy financial aid guide!
Interior designers with a bachelor's degree may have an advantage in the job market over interior designers with associate degrees. It is important to note that the exact cost of schooling varies depending on your school and/or program. An associate degree in interior design can cost around $8,000, whereas a bachelor's degree cost over $30,000, depending where you attend.
Be sure to discuss the financial aid opportunities you are eligible for with your chosen school's admissions department.
PICKING A PROGRAM
There are many different interior design programs to choose from. The following are a few qualities to consider and questions to answer when it comes to enrolling in the program that is right for you:
- Make sure the interior design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
- Does the school you're looking at offer the degree you'd like to get?
- Does the school teach computer-aid drafting (CAD) and provide formal training?
- Are internships and/or apprenticeships available?
- Does the program align with your goals?
- Do you want to specialize and does the school offer that area of specialty?
- What is the employment rate of past graduates?
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
Between now and 2032, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for interior designers will increase by 4 percent, which is growth consistent with that of the national average. Working in affluent areas may increase the chances of getting higher paying clients. Interior designers' work can be affected by the economy, as with most other construction-related careers.
THE SALARY OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the salary of interior designers in 2023 averaged $68,530, with the top 10 percent making $101,860 or more. Interior designers usually work full-time, and many work hours that are outside of the traditional 9 to 5 schedule.
States with the Highest Salaries for Interior Designers in 2023
| State | Average salary |
| California | $81,570 |
| Massachusetts | $79,310 |
| Washington | $77,240 |
| New York | $75,310 |
INTERIOR DESIGN LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION BY STATE
Every state has its own licensing requirements for interior designers. However, many interior designers, upon finishing their education, choose to become licensed regardless of their state’s requirements. Potential clients, as well as interior design firms, may show preference to interior designers who are licensed.
The most commonly used exam is from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). California’s exam is different; the state uses one given by the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC). Both exams have an educational and experience requirement prior to exam registration.
State Certifications
Type of Act: Allow for Sign, Seal and Permitting
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 60 quarters or 48 tri semesters. Credit hours/4 years for the registered level
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ/NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: Yes
State Board or Agency:
Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers
P.O Box 11026
Birmingham, Alabama
Telephone: (205) 317-0356
No license required
No license required
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 4 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: .5 CEUs per year
State Board or Agency:
Arkansas Board of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
101 East Capitol Suite 110
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-3172
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/or Seal
Title: “Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: None
Total Education Plus Experience: 6-8 years depending on education
Examination Required: IDEX
Continuing Education for Renewal: .10 hours per biennium
State Board or Agency:
California Council for Interior Design Certification
1605 Grand Avenue, Suite 4
San Marcos, California 92078
Telephone: (760) 761-4734
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/or Seal
Title: None
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: None
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/or Seal
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required: NCIDQ requirements
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: None
State Board or Agency:
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
450 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford Connecticut, 06103
Telephone: (860) 713-6100
No license required
Type of Act: Allows for Sign, Seal and Permitting
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: Not less than 20 hours per biennium
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/or Seal
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 4 years or first professional degree
Total Education Plus Experience: 4 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 12 hours per biennium
State Board or Agency:
Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers
214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Telephone: (844) 753-7825
No license required
No license required
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: None
State Board or Agency:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
100 West Randolph, 9th floor
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Telephone: 1(888) 473-4858
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ or ARE
Continuing Education for Renewal: None
State Board or Agency:
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Telephone: (317) 233-0800
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
State Board or Agency:
Interior Design Examining Board
200 E. Grand Avenue, Suite 350
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Telephone: (515) 725-9022
No license required
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/or Seal
Title: “Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 7 years of interior design education and experience. Minimum of a four year degree from a CIDA accredited school and two years of interior design experience
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 12 hours per year
State Board or Agency:
Kentucky Board of Architects and Certified Interior Designers
155 East Main Street, Suite 300
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
Telephone: (859) 246-2069
Type of Act: Allows for Sign, Seal and Permitting
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
State Board or Agency:
Louisiana State Board of Interior Designers
11736 Newcastle Avenue,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816
Telephone: (225) 295-8425
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 4 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: None
State Board or Agency:
Maine State Board for Licensure of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
76 Northern Avenue
Gardiner, Maine 04345
Telephone: (207) 624-8603
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/or Seal
Title: “Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 4 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 10 hour per biennium
State Board or Agency:
Maryland Department of Licensing and Regulation
500 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Telephone: (410) 230-6259
No license required
Michigan State Board of Architects
P.O Box 30004
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Telephone: (517) 373-1820
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/or Seal
Title: “Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: Board determined
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 24 hours per biennium
State Board or Agency:
Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design
85 E. 7th Place
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Telephone: (651) 757-1515
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Mississippi Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 4 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 8 hours per year
State Board or Agency:
Mississippi State Board of Architecture
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 10 hours per biennium
State Board or Agency:
Missouri Interior Design Council
3605 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-1335
Telephone: (573) 751-0293
No license required
Type of Act: Allows for Sign, Seal, and Permitting
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 4 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 8 hours per year
State Board or Agency:
Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design & Residential Design
2080 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 120
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
Telephone: (702) 486-7300
No license required
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/or Seal
Title: “Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: Yes
State Board or Agency:
New Jersey State Board of Architects
124 Halsey Street
Newark, New Jersey 07101
Telephone: (973) 504-6200
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Licensed Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 8 hours per year
State Board or Agency:
New Mexico Board of Interior Design
PO Box 25101
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
Telephone: (505) 476-4622
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/ or Seal
Title: “Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 7 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: None
State Board or Agency:
New York State Education Department Board of Interior Design
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York
Telephone: (518) 474-3852
No license required
No license required
No license required
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: None
No license required
No license required
No license required
No license required
No license required
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 24 hours per year
State Board or Agency:
Tennessee Board of Architectural & Engineering Examiners
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1142
Telephone: (615) 741-3221
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/or Seal
Title: “Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: CIDA accredited degree
Total Education Plus Experience: CIDA accredited interior design degree and two years of experience
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 12 hours per year, including one barrier free and one sustainable
State Board or Agency:
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
333 Guadalupe, Suite 350
Austin, Texas 78701
Telephone: (512) 305-9000
No license required
No license required
Type of Act: Allows for Sign and/ or Seal
Title: “Certified Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 4 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: None
State Board or Agency:
Virginia APELSCIDLA
Licensing Section: (804) 367-8506
Board Office: (804) 367-8514
No license required
Type of Act: Allows for Sign, Seal and Permitting
Title: “Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years (as required by NCIDQ to take exam)
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 10 hours per biennium
State Board or Agency:
Board of Architecture and Interior Design
1100 4th Street, SE, Washington DC 20024
Telephone: (202) 442-4400
No license required
Type of Act: Professional State Recognition
Title: “Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer”
Post-HS Education & Experience Required:
Education: 2 years
Total Education Plus Experience: 6 years
Examination Required: NCIDQ
Continuing Education for Renewal: 9 hours per biennium
State Board or Agency:
Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing
1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 112
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
No license required