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Residential & commercial
Interior Designer
Not decorating — there are building codes involved.
Typical pay
$45k-$95k
How you get in
Bachelor's for commercial; portfolio for residential
Outlook
Steady; commercial and healthcare design growing
Interior designers plan interior spaces for function, safety and appearance, often working with architects and contractors. Commercial work involves codes, accessibility and permits; residential is closer to a client relationship business.
A day in the life
- 9:00aClient emails and vendor follow-ups
- 10:00aSpace planning and drafting in CAD
- 12:00pShowroom visit to source materials
- 2:00pClient presentation with samples and renderings
- 4:00pSite visit to check installation against the plan
- 5:30pPurchase orders and budget tracking
How to get in
Interior design degree
Duration
4 years
Cost
$40,000-$180,000
Credential
CIDA-accredited degree, then the NCIDQ exam
- Complete a CIDA-accredited interior design program
- Learn CAD, Revit, codes and accessibility standards
- Work two years under a qualified designer
- Pass the NCIDQ — required to call yourself an interior designer in many states
Residential decorating into design
Duration
1-3 years
Cost
$0-$15,000
Credential
None required for residential in most states
- Start with residential clients through referrals
- Build a portfolio and vendor relationships
- Learn the trade side — contractors, lead times, installation
- Note the legal distinction between decorator and designer varies by state
Associate degree or certificate
Duration
1-2 years
Cost
$8,000-$30,000
Credential
Certificate or associate in interior design
- Complete a shorter program covering CAD and space planning
- Enter as a design assistant at a firm or showroom
- Learn the business from inside
- Complete a bachelor's later if you want NCIDQ and commercial work
What people love
- · Creative work with tangible results
- · Residential practice can be run solo
- · Commercial work is stable and code-driven
- · Trade discounts and vendor relationships add margin
What wears people down
- · Clients change their minds after ordering
- · Income is project-based and uneven
- · Often confused with decorating, which undercuts rates
- · Commercial work requires real technical knowledge