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People that have creative talents often seek ways to turn those skills into a paying career.
One option you may want to consider is interior design, which could involve a variety of artistic and technical pursuits.
Article Table of Contents
Arizona Requirements for Interior Designers
The state of Arizona may not require an interior designer to have a license.
However, this location’s government might require that people operating in this role have their designs signed by an architect, who might require a license.
You could upgrade your credentials by taking the Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam, however.
Eligibility requirements for undergoing the NCIDQ testing include having some work experience and education behind you.
The most important way to prepare for this exam is to take your interior design classes seriously.
You may need up to two years of experience as well, so make sure you take advantage of as many decorating and design experiences opportunities as you can.
Performing a few volunteer jobs will get you started.
Concerning the licensing requirements: Your instructors in a formal certificate or university training program can advise you about Arizona regulations for interior designers and architects.
5 Interior Design Schools in Arizona
Scottsdale Community College
Word toward an Associated in Applied Science in Interior Design at this school.
Take space planning, rendering and drafting and computer-aided design classes, and more.
You earn certificates of Completion for your coursework, and you can transfer some of your credits to Northern Arizona University.
Northern Arizona University
Transfer qualifying credits from the Scottsdale Community College to NAU or start as a new student.
You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.
This interdisciplinary coursework teaches you fundamentals, but it also expands into design scenarios that affect health, safety, and sustainability.
If you also take some art classes, you might become exposed to home and building designs of different eras, including the modern and Victorian ages.
Phoenix College
You could receive one of several certificates specializing in certain rooms, such as kitchen and bath.
Otherwise, you could become immersed in Interior Design Technology or Home Staging.
Before taking on a full course load, you might consider trying out Introduction to Interior Design first.
This should help you decide if you want to pursue this as a career, and it might inspire you to choose your preferred specialty.
Herberger Institute
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts sponsored by Arizona State University offers both interior design and architecture classes.
Learn the science and visual aspects of creating the ideal home and business or tourism settings.
Courses include lighting and construction, theory and history, and practical staging fundamentals.
Mesa Community College
This school has the Computer Assisted Design and Drafting certificate program to get you started.
You will learn the techniques required as an interior designer or architect.
You may also take related Applied Sciences or Building Construction Management courses to provide yourself with a well-rounded view of interior building design.
Interior Design Schools in Arizona – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Scottsdale Community College | 9000 East Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85256-2626 |
| Northern Arizona University | 1900 S Knoles Dr Flagstaff AZ 86011 |
| Phoenix College | 1202 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013 |
| Herberger Institute | 1001 S Forest Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 |
| Mesa Community College | 1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202 |
Additional Learning Resources
You can find support throughout your interior design career from the Interior Design Society, the American Society of Interior Designers, and the International Interior Design Association.
From these three associations, you might find leads to the courses that would most interest you, and you also may learn of various niche organizations, such as the American Lighting Association, that you can join.
These organizations also might schedule workshops and offer you the networking you need to succeed in your field.
Salary
An interior design professional can make between $38,187-$52,833, with the average being $48,177.
You may find the most job openings in Flagstaff or Phoenix, but you might also see openings in other cities including Prescott, Tempe, or Chandler.
Online search and instructor referrals plus word-of-mouth by clients probably will help you find the highest paying gigs.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $48,177 |
| Tucson | $45,823 |
| Mesa | $48,184 |
| Glendale | $48,177 |
| Scottsdale | $48,184 |
| Chandler | $48,184 |
| Tempe | $48,184 |
| Gilbert | $48,184 |
| Peoria | $48,079 |
| Yuma | $50,013 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 1,230 | $62,100 | $29.86 | $81,010 | $39,920 |
| Tucson, AZ | 110 | $57,970 | $27.87 | $75,800 | $38,690 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does an interior designer do?
They plan the spacing required to achieve a certain furniture and decoration display.
What is more, they take time to test how different colors, textures, and materials would combine the best to create a unique look.
How many years of school does an interior designer need?
A typical learning track takes about one or two years with job training.
That does not include interdisciplinary courses taken at a university that would satisfy degree requirements.
Some students might spend three or four years in college while working in their field.
Remember, you need two years of job experience to take an exam to qualify as an expert designer, so you do not need to wait until you finish your post-secondary training to find work.
What technology training is required for an interior designer?
Most students take computer-aided design (CAD) courses, which have become the standard if you plan to take this career track seriously.
You probably will also have to take both 2D and 3D design courses, and you could even take some augmented reality courses to enhance your design planning experiences.
Do interior designers need a degree?
Most of them might pursue at least an associate’s degree, since two years of experience is required before taking the professional NCIDQ exam anyway.
However, you can still work for a place if they hire you even while in school, such as if someone you know decides to let you work for them.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State