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Are you in Hawaii and interested in becoming an interior designer?
This comprehensive guide gives you information on the educational and state requirements.
We also answer some common questions to help you achieve your career goals.
Article Table of Contents
What Do Interior Designers Do?
They design and create living and working spaces for a variety of clients.
They may decide to work as part of a design firm or as a freelancer.
Most interior designers choose a niche to specialize in.
This includes corporate workspaces, home design, or green spaces.
Hawaii’s Requirements for Interior Designers
Educational and licensure requirements for interior design are different in each state.
Hawaii is one state that does not have any registration or license requirements.
It is not mandatory to receive national certification either.
But, it does not hurt.
If you want formal acknowledgment, you must take an educational program accredited through the Council for Interior Design Accreditation – CIDA.
Only one program in Hawaii has this accreditation -The Chaminade University of Honolulu.
The NCIDQ, or National Council for Interior Design Qualification, gives the exam.
To sit for it, you must have six years of total experience with coursework and practical learning.
5 Interior Design Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii does not have many interior design school programs.
They are as follows:
University of Hawaii Community College
Hilo, HI
They offer a short online course that teaches designs for every aspect of a room.
You will learn about spatial arrangements, color theory, floor plans, and industry trends.
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
$25K a year
This small, private, not-for-profit four-year university has two options:
- The Associate’s degree program combines coursework and hands-on experience. They teach interior design principles, color, and drafting. Computer-aided design, or CAD, is another good course. The program requires an 85-hour internship and a comprehensive exam.
- The bachelor’s program expands on the theory and application of interior design. Required courses include kitchen and bath design, Advanced CAD, lighting design, and space planning.
You can also take part in volunteer projects for nonprofit organizations.
There is a capstone experience that rounds out the program requirements.
You must prepare a portfolio of your work so design professionals can critique it.
The school also encourages students to take part in their Hogan Entrepreneurial Program.
This will provide you with the connections and skills needed to start your business.
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI
$43K for a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design Management
It is a private, not-for-profit institution.
It does not have an interior design degree but its management course-load has valuable information to help you become better at your job.
Interior designers handle different interior design projects.
All products are unique.
But all clients expect the same high-quality, consistent results.
They want their projects completed within budget and on time.
A project management workflow helps you organize your tasks and keep track of goals.
You will also learn how to:
- Resolve conflicts
- Plan and organize a project
- Source products and materials
- Interact with suppliers, clients, and contractors
- Help with construction documents
- Organize and plan project schedules
Penn Foster Career School
Online courses
Interior Decorator Certificate
They offer online coursework that teaches the basics of being an interior decorator from an accredited (both nationally and regionally) program.
With this course, you can get your certificate in five months.
Interior Design Institute
Online Courses
Interior Designer Diploma
This online school does not just teach interior design.
They encourage every student to access and nurture their natural sense of creativity.
You can also expect to learn about the technical and practical skills necessary to bring designs into reality.
Interior Design Schools in Hawaii – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Hawaii Community College | 200 W. Kawili St. Hilo, HI 96720-4091 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | 3140 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | 1 Aloha Tower Drive Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Penn Foster Career School | 925 Oak Street Scranton, PA 18515 |
| Interior Design Institute | 75 Broadway Suite 202 San Francisco, CA 94111 |
How Much Do Interior Designers Make in Hawaii?
The average interior designer in Hawaii makes about $50,000 a year.
But the range usually falls between $40 and $55K.
The salary range varies widely depending on several factors, like additional skills.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $50,554 |
| Hilo | $50,213 |
| Kailua | $50,554 |
| Kaneohe | $50,554 |
| Waipahu | $50,531 |
| Pearl City | $50,554 |
| Haleiwa | $50,213 |
| Mililani | $50,463 |
| Kahului | $50,213 |
| Kihei | $50,213 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 40 | $66,150 | $31.8 | $113,140 | $48,230 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 120 | $61,370 | $29.5 | $89,000 | $42,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Conclusion
If you are a creative person living in Hawaii, consider pursuing a career in interior design.
You will learn how to transform simple living spaces into functional, beautiful rooms.
Plus, the salary and career outlook look promising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to work as an interior designer in Hawaii?
Formal education is not a must.
But it takes more than creativity to become an interior designer in Hawaii.
If you want to be successful in this field, you will need formal education and training.
Every level of academic achievement you pursue opens new doors for you.
Do I have to work for an agency, or can I work on my own?
The answer to this question depends on what your goals are.
If you decide to strike out on your own, remember there are a lot of certifications you can get.
They will help you stay abreast of changes in your industry.
Attend interior design conferences to give you a leg up on your competition.
Should I specialize in a specific niche of interior design?
The interior design field has a lot of opportunities for growth.
But, those that specialize in environmental design are spearheading this growth.
More people want to live sustainably than ever before.
Another option to pursue is accessibility design.
This field focuses on creating spaces that the handi-capable can navigate easily.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State