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Interior design is an exciting career that you can practice anywhere.
The ability to be able to take a boring space and make it something beautiful is unique and special.
The creative ability required to be an interior designer is something to be proud of, but interior design is so much more than creativity.
Getting training in interior design is also very important.
There are many facets of interior design that will require education, whether that education is in person or online.
Interior designers study colors, textures, textiles, spatial design, technology, and so much more.
They also need to have an awareness of history and architecture.
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Interior Design Requirements in Idaho
Choosing an interior design program is an important first step to becoming an interior designer, but first, it is important to know what the requirements for interior designers are in your specific state.
Some states require a level of education, whereas others do not.
Some states require registrations, examinations, and licenses, whereas others do not.
The state of Idaho does not have any requirements for interior designers.
You can choose to be an interior designer and work with a design firm with no licensing or schooling.
However, you will be more successful as an interior designer if you are registered and licensed.
Higher-profile clients prefer their interior designers to be licensed.
Passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam will qualify you to be a licensed interior designer.
Top Interior Design Schools in Idaho
There are only two schools with interior design programs in Idaho, but there are many other online programs that you can do as well.
University of Idaho
The University of Idaho has an interior architecture and design program where you can earn a bachelor of science degree.
This is the state of Idaho’s only accredited interior design program.
The students at the University of Idaho participate in community learning and service projects in interior design.
This prepares them for real-world work.
The interior architecture and design program is a four-year degree.
Tuition is around $8,000 for Idaho residents and around $27,000 for out-of-state residents, not including housing costs.
Brigham Young University Idaho
Brigham Young University in Idaho has an interior design major that can result in either a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts in interior design.
This four-year program is $5,000 for members of the LDS church and $10,000 for non-members.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The prestigious art and design school in Colorado does offer online courses that anyone can do from home.
Studying architecture, art, design elements, materials, and more, you can be equipped to start your own interior design business in your hometown.
The online programs are $602 per credit hour, and the bachelor of science program lasts four years.
The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes have interior design programs in-person all across the country, but they also have an online program that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
The Art Institutes are well known for giving their students a great head start in the world of interior design.
Course selections vary from Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) to Interior Architectural Systems to Office Design, and so much more.
As an online student, you will still have small class sizes and one-on-one help.
The total cost of an online Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is just over $93,000.
The Interior Design Institute
The Interior Design Institute is a specialized interior design school that is entirely online.
The class is set up as one long course that has twelve modules and twelve corresponding assignments.
The self-paced course style can be done at any length of time.
Some students stretch it out over a year, due to their work and family commitments.
If you do the program quickly, it can take about 4-6 hours per week for 24 weeks.
The course’s total is $1,399.
In the end, you will have an interior design diploma.
Interior Design Schools in Idaho – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Idaho | 875 Perimeter Drive | Moscow, ID 83844 |
| Brigham Young University Idaho | 210 West 4th South Rexburg, ID, 83460 |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | 1600 Pierce Street Denver, CO, 80214 |
| The Art Institutes | 1501 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 100 Miami, FL 33132-1418 |
| The Interior Design Institute | 75 Broadway Suite 202 San Francisco, CA 94111 |
An Interior Design Salary Range for the State of Idaho
As an interior designer in the state of Idaho, the median salary range is around $48,000.
When you are starting out in the interior design industry, you can expect to make much less, around $28,000.
If you are licensed and attracting high-paying clients, you may make as much as $63,000, if not more.
Having the NCIDQ license can get you more high-profile jobs, resulting in a higher salary.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boise | $45,417 |
| Nampa | $44,929 |
| Pocatello | $42,380 |
| Idaho Falls | $44,334 |
| Meridian | $45,368 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $46,623 |
| Twin Falls | $42,234 |
| Lewiston | $48,158 |
| Caldwell | $44,881 |
| Moscow | $46,623 |
Regional Salary in Idaho
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 130 | $58,140 | $27.95 | $74,040 | $38,800 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
- https://www.cidq.org/certificate-renewal
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/interior-designer-i-salary
- http://ideal-for-idaho.org/faq.asp
- https://www.cidq.org/paths
- https://www.uidaho.edu/caa/programs/interior-architecture-and-design/b-interior-arch-design
- https://www2.byui.edu/catalog-archive/2005-2006/viewDepartment28.htm
- https://www.byui.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an interior design license in Idaho?
No, you do not need an interior design degree in Idaho.
However, having a license through the NCIDQ can raise your salary expectations.
Are there annual fees for keeping my license in Idaho?
Yes, there are annual fees to keep your NCIDQ license.
Check out the current fees here.
What do I need to do for my interior design license in Idaho?
Idaho does not have a state-specific interior design license, but the NCIDQ license requirements are to complete a minimum of an associate’s degree with four years of experience.
If you have a higher-level degree, your experience can be shorter.
Check the current CIDQ guidelines here for more information.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State