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They say there are six signs that someone might be an interior designer; they have a creative eye and attention to detail, stay ahead of and are experts at trend identification, have an eco-friendly mindset and are knowledgeable of sustainable practices, are superior communicators, have sketching ability and computer knowledge, and last but certainly not least are very organized.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, lives in or is planning to move to Indiana, and is interested in becoming an interior designer, this article is for you.
Article Table of Contents
Formal Requirements
While there are no formal federal laws dictating what constitutes an interior designer, in Indiana, interior designers may only refer to themselves as a “registered interior designer” if they are licensed with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA).
To register with the IPLA, the applicant must first hold a National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certificate or an active Indiana Architect license number.
Registered designers have completed a national qualifying Exam, NCIDQ, and documented, verified, diversified experience.
The examination covers contemporary building codes, Americans with Disabilities Act standards, ethics, and the protection of public safety, health, and property.
Colleges In Indiana That Offer Interior Design Programs
Indiana is a great place to study interior design as it has a wealth of highly sought-after educational opportunities within the state.
The state that boasts the “crossroads of America” has five exceptional colleges where an aspiring interior designer is sure to find the right fit and educational experience.
Two of the top universities in the state, Purdue and Indiana University, provide carefully thought-out and designed programs spread throughout the state of Indiana.
Purdue University
The interior design program at Purdue University aims to give students the analytical abilities and expertise to plan commercial, institutional, healthcare, retail, and residential interiors.
This CIDA approved curriculum develops students into creative designers capable of developing innovative design ideas for people’s physical, social, and psychological requirements in a changing world influenced by rapid technological innovation.
Students will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts (BFA).
The Bachelor’s program is roughly four years long and its in-state tuition is listed at $9,992, while its out-of-state tuition is $28,794.
Indiana University Bloomington
The Interiors degree at the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design is a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Since 1992, the program has been recognized by CIDA (the Council for Interior Design Accreditation) as well as 150 others across the United States and Canada.
The curriculum focuses on integrating artistic, behavioral, and technical elements in creative technological applications in order to create responsive physical environments.
The Bachelor’s program is roughly four years and its in-state tuition is listed at $11,221, while its out-of-state tuition is $37,600.
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
A bachelor’s degree is required to practice interior design and qualify for the professional certification examination (NCIDQ) after two years of work experience.
The education builds on the associate degree and further prepares graduates with the knowledge and abilities to work with licensed experts in architectural, mechanical, electrical, and construction fields.
This Bachelor’s degree program is spread out over four years and the tuition is $9,944 for in-state students and $31,626 for out-of-state students.
Purdue University Fort Wayne
At Purdue University Fort Wayne, interior design students obtain a bachelor of science in interior design, which qualifies them to work as both residential and commercial interior designers.
Through this program, students will discover how to incorporate design precedents and current design methods for interior settings to create behavioral, social, technological, and environmentally responsible solutions, while discovering how to combine design concepts, space planning, materials, furnishings, and construction standards to create interior settings that meet the needs of their users.
This Bachelor’s degree program is spread out over four years and the tuition is $8,730 for in-state students and $20,961 for out-of-state students.
Ball State University
The interior design program at Ball State University teaches students demanding jobs in a range of design sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, retail, corporate office, institutional, educational design, and kitchen and bath design.
This program is one of the few in the country that provides students with real-world experience by integrating current projects into their education.
The staff is dedicated to these areas of design and provides students with access to AutoDesk, Revit Architecture, and Adobe Creative Suite, which are the tools used by professionals.
This is a four-year-long program with a mandatory internship in the summer of the final semester.
The average cost for tuition for in-state students is $10,144, and is $27,132 for out-of-state students.
Interior Design Schools in Indiana – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Purdue University | Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN, |
| Indiana University Bloomington | 107 S. Indiana Avenue Bloomington, IN |
| Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis | 420 University Blvd. Indianapolis, IN 46202 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | 2101 East Coliseum Boulevard Fort Wayne, IN 46805 |
| Ball State University | 2000 W. University Ave. Muncie, IN 47306 |
Salary Expectations
Interior designers in Indiana make an average of $41,243 per year.
Wages start at $20,868 and can top out at $81,510.
Interior designers at the top of their field make anywhere from $81,510 to $91,000 per year.
Senior-level interior designer earnings start at $59,028 per year, intermediate-level interior designer earnings begin at $41,243 per year, junior-level interior designer earnings start at $28,816 per year, and starting level interior designer earnings begin at $20,868 per year.
The current median salary in the United States is $48,769.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $47,452 |
| Fort Wayne | $45,497 |
| Evansville | $46,095 |
| South Bend | $45,984 |
| Gary | $49,097 |
| Hammond | $49,097 |
| Bloomington | $44,923 |
| Muncie | $44,985 |
| Anderson | $45,160 |
| Terre Haute | $44,775 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 40 | $64,770 | $31.14 | $79,490 | $36,210 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 30 | $51,200 | $24.62 | $72,590 | $30,520 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 90 | $53,970 | $25.95 | $78,710 | $30,570 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 510 | $61,970 | $29.79 | $89,820 | $36,710 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 40 | $59,290 | $28.5 | $75,370 | $35,770 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I obtain a professional interior design license?
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, www.PLA.IN.gov, is in charge of the Interior Design Registry in Indiana.
If I get a degree, are there any extra qualifications that need to be met in order to obtain a professional interior design license?
The short answer to this question is yes.
Furthermore, under the supervision of a licensed contractor, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree must complete 3,520 hours of qualified work experience and individuals with an Associate’s degree must accomplish 5,280 hours of qualified work experience.
How often must someone renew their RID license?
RID’s must obtain 12 continuing education credits (CEUs) every two years to keep their RID status.
Visit the Indiana Interior Design Registry to renew your Interior Design Registration.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State