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Embarking down the path to becoming an interior designer is vocational; it requires a certain level of passion and fulfills dreams and ambitions.
Interior design is a field that requires both aesthetic sensibility and technical competence.
If you enjoy the idea of combining architecture, construction, and project management to satisfy the aesthetic and functionality needs of customers, interior design may be the perfect career for you.
In Kentucky, interior design is not regulated by a license.
However, it is unlawful to pretend to be a certified designer if you have not earned the voluntary certificate.
Also, keep in mind that the fewer certificates and credentials you have, the harder it will be to garner serious attention and build a clientele.
If you are working with an established firm under the supervision of recognized interior designers, you may choose to skip certification; nevertheless, interior design entails aspects of safe materials usage, ventilation, fire safety, and environmental regulations, and must adhere to a vast array of federal laws and amendments such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), so you must be up to date with the new rules in place.
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Interior Design Programs in the State of Kentucky
As mentioned above, getting a degree in interior design is a great idea for those that are looking to break into the profession.
All of the schools listed below offer great interior design programs that give students practical knowledge and allow them to develop skills and build upon their creativity while interacting with like-minded individuals to build positive professional relationships and connections.
The top interior design programs in the state of Kentucky are:
The University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky (UK) has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in Interiors through their school of Design and is verified by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
The Bachelor’s program lasts a total of four years and is estimated at an annual cost of $12,610 for in-state and $31,608 for out-of-state students.
The Masters’s program lasts between 18-24 months and the average cost for this degree is $13,674 for in-state residents and $33,548 for out-of-state students.
Western Kentucky University
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design has accredited the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
The program lasts about four years (125 credit hours) and the annual tuition for in-state students is $10,992, and $27,000 for out-of-state students.
The University of Louisville
The University of Louisville has a BFA in Interior Design.
Their curriculum is also CIDA certified, with high graduation and job success rates.
Students work closely with mentors to complete high-level projects toward building a final portfolio.
The program lasts about four years and costs $12,162 for in-state residents and $28,508 for out-of-state residents.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster is an online interior design accreditation institution that offers a 16-24 month program for $1,179 for the first semester.
Graduates earn 45 credits toward the 60 credit requirement for National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Certification.
Students may apply for membership in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) after completing the program, and graduates can submit Penn Foster transcripts to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) to earn educational hours toward NKBA certification.
Interior Design Schools in Kentucky – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The University of Kentucky | 100 W. D. Funkhouser Bldg Lexington, KY 40506 |
| Western Kentucky University | 1906 College Heights Blvd. Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
| The University of Louisville | 2301 S. 3rd St. Louisville, Kentucky 40292 |
| Penn Foster | 14300 N Northsight Blvd., Suite 125 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 |
Salary Expectations
The average annual pay for a Residential Interior Designer in Kentucky is $61,783.
The majority of Residential Interior Designer salaries now range from $42,551 (25th percentile) to $73,009 (75th percentile), with top earners earning up to $78,831 per year in Kentucky.
The typical money range for a Residential Interior Designer varies drastically across all levels (as much as $30,458), implying there may be many chances for growth and increased compensation based on skill level, location, and several years of expertise.
The current national median interior designer salary currently sits at $48,769, which is well below the average annual pay in Kentucky.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $45,926 |
| Louisville | $45,989 |
| Owensboro | $45,802 |
| Bowling Green | $44,147 |
| Covington | $47,691 |
| Hopkinsville | $43,892 |
| Frankfort | $44,585 |
| Henderson | $46,095 |
| Richmond | $45,464 |
| Jeffersonville | $45,536 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 80 | $73,320 | $35.25 | $135,820 | $45,770 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 140 | $60,820 | $29.24 | $99,980 | $40,070 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain my certified interior designer certificate in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Board of Architects & Certified Interior Designers handles all things related to certifying interior designers in the state of Kentucky.
To be certified, the candidate must have a post-secondary education, KYBOA-approved experience and training, and successful completion of either the Architect Registration Exam (NCARB) or the National Council of Interior Design Qualifications NCIDQ Certification Test.
When is my CID certificate renewal due and what is the fee for renewing my CID certificate?
The renewal date for the CID certificate in Kentucky is September 30 of each calendar year and the renewal fee is an annual cost of $200.
What are the highest paying cities for residential interior designer jobs in Kentucky?
There are two cities in Kentucky where the typical salary for a Residential Interior Designer position is significantly higher than the average reported throughout the state.
Elizabethtown is the highest paying city for interior designers in Kentucky with an average reported salary of $62,367.
Richmond, in second place, outperforms the state average by 0.7 percent and is reported at $62,192.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State