by 
Reality TV gives the illusion that interior design is simple.
The decorator picks out a few choice cushions and pieces of furniture.
But there is more to it than that.
Interior designers must understand:
- Building codes
- Human behavioral tendencies and lifestyles
- Space planning
In Louisiana, these factors come into place beautifully.
They help these artists create enjoyable, functional, and client-specific spaces.
This is not easy, but it is fulfilling on a molecular level.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 What Do Interior Designers in Louisiana REALLY do?
- 2 Louisiana’s Requirements for Interior Designers
- 3 The Registration Process
- 4 5 Interior Design Schools in Louisiana
- 4.1 Louisiana State University
- 4.2 Louisiana Tech University
- 4.3 The University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- 4.4 The University of Louisiana at Monroe
- 4.5 Delgado Community College
- 4.6 Interior Design Schools in Louisiana – Summary Table
- 4.7 What’s the Average Salary of an Interior Designer in Louisiana?
- 4.8 Regional Salary in Louisiana
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Interior Designers in Louisiana REALLY do?
Interior designers work by themselves or in partnership with an architect.
In fact, these positions have several similarities.
The major difference is simple.
Architects focus on the outside of buildings and designers focus on the interiors.
All their designs must combine aesthetics, function, and safety.
They must also prepare detailed construction documents that tell builders what to do.
These documents may include detailed drawings of custom furnishings.
Interior designers handle space planning.
They must consider materials and their various attributes:
- Function
- Maintenance
- Environmental sensitivity
- Social and psychological needs of the client
This helps them pick the fixtures, furniture, equipment, and millwork that go in each room.
It sounds simple.
But, interior designers need a working knowledge of conservation and ergonomics to help.
They must also understand historical preservation, green design, and more:
- Sound transmission
- Aesthetic design
- Building structure
- Safety issues
- Building function
- Budgeting and finance
- Federal, state, and local codes
- Environmental issues
- Accessibility
- Management
- Building materials
- Construction
- Permit and bidding processes
- Mechanical and electrical layout and function
Louisiana’s Requirements for Interior Designers
The journey to becoming an interior designer in Louisiana is complex.
Designers and decorators can practice design if they want.
But, in the state of Louisiana, they may not call themselves interior designers.
Someone with an NCIDQ Certification Number can not do commercial work.
They must focus on residential design.
Being a professional interior designer requires hard work, dedication, and a degree.
The designation “interior designer” is for individuals who meet the NCIDQ’s requirements.
The three areas are education, examination, and experience.
Once you have completed these requirements, you will get your NCIDQ certificate number.
This lets you apply for a certificate of registration in Louisiana.
This certificate is a visual representation of your commitment to your craft.
It shows you are up-to-date with the most innovative techniques in the industry.
It also assures your clients of your knowledge of Louisiana’s code of professional conduct.
The Registration Process
Before you take the exams, there are certain requirements that you must meet.
You must:
- Be a Louisiana state resident
- Graduate from a council accredited program that lasts at least 2 years
- A combination of experience and education equal to at least six years
- At least two years of experience working with a registered architect or interior designer.
After meeting these qualifications, the application fee is $225.
This lets you sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination.
It comprises three parts:
- Interior design fundamentals exam
- Interior design professional exam
- Practical exam
They test your competence in terms of public health protection, welfare, and safety.
Additional subjects include:
- Contract documents
- Design development
- Schematic design
5 Interior Design Schools in Louisiana
Interior design in Louisiana is the perfect marriage of creativity and intelligence.
Give yourself a leg up by attending one of these schools:
Louisiana State University
- Baton Rouge
- Offers a bachelor’s in interior design
- $11K a year
Louisiana Tech University
- City of Ruston
- Offers a bachelor’s in interior design
- $8K a year
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- City of Lafayette
- Offers a Bachelor’s in interior design
- $9K a year
The University of Louisiana at Monroe
- City of Monroe
- Offers a Bachelor’s in interior design
- $11K a year
Delgado Community College
- City of New Orleans
- Offers both a certificate and associate’s in architectural design/construction technology
Interior Design Schools in Louisiana – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, LA 70803 |
| Louisiana Tech University | 201 Mayfield Ave, Ruston, LA 71272, |
| The University of Louisiana at Lafayette | 104 E. University Circle Lafayette, LA 70503 |
| The University of Louisiana at Monroe | 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209 |
| Delgado Community College | 615 City Park Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 |
What’s the Average Salary of an Interior Designer in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, interior designers make an average of about $21 an hour.
This amounts to roughly $43K a year.
The highest-paid interior designers in Louisiana earn about $63K.
Experts expect a 7% increase in the interior design job market in Louisiana between 2016 and 2026.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $48,245 |
| Baton Rouge | $45,345 |
| Shreveport | $44,838 |
| Lafayette | $44,808 |
| Lake Charles | $44,194 |
| Kenner | $48,219 |
| Bossier City | $44,838 |
| Monroe | $44,604 |
| Alexandria | $43,209 |
| New Iberia | $44,548 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | 70 | $60,830 | $29.24 | $79,890 | $34,100 |
| Lafayette, LA | 40 | $41,590 | $19.99 | $62,620 | $29,850 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 100 | $50,040 | $24.06 | $71,170 | $28,240 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice in Louisiana if my interior design license is from another state?
You can only practice interior design here on one condition.
You must have a certificate of registration from the state of Louisiana.
How can my clients verify my license?
All interior designers should have their certificate of registration nearby.
The website for the American Society of Interior Designers can also confirm.
How should I charge my clients?
It comes down to what is fair for the client and comfortable for you.
There are several ways to calculate the price.
You can do so per project or just for specific services that your client needs.
There are also some instances where a retainer is optimal.
How do I stay competitive in the field?
Registered interior designers must get at least 5 hours of education every year.
Double or triple that number to get an extra boost in knowledge.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State