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Interior design is a profession that combines creativity and usefulness to help customers.
Interior designers develop spaces that are both visually appealing and practical, providing the solutions and capabilities that clients desire.
Interior designers can operate in a variety of settings, including architecture firms and furniture shops, and about a third of them are self-employed in the United States.
Interior designers will not be short on projects as home construction and remodeling continue to rise.
If you or someone you know is interested in taking the next steps to embark on a career path in interior design in Michigan, this article is for you.
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What Credentials Do I Need?
Although there are no specific federal laws regulating interior design, and in particular in Michigan, there are no laws offering special privileges to certificate-holding designers, contrary to popular belief, a competent interior designer does much more than the minimum would suggest.
The NCIDQ is a qualification that designers who work for the public’s health, life safety, and welfare are required to pass.
The exam is made up of 15 hours of questions and covers a wide range of themes, including planning for space, lighting, sustainability, and project management.
Individuals who pass the NCIDQ exams may look to organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers to aid them in obtaining licensure.
While you do not need to be licensed to practice interior design in Michigan right now, these organizations are working to safeguard designers who have demonstrated their abilities and knowledge by passing the test from being “driven out” of business.
The term “interior designer” would be reserved for those who have received formal training, while “interior decorator” would be used to describe non-certified designers.
However, most designers are primarily concerned with gaining rights and privileges, such as sealing drawings that only architects can do.
Five Best Schools for Interior Design in Michigan
If you are in the Michigan area, or are thinking about moving to the Michigan area, and are interested in the educational opportunities available for a career in interior design, listed below are five exceptional educational institutions and interior design programs with expert knowledge and impeccable prestige.
Michigan State University
The Interior Design Program at Michigan State University dates back to 1935, and the degrees available include a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design (120 credits), a Master of Arts in Environmental Design (additional 33 credits), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Design, and Construction with a concentration in Environmental Design (all required coursework must be completed within 8 years).
In-state tuition costs approximately $29,230, and out-of-state tuition costs about $54,536.
College for Creative Studies
The Interior Design program at CCS is accredited by the Council of Interior Design (CIDA), which encourages innovative thinking and concept development.
Students collaborate to develop a personal aesthetic sense as well as an understanding of client requirements.
They also study how to mix research and current trends with environmental purpose, design, and sustainability.
This is a four-year program that has a tuition cost of roughly $48,030 for all prospective students.
Eastern Michigan University
The goal of Eastern Michigan University’s Interior Design Programs (undergraduate and graduate) is to enable students to address issues such as function, health/safety/wellbeing, and interior environmental quality.
The EDRI programs encourage design research, critical thinking, and originality in design choices that apply to all interior spaces, components, and elements within the built environment.
These decisions take into account social impact, cultural ramifications, global and economic factors.
The number of credits this program offers is between 21–88 and the average tuition is $28,302 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Ferris State University
Students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design program at KCAD focus on innovative solutions-finding ways to improve the functionality and beauty of interior settings, as well as on worldwide and long-term design ideas for residential and commercial projects.
This degree is a four-year program where tuition costs about $25,263 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Central Michigan University
The CIDA-accredited curriculum teaches you entry-level interior design practice, for further study and how to join professional interior design organizations.
The Central Michigan University degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Art in Architecture are sufficient for participation in the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).
These four-year programs cost $12,960 for in-state tuition and $24,120 for out-of-state tuition.
Interior Design Schools in Michigan – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Michigan State University | 426 Auditorium Road East Lansing, MI 48824 |
| College for Creative Studies | 201 E. Kirby Detroit, MI 48202 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 |
| Ferris State University | 1201 S State St, Big Rapids, MI 49307 |
| Central Michigan University | 1200 S. Franklin St. Mount Pleasant, Mich. 48859 |
Salary Expectations
According to PayScale, the median salary for an Interior Designer in Michigan is $57,093 as of February 25, 2022.
However, the range is generally between $46,601 and $67,660.
Salaries vary significantly depending on location and a variety of other considerations such as education levels and certifications.
The median salary for interior designers in the United States is currently $48, 769.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Detroit | $49,603 |
| Grand Rapids | $47,296 |
| Warren | $49,603 |
| Flint | $45,460 |
| Sterling Heights | $49,447 |
| Lansing | $47,208 |
| Ann Arbor | $50,325 |
| Livonia | $49,447 |
| Dearborn | $49,603 |
| Westland | $49,769 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 100 | $62,160 | $29.88 | $85,980 | $38,310 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 1,170 | $68,200 | $32.79 | $102,560 | $40,880 |
| Flint, MI | 60 | $60,890 | $29.27 | $84,260 | $38,870 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 320 | $68,640 | $33 | $99,510 | $44,670 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 80 | $66,520 | $31.98 | $98,150 | $39,810 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 60 | $65,220 | $31.36 | $86,910 | $38,910 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do interior designers charge clients in Michigan on average?
The average initial consultation fee for interior designers is $100-$225, but some will charge an hourly rate, which typically starts at $50 for larger projects that need comprehensive consultations.
Does interior design involve drawing?
Yes, if you want to be an interior designer, you must be able to draw well.
As an interior designer, you must understand the relationships between materials, color, lighting, and texture to produce the desired effect on a specific area.
How long do interior designers work in a day?
An interior designer typically starts working at 8:30 a.m. and finishes at 5:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State