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Interior design is an exciting, rewarding, enjoyable pursuit.
It is perfect for creatives in Nevada who appreciate the art of design and have good technical skills.
Article Table of Contents
Nevada and the Interior Design Industry
In Nevada, you can provide interior design services in the following ways:
Registered Interior Designer
This license lets design professionals work in residential or commercial settings.
They can submit plans to building departments.
Certified Interior Designer
The Nevada State Fire Marshal certifies this profession.
It allows you to pick furniture pieces, equipment, and fixtures for commercial projects.
But, you cannot work on buildings higher than 69 feet.
Interior Decorator/Interior Designer
This professional works on residential projects where building codes are not an issue.
Nevada’s Requirements for Interior Designers
You need registration if you want to work in the commercial area without supervision.
These kinds of projects require you to have 2 years of comprehensive work experience.
You must also have at least 2 years’ worth of educational experience.
Interior design program with accreditation from the CIDA or something equivalent.
If you have a bachelor’s in interior design but your program does not have accreditation, do not fret.
It is still possible to achieve your dream.
Applicants must have 5 years of work experience in the interior designing field.
This experience ensures you have knowledge of the current CIDA standards in certain areas.
To meet this standard, you can have your education evaluated by the board based on education only.
But you will have to pay a $300 processing fee.
It is due when you apply.
Architectural program degree with accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board.
If your architectural degree is not accredited by the NAAB, you still have options.
Contact the board to discuss.
Examination
After verifying your education and/or experience, it is time to take the licensing exam.
It comprises of 3 sections.
It will test you to make sure you have the skill and knowledge to practice interior design on your own.
Application Fees
You will have to pay two fees.
One for $25, which is for your application fee.
After your application gets approved, you must pay another $125 to get the certificate.
To maintain your registration, you have to pay $150 every year.
You also must provide documented proof you have completed the continuing education units.
In Nevada, you will need at least 8.
5 Interior Design Schools in Nevada
If you want to practice in commercial and residential settings, you need registration.
But in Nevada, the procedure is a little different from most states.
You must meet 3 requirements and those are examination, education, and experience.
To be a talented interior designer, you must be able to know building laws and codes.
This helps you create structures that are safe for humans to live in.
You also have to understand accessibility standards.
This ensures that the buildings you design are functional and convenient.
When you work as an interior designer, you decide how a space should function and look.
How people interact with space.
This includes the placement of the ceilings, doors, windows, and walls.
The Art Institute of Las Vegas
- Henderson, Nevada
- Bachelor’s degree program in interior design
- Completed in 45 months
- $87K for the fees and tuition for the entire program
The University of Nevada
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design
- 4 years to complete and fees and tuition are about $7,000 a year
Academy of Art University
- Online
- Interior architecture and design diploma
- CIDA and NAAB accreditation
The Interior Design Institute
- Online
- Courses in interior design
- About $1,000
Penn Foster College
- Online
- Associates in interior design
- Complete this course in 2 years or work at your own pace
- $79 for every credit hour.
You need at least 67 credit hours to get your degree.
This school usually offers decent tuition discounts.
Interior Design Schools in Nevada – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Art Institute of Las Vegas | 2350 Corporate Cir, Henderson, NV 89074 |
| The University of Nevada | 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89154 |
| Academy of Art University | 79 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94105 |
| The Interior Design Institute | 75 Broadway Suite 202 San Francisco, CA 94111 |
| Penn Foster College | 14300 N Northsight Blvd., Suite 125 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 |
Salary Expectations in Nevada
Interior designers in Nevada earn an average of about 26 or $27 an hour.
This translates into about $55,000 a year.
The top interior designers in this state make even more.
They make approximately $89,000 a year.
There is more good news.
Experts expect a 17% expansion in the interior design job market in Nevada by 2026.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $49,818 |
| Reno | $48,964 |
| Henderson | $49,623 |
| North Las Vegas | $49,818 |
| Sparks | $48,964 |
| Carson City | $49,159 |
| Elko | $41,502 |
| Boulder City | $49,135 |
| Mesquite | $49,086 |
| Fallon | $48,330 |
Regional Salary in Nevada
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 450 | $74,960 | $36.04 | $119,680 | $46,340 |
| Reno, NV | 60 | $76,560 | $36.81 | $103,950 | $46,200 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Conclusion
You do not need a license to be an interior designer in Nevada.
But going to school can ensure you are the cream of the crop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maximize my growth potential in this field?
You can earn a master’s degree or complete internship programs to get as much education and experience as you can.
When you go beyond what is required, it is tangible proof of your ambition and dedication.
Where can I make the most money in Nevada?
The best cities to pursue interior design in Nevada are North Las Vegas, The Lakes, and Las Vegas.
Where can I work in Nevada?
Upon successful registration, you can work at architectural firms and home furnishing studios.
You can also work for yourself.
To succeed, study the structures most interesting to you and gain as much experience as you can in that area.
If you work hard and remain consistent, you may soon find yourself in the upper echelons of the field.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State