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If you want to become an interior designer in Ohio, it will give you an opportunity to earn money using your creative talents.
You will, however, need to learn how to coordinate projects and must communicate professionally with clients.
Article Table of Contents
States Requirements for Interior Designers
Ohio does have information about interior designer certification from 2005.
However, this may not provide you with the most current information.
As of 2022, the state may not require licensing or offer registration for interior designers.
However, this location does hold the title of an “Interior Designer” in high esteem.
Check with the Ohio chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for more information about this state’s requirements.
It clarifies laws pertaining to this profession and architecture.
The Ohio Legislative Service Commission also provides information about when a person can use the “Interior Designer” title.
Preparing for the Interior Designer or Architect certification, however, happens through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination website.
NCIDQ and the related Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) provide information about NCIDQ exam eligibility requirements for different learning paths.
5 Interior Design Schools in Ohio
Checking out the NCIDQ, CIA, and ASID websites will steer you in the direction you need to go.
These resources along with additional Ohio interior design chapters will recommend the learning tracks you need to take to pass the certification exam.
Program durations range from less than a year to more than four years for the certificate, associate, and undergraduate programs.
Some schools also provide graduate degrees.
Besides interior design, areas of study include Architecture, Applied Arts, Art History, Studio Arts, and more.
The Columbus College of Art and Design
The Columbus College of Art and Design offers traditional modeling and woodworking supplies for creating designs.
However, this school also provides computerized drafting and modeling software for staging room scenes.
Students also may spend time hand sketching in this learning program.
Talk to advisors about possible undergraduate and graduate degree courses and certificate or associate tracks.
Concentrations include architecture and interior design courses.
The Cleveland Institute of Art
The Cleveland Institute of Art offers continuing education courses that may relate to interior design.
This school also provides a Fine Arts undergraduate degree program that covers a comprehensive range of studio arts, art history, and design courses.
This school’s approach to education emphasizes creativity and critical thinking, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and computer rendering.
The University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers a Bachelor of Science in Interior design.
The curriculum at UC covers the required space planning and color theory courses.
It also provides you a chance to create your own interdisciplinary curriculum and work toward a graduate degree.
You can concentrate on just interior design or take architecture courses too.
Kent State University
Kent State University has a four-year learning program that focuses on furniture and finishes, lighting, and residential design principles involving color, texture, shading, and more.
This school has received the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accreditation.
Take interior design and drafting courses that pertain to architecture and interior design.
Additionally, learn Construction Management and all that you need to know about popular design trends.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University offers an undergraduate degree in interior design.
You also may have a chance to enter a graduate training program that includes a variety of Arts disciplines.
Courses include environmental design, drafting classes, color usage, space arranging, lighting displays, and more.
Learn how to come up with sustainable public buildings and private home designs.
Interior Design Schools in Ohio – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Columbus College of Art and Design | 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| The Cleveland Institute of Art | 11610 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 |
| The University of Cincinnati | 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45221, |
| Ken State University | 800 E Summit St, Kent, OH 44240 |
| Ohio State University | 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 |
Salary
An interior designer in Ohio can make an average of $52,597 per year as of March 16, 2022.
Find some of the highest-paying positions in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, or Mason.
You are not limited to getting hired in just these locations, however.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $48,111 |
| Cleveland | $48,272 |
| Cincinnati | $47,691 |
| Toledo | $47,204 |
| Akron | $46,823 |
| Dayton | $47,408 |
| Albany | $43,522 |
| Youngstown | $46,321 |
| Canton | $46,758 |
| Lorain | $47,486 |
Regional Salary in Ohio
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 110 | $49,480 | $23.79 | $77,950 | $21,090 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 30 | $40,440 | $19.44 | $74,670 | $21,010 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 410 | $57,730 | $27.76 | $82,820 | $37,440 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | 490 | $56,300 | $27.07 | $83,180 | $30,350 |
| Columbus, OH | 410 | $60,590 | $29.13 | $89,570 | $37,660 |
| Dayton, OH | 70 | $57,990 | $27.88 | $86,190 | $36,180 |
| Toledo, OH | 70 | $53,460 | $25.7 | $84,090 | $28,710 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | 40 | $46,680 | $22.44 | $65,110 | $25,030 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the certification exam cost?
You can look up the latest exam fee information on the NCIDQ website.
Fees for all three exam sections include the $225 application fee and the three exam parts, which cost between $295-$460 each to take.
How long does it take to train to become an interior designer?
To qualify to take the NCIDQ exam, you need at least 60 hours of classroom training.
However, you are going to need to work in a related position for about two years full time to prove you have what it takes to become an interior designer.
Some certificate programs may only take less than a year, which may free up time for you to acquire paid work.
How do I know what classes to take?
It is best to search information from local, national and international design associations.
Start with looking up requirements set by CIDA, or ASID and follow guidelines for exam preparation to know what classes to take.
Who would I work with as an interior designer?
You will spend most of your day with construction teams, at least one architect and decorators.
What will I do as an interior designer?
You will guide decorators and stagers according to the design plans you created.
Construction workers may come to you for consultation, and you will have to answer their questions too.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State