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Interior design is a field that is constantly evolving, which means there are always new opportunities for those who pursue a career in this field.
The most successful interior designers are creative, have an eye for detail, and enjoy working with their hands.
If you have these qualities, then a career in interior design may be the perfect fit for you.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 States Requirements for Interior Designers
- 2 5 Interior Design Schools in Virginia
- 3 Salary
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4.1 What are the annual fees for holding my license?
- 4.2 How many continuing education units (CEUs) do I need to complete each year?
- 4.3 What are continuing education units and what are some examples?
- 4.4 What type of interior design is most prevalent in Virginia?
- 4.5 Why is Virginia a good place to live?
States Requirements for Interior Designers
To become an interior designer in the state of Virginia, you must first complete an accredited interior design program.
After you have completed your education, you will then need to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam.
The NCIDQ exam is a two-part exam that tests your knowledge of the interior design profession.
The first part of the exam, known as the Principles and Practice of Interior Design (PPID), covers the basic principles of interior design.
The second part of the exam, known as the Construction Documents and Services (CDS), tests your knowledge of construction documents and services.
To be eligible to take the NCIDQ exam, you must have a minimum of six years of combined education and experience in the interior design field.
Once you have passed this exam, you will be able to apply for a license through the Virginia Board of Architecture, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects.
5 Interior Design Schools in Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts offers an interior design program that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
The program lasts four years and tuition for in-state students is $12,672 per year.
Out-of-state tuition is $33,832 per year.
The student population at VCU is approximately 31,000.
One unique aspect of the school is its location in downtown Richmond, which provides students with easy access to internships and job opportunities.
George Mason University
George Mason University offers an interior design program that is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
The program lasts four years and tuition for in-state students is $10,836 per year.
Out-of-state tuition is $33,366 per year.
The student population at GMU is approximately 33,000.
One unique aspect of the school is its location in Fairfax, Virginia, which is a suburb of Washington, D.C.
This provides students with easy access to internships and job opportunities in the nation’s capital.
James Madison University
James Madison University offers an interior design program that is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
The program lasts four years and tuition for in-state students is $9,208 per year.
Out-of-state tuition is $23,828 per year.
The student population at JMU is approximately 20,000.
One unique aspect of the school is its location in Harrisonburg, Virginia, which is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech offers an interior design program that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
The program lasts four years and tuition for in-state students is $13,008 per year.
Out-of-state tuition is $33,832 per year.
The student population at Virginia Tech is approximately 32,000.
One unique aspect of the school is its location in Blacksburg, Virginia, which is a small town located in the rugged Appalachian Mountains.
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University offers an interior design program that is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
The program lasts four years and tuition for in-state students is $7,176 per year.
Out-of-state tuition is $18,996 per year.
The student population at Norfolk State University is approximately 5,000.
One unique aspect of the school is its location in Norfolk, Virginia, which is a city located on the serene Chesapeake Bay.
Interior Design Schools in Virginia – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts | Pollak Bldg, 325 N Harrison St #201, Richmond, VA 23284 |
| George Mason University | 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030 |
| James Madison University | 800 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 |
| Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA 24061 |
| Norfolk State University | 700 Park Ave, Norfolk, VA 23504 |
Salary
The average salary for an interior designer in Virginia is $58,941 per year.
This is based on a 40-hour workweek and includes benefits.
However, salaries can vary depending on experience, education, and location.
For example, designers working in the Washington, D.C. area tend to earn higher salaries than those working in other parts of the state.
Additionally, designers with more experience or higher educational levels tend to earn higher salaries than entry-level designers.
The average salary for an interior designer in the United States is $48,769.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $46,623 |
| Norfolk | $45,921 |
| Chesapeake | $45,862 |
| Richmond | $48,662 |
| Newport News | $45,687 |
| Hampton | $45,687 |
| Alexandria | $54,290 |
| Portsmouth | $45,921 |
| Roanoke | $45,088 |
| Lynchburg | $44,921 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA | 40 | $63,070 | $30.32 | $93,930 | $39,190 |
| Richmond, VA | 390 | $70,360 | $33.83 | $101,240 | $39,700 |
| Roanoke, VA | 60 | $62,800 | $30.19 | $84,240 | $37,330 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 240 | $65,460 | $31.47 | $97,870 | $39,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the annual fees for holding my license?
The annual fee for holding a license as an interior designer in Virginia is $100.
How many continuing education units (CEUs) do I need to complete each year?
Interior designers in Virginia are required to complete 10 continuing education units (CEUs) each year to maintain their license.
What are continuing education units and what are some examples?
Continuing education units (CEUs) are a way to measure continued learning and professional development.
One CEU is equivalent to 10 contact hours of study or participation in an approved educational activity.
Some examples of activities that can be used to earn CEUs include attending workshops, taking classes, participating in webinars, and writing articles.
What type of interior design is most prevalent in Virginia?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the type of interior design that is most prevalent in Virginia can vary depending on the region of the state.
However, some popular styles of interior design in Virginia include traditional, contemporary, and rustic.
Why is Virginia a good place to live?
There are many reasons why Virginia is a good place to live.
Some of these reasons include the state’s beautiful scenery, rich history, and diverse culture.
Additionally, Virginia offers residents a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy, such as hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, exploring the colonial sites of Williamsburg, and relaxing on the beaches of Virginia Beach.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State