Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the #1 state in the nation for interior design employment!
Online Programs
Get started with an online Certified Residential Interior Designer training course below.
Program Benefits
All programs should prepare students for certification of some sort. The ones above will prep students to sit for the Designer Society of America’s Residential Interior Designer certification exam.
How Long Does Training Take?
The online programs above take 6 months or less, since they are self paced.
How Much Does it Cost?
These online certification courses cost about $2300.
What Do You Study?
- Explore different design styles and historical movements
- Learn fundamental elements of residential interior design
- Understand the process of becoming a residential interior designer and establishing your own business
- Develop capabilities in conceptualizing and drafting floor plans for residential spaces
Top Trade Schools & Colleges for Interior Design in CA
- San Francisco
- San Francisco
- San Francisco
- Stockton
Academy of Art University (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
The Academy of Art University’s School of Interior Architecture & Design offers CIDA-accredited BFA and MFA programs that combine theory, aesthetics, and hands-on practice to prepare students for professional interior design careers. Students can complete their studies on campus or fully online using the Academy’s robust learning system, gaining expertise in areas like project design, BIM, and visualization. Graduates leave with industry-ready portfolios and the credentials needed to pursue roles in design firms, architecture studios, and related fields.
California College of the Arts (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
The California College of the Arts offers a four-year, STEM-designated Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, an accredited professional degree ranked among the nation’s top programs. Students gain hands-on training in sustainable design, material innovation, and advanced technology through interdisciplinary studios, internships, and study-abroad opportunities. Graduates build industry-ready portfolios and consistently achieve strong employment outcomes in interior design, architecture, and related creative fields.
City College of San Francisco (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
City College of San Francisco’s Interior Design program offers an Associate in Science degree and a 15-unit Certificate of Accomplishment in Assistant Interior Designer Core Skills, blending architecture, art, and technical training. The curriculum covers design fundamentals, architectural drafting, materials specification, and professional practice, preparing students for careers such as interior designer, drafter, or showroom manager. Coursework can be completed fully or partially online, and graduates earn an Award of Achievement in Architectural Interiors alongside their degree.
San Joaquin Delta College (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
San Joaquin Delta College’s Interior Design program offers both an AA degree and a Certificate of Achievement, equipping students with skills in blueprint creation, scaled floor plans, furniture drawing, and CAD technology. Students gain experience preparing professional client presentations with color charts, fabric samples, and cost estimates, culminating in a portfolio that showcases their work. Graduates can enter the workforce in roles such as kitchen and bath designer, home stager, or commercial interior designer, or transfer to a four-year university for further study.
Value of Education
Employers Prefer Educated Applicants
Although most employers prefer hiring a candidate who has completed at least some form of formal education, it is possible to gain an entry-level position without completing an interior design program.
In this case, however, your employment opportunities will generally be quite limited until you have completed a formal education program or you have built up a portfolio and a reputation that you can use to help you further your career.
Unlike many other states, the state of California does not require an interior designer to obtain certification before working in this capacity. In most cases, however, you will need to complete either a four-year bachelor’s degree program or you will need to complete an interior design certification program before you will be hired by an interior design company.
Continuing Education
Certifications
There are numerous two and three year certification programs available for you to select from, many of which are offered online as well as through brick and mortar campuses.
In fact, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design currently accredits about 250 postsecondary art and design programs throughout the United States, most of which offer interior design programs.
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation, which specifically accredits bachelor’s degree programs, currently accredits nearly 150 programs throughout the country.
Bachelors Degree
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published through the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, it is generally best to obtain a bachelor’s degree in interior design if you wish to obtain an entry-level position within the field.
Bachelors vs Associates
The Occupational Outlook Handbook goes on to report that those who complete two or three year certification programs or associate degree programs generally qualify to work as assistants to interior designers after their education is complete, while those who obtain a bachelor’s degree will generally qualify to enter an apprenticeship program.
An associate degree in interior design takes roughly two years to obtain, while a bachelor’s degree takes about four years. However, in addition to a degree, those seeking certification must also have three to four years of work experience and pass the CIDQ interior design certification exam.
Portfolio
In order to become accepted into an interior design school, you generally must first submit a portfolio containing examples of your abilities. Once you are admitted to a program, you will complete a variety of different courses related to the field of study.
What About a License?
Although licensing is not required in the state of California, many interior designers choose to complete a licensing examination in order to demonstrated their abilities to their potential clients.
In order to take the examination, which is administered through the Council for Interior Design Qualification program, applicants must first complete a total of 6 years of combined education and work experience within the field, with at least two of those years being dedicated to a post-secondary education in the field.
In order to maintain this licensure, interior designers must meet certain continuing education requirements.
In most cases, however, you will need to obtain either an associate or bachelor’s degree in interior design or complete a certification program before you will be hired by an interior design company.
Apprenticeship
In those states where a licensing examination is required, those who complete an interior design program must then enter a 1 or 3 year apprenticeship program before they are eligible to take a licensing exam.
Apprenticeship
Although the state of California does not require completing of a licensing exam in order to work as an interior designer, most graduates still find it necessary to complete an apprenticeship program before they are able to explore employment opportunities within the field.
While many apprentices work with design or architecture firms, some also complete their apprenticeship programs in furniture stores or in other similar settings.
Furthermore, it is also possible to complete this portion of your training through the Interior Design Experience Program, which is offered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Through this program, you can work in an entry-level capacity while being supervised through the program.
Salary
Based on the data from the Bureau of Labor (see below) the average salary across California is approximately $76,911 per year.
Below are average yearly earnings for major areas in the state.
| Location | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $30.79 | $64,030 |
| Fresno | $34.72 | $72,220 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $38.97 | $81,060 |
| Napa | $41.65 | $86,630 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $32.68 | $67,980 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $36.08 | $75,050 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade | $37.77 | $78,560 |
| Salinas | $35.68 | $74,210 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad | $36.15 | $75,200 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | $43.16 | $89,760 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $48.06 | $99,970 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande | $34.62 | $72,020 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $36.86 | $76,670 |
| Santa Rosa | $35.39 | $73,620 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $32.06 | $66,680 |
source: data.bls.gov
Occupation:Interior Designers (SOC Code271025)
Highest-Paying Regions
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara leads with the highest average hourly wage of $48.06 and an annual salary of $99,970.
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward follows closely at $43.16 per hour ($89,760 annually), reinforcing the Bay Area’s high cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.
- Napa ($41.65 per hour, $86,630 annually) also ranks among the top-paying regions, likely due to its focus on luxury developments and high-end residential projects.
Los Angeles vs. San Diego
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim pays $38.97 per hour ($81,060 annually), slightly above San Diego-Carlsbad ($36.15 per hour, $75,200 annually).
- The LA market may offer higher salaries due to a larger commercial and entertainment-driven design industry, while San Diego’s demand is more balanced between residential and corporate projects.
Career Overview
What Do They Do?
Interior designers work with architects and building developers to design safe, functional, and visually appealing rooms and buildings.
These employees often use blueprints and create conceptual sketches to illustrate plans for interior locations. An interior designer handles both residential and commercial projects to meet each customer’s needs.
In addition to consulting home and business owners about project goals, interior designers also determine project costs, develop a timeline for completion, and source products and materials.
Depending on the type of project and its location, workers must adhere to inspection regulations and building codes while meeting customer demands.
What Employers in California Look for in an Interior Designer
California employers seek innovative, detail-oriented, and client-focused interior designers who can blend aesthetics with functionality across various industries.
Whether designing corporate offices, luxury residences, hospitality spaces, or retail environments, interior designers in California must possess a strong artistic vision, technical expertise, and project management skills.
Several top employers in the state, including LOCH Studios, LPA, Inc., AB Design Studio, VMA Design Build, Marrokal Design & Remodeling, and Studio Schicketanz, emphasize collaborative design, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology in their hiring criteria. The industry also sees crossover with architecture, engineering, real estate development, and project management, requiring designers to be versatile and adaptable.
Key Qualifications and Skills
1. Education and Certifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture (preferred by firms like LPA, Inc. and Studio Schicketanz).
- Certification from organizations such as NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) is a plus.
- LEED accreditation is highly desirable for sustainable design firms (Studio Schicketanz and LPA, Inc. prioritize eco-friendly projects).
2. Technical Skills
Employers expect proficiency in industry-standard software such as:
- AutoCAD, Revit, and Rhino (for drafting and 3D modeling).
- Adobe Creative Suite (for presentations and graphic communication).
- SketchUp and Lumion (for 3D visualization and rendering).
- Microsoft Office and Google Suite (for administrative and project management tasks).
Firms like Marrokal Design & Remodeling and Masterful Construction require experience in 3D modeling and space planning to create visually accurate representations of client projects.
Roles and Responsibilities
3. Design Development & Space Planning
- Conceptualizing interior spaces based on client needs, branding, and functionality (LOCH Studios specializes in workplace interiors for tech startups).
- Conducting on-site measurements and developing floorplans (VMA Design Build emphasizes site visits and spatial planning).
- Sourcing furniture, accessories, textiles, and materials to align with a project’s aesthetic and sustainability goals.
4. Project Management & Client Interaction
- Managing design projects from concept to execution while maintaining client communication.
- Creating mood boards, material palettes, and presentations to convey design intent.
- Coordinating with contractors, vendors, and suppliers to ensure timely material selection and delivery (Marrokal Design & Remodeling requires designers to manage procurement and product selection).
- Overseeing installations and final staging to bring the design to life (Studio Schicketanz focuses on integrating interior spaces with exterior architecture seamlessly).
5. Sustainable and Innovative Design
- Many firms prioritize eco-conscious and innovative designs, incorporating recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, and LEED-certified elements.
- LPA, Inc. is a leader in sustainable commercial and educational design, meeting the 2030 Challenge for carbon reduction.
- LOCH Studios integrates sustainability with cultural relevance, sourcing from local artists and eco-friendly vendors.
Types of Projects and Industry Crossover
Corporate & Workplace Design
- LOCH Studios specializes in designing modern, tech-driven office spaces for startups, requiring interior designers to understand workplace ergonomics and branding strategies.
Residential & Custom Interiors
- VMA Design Build and Masterful Construction focus on high-end home remodeling, requiring knowledge of custom cabinetry, luxury finishes, and smart home integration.
Hospitality & Retail Design
- AB Design Studio and Marrokal Design & Remodeling work on hospitality projects and high-end retail spaces, demanding expertise in customer experience-driven design.
Healthcare & Wellness Spaces
- Some firms, including LPA, Inc., incorporate health-focused design principles into projects for medical facilities and wellness centers.
Work Environment and Career Growth
6. Hybrid & Flexible Work Models
- Many firms, including LOCH Studios and LPA, Inc., offer hybrid roles, blending remote and on-site work.
- Smaller boutique firms, like Studio Schicketanz and VMA Design Build, emphasize hands-on site visits and showroom presence.
7. Career Growth & Continuing Education
- Companies such as Marrokal Design & Remodeling offer tuition reimbursement for continuing education in interior design and related certifications.
- Firms like LPA, Inc. provide mentorship programs and in-house training through initiatives like LPA+U and Tech Talks.
Conclusion
Employers in California look for interior designers who blend creativity, technical expertise, and sustainability to deliver innovative spaces. Whether working on corporate offices, residential remodels, or hospitality projects, designers must navigate multiple disciplines, from architecture to project management and sustainable design.
With competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements, and a focus on professional growth, California remains a prime location for interior designers looking to expand their careers.