If you want to use your creativity to help others, then the role of an interior designer may be ideal for you.
Education & Training
If you have a high school diploma or GED, you can enroll in an interior design program such as the ones below:
How Will You Benefit?
The courses above are designed to prep students for the Designer Society of America’s Residential Interior Designer certification exam.
How Long Does It Take?
The online programs above can take 6 months or less as they are self paced. Those pursuing an associate degree can often finish in 2 years, while a bachelor’s degree will often take around 4 years to complete.
How Much Does It Cost?
About $2200 for the online courses above.
Those opting to get an associate degree may be able to finish school for under $10,000, while attending some major universities for a bachelor’s degree may cost around $16,000 per year.
What Will You Learn?
Classes and topics that you can cover while earning your interior design degree are:
- Introduction to Residential Interior Design
- Career Exploration in Residential Interior Design
- Basic Principles of Residential Design Projects
- Steps to Launching Your Own Design Business
- Skill Development in Conceptualizing and Floor Planning
- Core Design Elements
- Understanding the Elements of Design: Materials, Color, Textiles
- Fundamentals of Space Planning
- Essentials of Lighting
- Incorporating Accents and Accessories
- Historical Context and Styles
- History of Styles and Furnishings, Part I: From Prehistoric to the Middle Ages
- History of Styles and Furnishings, Part II: Renaissance through the 20th Century
- History of Styles and Furnishings, Part III: Modernism and Global Influences
- Comprehensive Overview of Design Movements Through History
- Professional Practices in Interior Design
- The Role and Work of a Residential Interior Designer
- Industry Regulations and Standards
- Practical Application: Integrating Theory with Real-World Design
Average Salary Range
- $53,187: Salary.com
- $66,403: ZipRecruiter.com
- $68,043: Indeed.com
- $70,880: Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to the BLS, local wages are as follows:
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $34.50 | $71,770 |
| Peoria | $28.29 | $58,840 |
| Springfield | $30.22 | $62,850 |
Occupation: Interior Designers (SOC Code271025)
source: data.bls.gov
Illinois Requirements
According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, to become a Registered Interior Designer, you must have at least 2 years of education, and 4 years of work experience as an intern or in an entry-level position.
Details are available on the official application form.
Obtaining Your License
Once you have the mandatory six years, you will be able to take the Council for Interior Design (CIDQ) exam. After passing, you will be able to get your interior design license.
Job Description
What Do They Do?
An interior designer creates spaces that are safe, attractive, and functional. They use different colors, materials, home furnishings, and lighting to develop a cohesive look that matches their client’s desires.
These workers must be able to draw, edit, and ready blueprints. They must also know building codes, accessibility standards, and regulations for inspection.
Job Duties
Interior designers can be responsible for the following tasks:
- Working with clients to determine project requirements
- Thinking about how the space will be used
- Sketching plans for the design
- Choosing materials, colors, and furnishings
- Creating a timeline and budget
- Placing orders for materials
- Overseeing the installation of certain design elements
- Coordinating with building contractors
- Visiting the project site after project to make sure client is satisfied
- Searching for and bidding on new projects
What Employers in Illinois Look for in an Interior Designer
Interior design employers in Illinois seek a blend of creativity, technical proficiency, and client-facing skills. Whether you are working for a large firm, a specialized design studio, or as an independent consultant, the ability to translate client needs into functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces is highly valued. Companies in Illinois, such as Steinhafels, Charles Sparks + Company, Epstein Global, and Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (HPA), outline clear expectations for their interior designers, ranging from design expertise and technical skills to project management and client collaboration. Additionally, there is notable crossover into other disciplines, including architecture, retail, and construction management.
Key Skills and Qualifications Sought by Illinois Employers
Design Expertise & Creativity
Illinois employers prioritize designers with a strong eye for detail, aesthetic sensibility, and the ability to develop innovative design solutions. Companies like Steinhafels and Charles Sparks + Company emphasize the importance of creativity in conceptualizing and presenting unique design ideas that align with client needs. This includes:
- Space planning and layout design.
- Material, color, and textile selection.
- Knowledge of current trends in design and sustainability.
Crossover:
- In firms like Epstein Global, interior designers collaborate with architects and engineers to ensure creative designs meet structural and technical requirements. This requires the ability to adapt and blend creative design with practical application.
Technical Proficiency & Software Skills
Employers expect candidates to be proficient in industry-standard design and visualization software. Epstein Global and Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture require technical expertise in tools such as:
- AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp – for creating technical drawings and floor plans.
- 3D Rendering software (Enscape, 3ds Max, Rhino) – for creating realistic visualizations.
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) – for presentations and marketing materials.
- Bluebeam – for reviewing and editing construction documents.
Crossover:
- Design roles often intersect with digital rendering and marketing departments, especially in retail and hospitality firms like Charles Sparks + Company, where realistic visualizations are critical for client pitches and project approvals.
Project Management and Client Collaboration
Employers seek interior designers who can manage multiple projects simultaneously and collaborate effectively with clients, vendors, and contractors. Companies like Custom Decorators Inc. emphasize the need for:
- Client consultations and in-home sales presentations.
- Project coordination with contractors, installers, and design teams.
- Managing budgets and schedules while delivering high-quality designs.
Crossover:
- At Steinhafels, interior designers blend design and sales skills, offering consultations while driving revenue through commission-based earnings. This requires business acumen alongside design expertise.
Education and Certifications
Most Illinois employers require at least an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include:
- NCIDQ certification – A preferred credential for higher-level roles, especially at Epstein Global.
- Experience in ADA compliance and building codes, particularly for commercial and hospitality projects.
- Knowledge of BOMA standards (Building Owners and Managers Association), which is vital for multi-use and commercial spaces.
Company-Specific Expectations and Benefits
1. Steinhafels (Orland Park, IL)
Steinhafels offers part-time interior design roles with a strong emphasis on sales skills. Their interior designers are expected to:
- Provide full-service design solutions for home interiors.
- Collaborate with clients on everything from space planning to product selection.
- Work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
Skills Sought:
- Strong sales abilities and client service skills.
- Experience with 2D and 3D space planning.
- Textile and palette selection.
Benefits:
- Full commission sales with unlimited earning potential.
- 401(k) matching, health and dental insurance, and employee stock ownership plans.
- Flexible spending accounts and paid training.
2. Charles Sparks + Company (Oakbrook Terrace, IL)
This design firm specializes in retail and hospitality interiors, with a focus on cutting-edge 3D visualization and cultural retail spaces. Designers here are expected to:
- Collaborate with architects and project managers on creative concepts.
- Utilize software like AutoCAD, 3ds Max, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Develop detailed visualizations for client presentations.
Skills Sought:
- Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering.
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture.
- Strong conceptual design skills.
Crossover:
- Interior designers at Charles Sparks + Company work closely with retail marketers and branding experts, making it beneficial to have skills in merchandising and visual storytelling.
3. Epstein Global (Chicago, IL)
Epstein is a multidisciplinary firm with projects in aviation, hospitality, corporate, retail, and industrial design. Their interior designers must:
- Collaborate with engineers and technical teams.
- Participate in all project phases, from concept to construction administration.
- Use Revit and rendering software to produce construction documentation.
Skills Sought:
- Strong presentation and communication skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture.
- NCIDQ certification preferred.
- Knowledge of ADA compliance and building codes.
Crossover:
- Epstein’s designers frequently collaborate with construction management teams, providing experience in technical detailing and regulatory compliance.
4. Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (Chicago, IL)
HPA offers architecture and interior design services across multi-use commercial and hospitality sectors. Their interior designers:
- Develop concepts, technical drawings, and specifications.
- Collaborate with architectural and project management teams.
- Assist in space planning, FF&E selection, and material boards.
Skills Sought:
- Proficiency in Revit, Enscape, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design.
- 3–5 years of experience.
Benefits:
- Competitive pay ($26–$30/hr).
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Short-term disability and 401(k) profit-sharing plans.
Industry Crossovers and Emerging Trends in Illinois
Interior designers in Illinois increasingly find opportunities in adjacent industries, including:
- Retail and Hospitality: Designing experiential environments with branding in mind.
- Construction and Engineering: Collaboration with construction managers for large-scale commercial projects.
- Technology: Utilizing advanced rendering software for immersive virtual presentations.
- Real Estate Staging: Partnering with real estate firms to enhance property value through staged interiors.
Conclusion
Employers in Illinois seek interior designers with a balance of creativity, technical skills, and client-centric service. Whether working at a large architecture firm like Epstein Global or in retail design at Steinhafels, successful candidates need strong project management abilities, software proficiency, and the flexibility to work across disciplines. Crossover opportunities into architecture, construction, and retail marketing provide diverse career paths, making Illinois a dynamic market for interior design professionals.