An interior designer career allows creative individuals to earn a living while exploring their talents and developing new skills.
Education and Training
A great way to get started is by taking a online certification program from a local school:
- New York, Brooklyn, White Plains
Berkeley College
The Interior Design Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree at Berkeley College is a 60-credit program that combines technical skills, design theory, and industry-standard software training. Students learn drafting, freehand sketching, color theory, CAD, and rendering techniques, while exploring materials, textiles, and architectural history. The program, available onsite and online, can be completed in approximately two years and prepares graduates for careers in interior design and related fields.
Why Take an Online Course?
The primary benefit of the course is preparation to obtain certification from the Designer Society of America (DSA).
What Does the Course Teach You?
Curriculums cover topics such as the following:
- Getting Started in Residential Interior Design
- Exploring a Career in Residential Interior Design
- Understanding the basics of residential projects
- Steps to become a residential interior designer and start your own business
- Developing skills in design concept creation and floor planning
- Design Basics and Principles
- Elements of Design: Materials, Color, Textiles
- Space Planning
- Lighting Fundamentals
- Accents and Accessories
- History of Styles and Furnishings
- Part I: Prehistoric Times to the Middle Ages
- Part II: The Renaissance to the 20th Century
- Part III: Modernism, Non-European Influences, and Furniture Styles
- Overall exploration of various design styles and movements throughout history
- Professional Practice
- Working as a Residential Interior Designer
- Understanding industry regulations
- Putting It All Together: Applying learned principles in real projects
Interior design trade school courses may also have a studio or seminar component where students must create a unique design based on a prompt from their instructor.
How Much Does It Cost?
Anywhere between $2,000 to $3,000 and most decent programs offer financing.
Average Salary Range
- Salary.com: $60,726
- Payscale.com: $65,724
- Bureau of Labor: $75,310
- Indeed.com: $85,766
- Glassdoor.com: $89,582
Below is some more data from the BLS for the cities and regions in the state.
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $33.14 | $68,940 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $30.77 | $64,000 |
| Capital/Northern New York | $28.96 | $60,230 |
| Central East New York | $28.64 | $59,570 |
| Kingston | $32.33 | $67,240 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $36.41 | $75,730 |
| Rochester | $28.59 | $59,470 |
| Syracuse | $31.95 | $66,460 |
Occupation: Interior Designers (SOC Code271025)
source: data.bls.gov
New York Requirements
According to the New York Department of Labor, the licensing requirements to become a Certified Interior Designer (CID) are as follows:
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must complete a two-year or four-year interior design degree program at a State Education Department-accredited school
- Must have at least seven years of education or work experience in the interior design profession
- Must pass a 12.5-hour national licensing exam such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam
- Must submit a licensing application to the New York State Education Department and pay a $377 fee
Job Description
What Do They Do?
Interior designers in NY use their creativity and skill to plan gorgeous decorative looks for homes, offices, hotels, and storefronts. Depending on what the client asks for, an interior designer may update existing layouts to suit current style trends or start from scratch in an unfurnished, undecorated space and create something entirely new.
Additional Tasks
Many interior designers add a unique touch to their projects by including certain handmade items in the layout. For example, they may commission artists to craft sculptures or paintings that put a decorative flair on the overall ensemble. Some interior designers might even hire a carpenter to build a charming table or set of chairs for the space.
What Employers in New York Are Looking for in an Interior Designer
Interior design employers in New York seek a unique combination of technical expertise, creativity, and client-focused skills. Whether working for high-end residential firms, commercial design companies, or home construction businesses, interior designers are expected to deliver both functional and aesthetically compelling spaces. Across the state, companies like Custom Decorators Inc, Interior Motives Corp, CRM Construction, and K. Hovnanian Homes are setting the bar high with distinct expectations for qualifications, technical proficiency, and industry knowledge.
1. Technical Proficiency and Software Skills
Proficiency in industry-standard software is a recurring requirement across New York employers. Designers are expected to create detailed plans, 3D models, and realistic renderings using programs such as:
- AutoCAD and Revit – Essential for creating precise architectural drawings and 3D models. Companies like Interior Motives Corp emphasize this skill, seeking candidates fluent in architectural drafting with intermediate-level AutoCAD proficiency.
- Adobe Creative Suite – Tools like Photoshop and InDesign are commonly used for creating visual presentations, mood boards, and color schemes.
- Rendering Software – Many employers, including CRM Construction, require candidates to be skilled in current rendering programs, enabling them to present photorealistic visuals that bring design concepts to life.
2. Design Expertise and Aesthetic Vision
New York employers look for designers with a refined sense of style and a strong grasp of design trends. Firms like K. Hovnanian Homes, a top homebuilder, specifically seek individuals with a creative vision for modern and innovative interiors. Their focus on reimagining the traditional American home highlights the growing demand for designers who can create stylish, functional, and affordable spaces.
Designers are also expected to:
- Demonstrate expertise in space planning, furniture layout, and flow optimization.
- Select and coordinate FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), including window treatments, textiles, and color palettes.
- Stay current with industry trends, materials, and sustainable design practices.
3. Sales and Client-Centric Skills
Several interior design roles in New York cross over into sales and client consulting, blurring the lines between design and business development. For example:
- Custom Decorators Inc seeks In-Home Design & Sales Consultants who can collaborate with clients on window treatment projects. The position requires sales acumen, customer relationship management, and the ability to close deals.
- The role emphasizes consultative selling, where designers offer expert guidance while promoting branded products (such as Hunter Douglas window treatments).
4. Project Management and Collaboration
Many firms expect designers to manage projects from conception to completion, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.
- CRM Construction, for instance, specifies the need for designers who can collaborate directly with the company owner on large-scale projects, such as designing private schools.
- This level of involvement demands expertise in project coordination, vendor management, and adherence to deadlines.
- Clear and professional client communication, both written and verbal, is also highly valued, as designers frequently interact with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
5. Crossover into Architecture and Construction
In New York, many interior design roles involve significant crossover with architecture and construction disciplines. Firms like Interior Motives Corp specifically look for candidates with architectural backgrounds and CAD drafting abilities. This highlights the growing industry trend where interior designers are expected to understand and contribute to architectural plans, ensuring their creative visions are technically feasible and aligned with structural requirements.
6. Experience and Educational Requirements
While entry-level positions are available, most employers seek candidates with at least 1-4 years of experience.
- For example, K. Hovnanian Homes seeks a mid-level designer with 4+ years of experience for their in-house design studio.
- Educational requirements vary, with most companies preferring candidates with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in interior design, architecture, or a related field.
- For entry-level roles, such as at Interior Motives Corp, firms may consider recent graduates with strong technical skills and a portfolio showcasing their abilities.
7. Compensation and Benefits
Interior designer salaries in New York vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and employer size.
- Entry-level positions pay around $17.50 per hour (~$36,000 annually).
- Mid-level roles, such as at CRM Construction, offer salaries ranging from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, reflecting the added responsibilities and experience required.
- Senior-level or specialized roles, such as with K. Hovnanian Homes, can pay between $95,000 and $110,000 per year, with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) plans.
Key Takeaways
New York employers seeking interior designers prioritize:
- Technical proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and rendering software.
- Creative and aesthetic vision to design stylish, functional spaces.
- Sales and client interaction skills in design consulting roles.
- Project management and collaboration with architects, contractors, and vendors.
- Crossover skills in architecture and construction, especially for commercial or large-scale projects.
As the industry evolves, New York designers must be adaptable, combining creative flair with technical skills and business acumen. This blend of competencies is essential for thriving in the competitive and dynamic NYC design market.