Interior Architect: Salary and Career Facts
Explore the career requirements for interior architects. Get the facts about employment outlook, average salary and degree requirements to determine if this is the right career for you.
What Does an Interior Architect Do?
Interior architects combine interior design and architecture to create building designs. Their goal is to create functional, stylish spaces that meet the aesthetic and operational needs of their clients, using elements such as light and color. They keep governmental regulations and electrical systems in mind as they design blueprints, budgets, timeline schedules and material lists. They're also involved with construction administration and manage execution. To learn more about job responsibilities, education requirements, licensure and salary information, read the table below.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Architecture, interior design</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Responsibilities </b></td><td> Consult with clients on the design of a project; develop and implement ideas for interior spaces using graphics art software; oversee progress of projects on construction sites</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure </b></td><td> All states and the District of Columbia require architects to be licensed; some states require licensure for interior designers</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 3% (<i>for all architects, except naval and landscape</i>); 0% (<i>for all interior designers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td> $62,959 (<i>for all design architects</i>)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com</i>
</p><h2 id="section---WhatIsAnInteriorArchitect">What Is an Interior Architect?</h2><p>Interior architecture shares characteristics from both interior design and architecture. In one aspect, you display the art and science behind creating captivating interiors. However, you'll also focus on ensuring sound construction and seek to maintain the integrity of an existing space. You can serve commercial and residential clients with contemporary or retrospective designs and composition or work to restore and update historical buildings.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfEducationDoINeed">What Kind of Education Do I Need?</h3><p>Your state may regulate the profession of interior architecture, either as an interior designer or requiring the same type of education and licensure as an architect. Requirements vary, though both a professional or academic degree are usually acceptable. Bachelor's and master's degrees offer both options, teaching you theory and application of interior design, furnishings, color and lighting. Most programs offer you the opportunity to participate in internships through the school or as an extracurricular activity.
</p><p>Once you have completed your interior architecture degree program, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. Some states might require a specified time period of supervised experience for employment and licensure, and an apprenticeship allows you to gain valuable experience that can increase your marketability as an interior architect. Apprenticeships usually last from 1-3 years and consist of working in a design or architecture environment under direct supervision.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIBecomeLicensed">How Do I Become Licensed?</h3><p>You'll need to obtain licensure through a state licensing board. Depending on your state's regulations, you might qualify for licensure as an interior designer. However, some states restrict an architect title to those that obtain licensing as an architect. You'll need to verify with the state licensing board to ensure that you meet the requirements for your intended career goal.
</p><p>Either licensing process consists of a multi-part exam. Though the topics covered differ in some respects for interior designers and architects, exam questions include health and safety issues. You might be required to participate in regular continuing education to renew your license.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectToEarn">What Can I Expect To Earn?</h3><p>Salaries for interior architects fluctuate greatly depending on the location and firm you work in and the education you possess. According to 2021 data posted on <i>PayScale.com</i>, the median salary for design architects was $62,959.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Related careers for interior designers include art directors, graphic designers and industrial designers. Art directors oversee the visual media used in things such as magazines and product packaging. Graphic designers create visual productions for use in an array of items, including advertisements and brochures. Industrial designers specialize in creations for manufactured products, like home appliances. Each of these fields require a bachelor's degree.</p>