Becoming an Interior Designer in Missouri
Like an architect, an interior designer creates spaces for people to inhabit. Functionality, aesthetics and comfort are all important. In addition to more permanent features of a building’s interior, such as walls, flooring and ventilation systems, interior designers also coordinate furniture, paints, cabinetry and fixtures. It can be said that interior design is a field that uses both sides of the brain. It requires knowledge of regulations and careful planning for construction, as well as a keen eye and imagination for how light, sound, color, temperature and other features of a space will come together to create the desired effect.
Requirements for Becoming an interior designer in Missouri
There are no legal requirements for working as an interior designer in Missouri. Interior designers can learn some aspects of this career while on the job, for example by working at a furniture store or helping clients choose well-coordinated and practical finishes from a range of options provided by a homebuilder. However, those who wish to work with an interior design firm or take on a complex project such as designing the interior of a school, hospital or office building will need to have at least some formal education and be certified by a nationally recognized professional design organization.
Professional organizations and architectural firms prefer to hire candidates who have some form of higher education in interior design. Students can expect some of the following topics to be included in a fine arts degree program:
- Design communication
- Design theory
- Interior spaces
- Space planning
- Interior environments
- color
Interior Design Schools in Missouri
Missouri offers a broad selection of educational opportunities for aspiring interior designers. Consider what specifically draws you to this field and where you would like to end up when choosing your program. Some interior design degrees and educational programs to consider include:
- The University of Missouri has a four-year interior design program in their school of Architectural Studies. It was one of the first programs in the United States to be accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Admission to the professional program is contingent on a successful portfolio review of work completed in prerequisite courses. In-state tuition is currently $9,500 a year.
- The University of Central Missouri offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in interior design that is accredited by both the CIDA and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
- Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, has a four-year degree and a minor in interior design, offered under their department of Technology and Construction Management. Average annual tuition is $7,376 for in-state residents.
Certification for Interior Designers in Missouri
Interior designers in Missouri can be registered under the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. Those trained as interior designers from an accredited institution can apply with a certain number of years of professional experience, related to the type of degree they hold (a two-year degree plus four years of work experience, a three-year degree plus three years of work experience, or a four- or five-year degree plus two years of work experience). All applicants must also pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination(NCIDQ Exam). Registered architects in the state of Missouri can apply with no other requirements. Those who hold certifications from other states must still complete the full application including transcripts and letters of recommendation, and all certificate holders must participate in continuing education in order to maintain their certification.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The career outlook for interior designers in Missouri showcases a competitive wage landscape, with interior designers in the state earning an average annual salary of $56,610, which is slightly below the national average of $61,590. In Missouri, the lowest 10% of earners make $37,460 or less, while the highest 10% can earn up to $106,270 or more. This data indicates a range of earning potential within the profession, based on experience, specialization, and location within the state.
National vs. Missouri Salaries for Interior Designers
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $36,610 | $61,590 | $101,550 |
| Missouri | $37,460 | $56,610 | $106,270 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Missouri for Interior Designers
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MO | $31,140 | $39,610 | $47,040 | $67,930 | $74,950 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $19,700 | $44,750 | $60,750 | $80,420 | $112,780 |
| Springfield, MO | $34,640 | $39,210 | $47,570 | $62,300 | $92,630 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $38,040 | $47,620 | $56,340 | $79,010 | $110,810 |
Interior Designer Trends in Missouri
The employment outlook for Interior Designers in Missouri is set for a modest growth, with a projected increase of 2% from 2020 to 2030. The number of interior designers in the state is expected to rise from 1,730 employees in 2020 to 1,770 employees by 2030. Annually, there are projected to be 160 job openings in Missouri for interior designers over the decade, which includes new positions due to growth as well as replacements for vacancies created by workers leaving the field. This data suggests a steady demand for interior designers in Missouri, reflecting the state’s growing design industry.
Employement TrendsEmployement Trends
| Location | Employment (Start Year) | Projected Employment (End Year) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 1,730 (2020) | 1,770 (2030) | 2% | 160 |
| United States | 94,900 (2022) | 98,700 (2032) | 4% | 9,000 |
Souces of data:
The data provided in the summaries and tables comes from the O*NET Online website, specifically from the pages detailing employment trends and wage information for Interior Designers in Missouri and nationwide. The employment trend data is sourced from Projections Central and the wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the year 2022-2032. These sources are reputable for their comprehensive and up-to-date labor market information, including occupation-specific employment projections and wage statistics across the United States.
Working as an Interior Designer in Missouri
Because Missouri is largely a rural state, most interior design work and firms are located in cities, like St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia and Kansas City. In addition to traditional design firms, interior design work is available at department stores and other retailers that sell home furnishings, as well as large home-improvement stores that also offer construction and renovation services.
Interior design is interesting, challenging, creative and important work. It is a career that integrates artistic expression and engineering, construction and public safety, and a way to create something that is part of peoples’ everyday lives.
FAQs
What is the difference between Interior design and Interior Architecture?
Interior architecture focuses more on structural design, with an emphasis on adaptive reuse and the remodeling of existing buildings. Whereas interior design is the practice of creating interior atmospheres – focusing on finishes, furniture and color palettes.