Louisiana Interior Design Schools and Salary Guide

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Louisiana Interior Design Schools

Reality TV gives the illusion that interior design is simple.

The decorator picks out a few choice cushions and pieces of furniture.

But there is more to it than that.

Interior designers must understand:

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  • Building codes
  • Human behavioral tendencies and lifestyles
  • Space planning

In Louisiana, these factors come into place beautifully.

They help these artists create enjoyable, functional, and client-specific spaces.

This is not easy, but it is fulfilling on a molecular level.

What Do Interior Designers in Louisiana REALLY do?

Interior designers work by themselves or in partnership with an architect.

In fact, these positions have several similarities.

The major difference is simple.

Architects focus on the outside of buildings and designers focus on the interiors.

All their designs must combine aesthetics, function, and safety.

They must also prepare detailed construction documents that tell builders what to do.

These documents may include detailed drawings of custom furnishings.

Interior designers handle space planning.

They must consider materials and their various attributes:

  • Function
  • Maintenance
  • Environmental sensitivity
  • Social and psychological needs of the client

This helps them pick the fixtures, furniture, equipment, and millwork that go in each room.

It sounds simple.

But, interior designers need a working knowledge of conservation and ergonomics to help.

They must also understand historical preservation, green design, and more:

  • Sound transmission
  • Aesthetic design
  • Building structure
  • Safety issues
  • Building function
  • Budgeting and finance
  • Federal, state, and local codes
  • Environmental issues
  • Accessibility
  • Management
  • Building materials
  • Construction
  • Permit and bidding processes
  • Mechanical and electrical layout and function

Louisiana’s Requirements for Interior Designers

The journey to becoming an interior designer in Louisiana is complex.

Designers and decorators can practice design if they want.

But, in the state of Louisiana, they may not call themselves interior designers.

Someone with an NCIDQ Certification Number can not do commercial work.

They must focus on residential design.

Being a professional interior designer requires hard work, dedication, and a degree.

The designation “interior designer” is for individuals who meet the NCIDQ’s requirements.

The three areas are education, examination, and experience.

Once you have completed these requirements, you will get your NCIDQ certificate number.

This lets you apply for a certificate of registration in Louisiana.

This certificate is a visual representation of your commitment to your craft.

It shows you are up-to-date with the most innovative techniques in the industry.

It also assures your clients of your knowledge of Louisiana’s code of professional conduct.

The Registration Process

Before you take the exams, there are certain requirements that you must meet.

You must:

  • Be a Louisiana state resident
  • Graduate from a council accredited program that lasts at least 2 years
  • A combination of experience and education equal to at least six years
  • At least two years of experience working with a registered architect or interior designer.

After meeting these qualifications, the application fee is $225.

This lets you sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination.

It comprises three parts:

  • Interior design fundamentals exam
  • Interior design professional exam
  • Practical exam

They test your competence in terms of public health protection, welfare, and safety.

Additional subjects include:

  • Contract documents
  • Design development
  • Schematic design

5 Interior Design Schools in Louisiana

Interior design in Louisiana is the perfect marriage of creativity and intelligence.

Give yourself a leg up by attending one of these schools:

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University Logo

  • Baton Rouge
  • Offers a bachelor’s in interior design
  • $11K a year

Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University Logo

  • City of Ruston
  • Offers a bachelor’s in interior design
  • $8K a year

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Logo

  • City of Lafayette
  • Offers a Bachelor’s in interior design
  • $9K a year

The University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Logo

  • City of Monroe
  • Offers a Bachelor’s in interior design
  • $11K a year

Delgado Community College

Delgado Community College Logo

  • City of New Orleans
  • Offers both a certificate and associate’s in architectural design/construction technology

Interior Design Schools in Louisiana – Summary Table

School Name Address
Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Louisiana Tech University 201 Mayfield Ave, Ruston, LA 71272,
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette 104 E. University Circle Lafayette, LA 70503
The University of Louisiana at Monroe 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209
Delgado Community College 615 City Park Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119
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What’s the Average Salary of an Interior Designer in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, interior designers make an average of about $21 an hour.

This amounts to roughly $43K a year.

The highest-paid interior designers in Louisiana earn about $63K.

Experts expect a 7% increase in the interior design job market in Louisiana between 2016 and 2026.

Annual Salary Range:
$37K
$46K
$51K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
New Orleans $48,245
Baton Rouge $45,345
Shreveport $44,838
Lafayette $44,808
Lake Charles $44,194
Kenner $48,219
Bossier City $44,838
Monroe $44,604
Alexandria $43,209
New Iberia $44,548

Regional Salary in Louisiana

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Baton Rouge, LA100$59,810$28.75$123,630$33,090
Lafayette, LA60$47,510$22.84$72,130$27,990
New Orleans-Metairie, LA180$60,530$29.1$107,530$30,280
Shreveport-Bossier City, LA30$50,120$24.09$77,720$27,190
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Interior Designers, OCC Code 27-1025, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I practice in Louisiana if my interior design license is from another state?

You can only practice interior design here on one condition.

You must have a certificate of registration from the state of Louisiana.

How can my clients verify my license?

All interior designers should have their certificate of registration nearby.

The website for the American Society of Interior Designers can also confirm.

How should I charge my clients?

It comes down to what is fair for the client and comfortable for you.

There are several ways to calculate the price.

You can do so per project or just for specific services that your client needs.

There are also some instances where a retainer is optimal.

How do I stay competitive in the field?

Registered interior designers must get at least 5 hours of education every year.

Double or triple that number to get an extra boost in knowledge.

USA Interior Design Schools by State


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