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Becoming an interior designer in New Hampshire provides you with a way to stay where you are and earn a practical living with your creativity.
You will not have as many strict state requirements as if you lived in another location, but you still must uphold high professional standards.
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States Requirements for Interior Designers
The state of New Hampshire neither requires interior designers to have a license nor does it offer registration for such.
You can request information about how to become certified from one of four primary interior design associations, however.
These include the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and American Institute of Architecture (AIA).
The NCIDQ organization will provide you with the most guidance you need for the exam certification eligibility, which varies according to your experience level.
You need a minimum of two years of full-time experience working at least as an assistant.
Along with practical experience, you need to complete at least 60-90 hours of classroom training before you can take the NCIDQ exam.
Even though certification is not required, that is how you will establish credibility in NH.
5 Interior Design Schools in New Hampshire
Contact the schools you would like to attend directly if you do not see Interior Design program offerings listed on their website.
Academic advisors may help you research how to meet your goals if they know the NCIDQ expectations.
Most accredited colleges do.
Involvement in at least one professional association will also provide you with necessary educational information.
Manchester Community College
Manchester Community College provides students the opportunity to work on real-world projects with clients, and you can start with a certificate program and work as an assistant.
During this time, you could earn a living and move on to the two-year interior design program that will prepare you to take your NCIDQ exam.
Learn computerized drawing and CAD lighting techniques, and explore different ways to mix colors and textures, for instance.
You also will receive an introduction to spatial planning, which later could also prepare you for an architecture career track.
University of New Hampshire
You can start with this Durham school’s Introduction to Interior Design course.
It provides an overview of residential and commercial design opportunities, and it prepares you to find your style.
Moreover, you will become acquainted with colors, materials, and techniques, and you will begin learning how to plan for an interior space setup.
You have to search on the UNH website to find other offerings.
For instance, they have a Certified Residential Interior Designer certificate program that takes about six months to complete, and you can enroll in related CAD drawing classes.
New England College Manchester
New England College Manchester offers a range of art, design, media, and fashion courses, all of which may inspire you to unleash your full design potential.
Along the way, you will also come across 3D modeling and design courses that will help you train as an interior design assistant and become prepared to take the NCIDQ certification exam.
The college has a modern and spacious campus, which is home to state-of-the-art facilities including studios, workshops, and labs.
You also can attend classes at related campuses, such as the Henniker location that provides a Bachelor of Art.
Southern New Hampshire University
This school offers a 3D animation degree that can help you create stunning visual effects.
It is not just for full-length movies, video games, and TV shows or marketing presentations, however.
Use your training to improve your interior design or architecture skills.
Learn how to use multi-dimensional design software to create spatial plans and for color and texture application practice.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Since New Hampshire does not have any interior designer licensing requirements, you mostly have to concern yourself with NCIDQ approval.
Look for courses offered at schools like Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
Here, you would receive step-by-step computer drafting instructions, lessons in color, textures, materials, and lighting application.
In addition, you will know how to navigate the business side of the industry and learn various design styles.
After (and during) your training, work as a freelancer or land a full-time interior design job.
Interior Design Schools in New Hampshire – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Manchester Community College | Great Path, Manchester, CT 06040 |
| University of New Hampshire | 105 Main St, Durham, NH 03824 |
| New England College Manchester | 98 Bridge Street Henniker, NH 03242 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 2500 North River Road Manchester, NH 03106 |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | 1600 Pierce Street Denver, CO, 80214 |
Salary
You can earn an average of $49,501 per year as an interior designer after about two years of on-the-job training and schooling.
Your starting salary may total about $30,000-$40,000 as an assistant.
Look for some highest-paying positions in places such as Concord, Nashua, Jaffrey or Salem, and Manchester.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $50,037 |
| Nashua | $52,866 |
| Concord | $50,330 |
| Derry | $51,394 |
| Rochester | $49,735 |
| Salem | $52,085 |
| Dover | $49,940 |
| Merrimack | $52,866 |
| Londonderry | $52,866 |
| Hudson | $52,866 |
Regional Salary in New Hampshire
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester, NH | 30 | $63,380 | $30.47 | $88,120 | $43,690 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | 40 | $62,290 | $29.95 | $91,410 | $33,670 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree in interior design to become an interior designer?
While it is not necessary, an interior design degree would benefit you.
However, you can take any courses related to art and design at the university or community college level.
Remember, you will need to answer to the NCIDQ for exam certification requirements to gain recognition even if the state does not mandate it.
What skills do I need to be successful as an interior designer?
You will achieve success if you know how to think creatively and have a strong understanding of color, lighting, and layout principles.
You must also have strong communication skills.
Organizational skills will also contribute to your success as an interior designer, whereas you will deal with quite a bit of client paperwork.
Who do I work with as an interior designer?
You will spend most of your time as an interior designer with clients, contractors, architects and decorators involved in the project.
What does an interior designer do?
An interior designer focuses on the design and aesthetics of space in relation to the overall interior plan.
Additionally, they create functional and beautiful spaces that reflect a client’s style and practical needs.
Does an interior designer also decorate?
An interior designer may decorate as an assistant more so than as a designer.
Instead, they are the ones that turn creative ideas into possible area stages, such as for a living room, kitchen, or bedroom.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State