Become an Interior Architect: Step-by-Step Career Guide
Research the requirements to become an interior architect. Learn about the job description and duties, and read the step-by-step process to start a career as an interior architect.
Requirements for a Career as an Interior Architect
Interior architects might work for architectural firms or other companies that design hospitals, offices, homes or schools; they also might be self-employed. Interior architects prepare drawings of interior spaces and might even design the furniture that will be used in those spaces. Although the work of interior architects sometimes overlaps with that of interior designers, the fields are not the same. In all states, interior architects must be licensed as architects, while certification or licensure for interior designers is only required in some states. The chart below covers the basic skills, training and licensure necessary to work as an interior architect:
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Professional architecture degree from an accredited school, commonly a 5-year bachelor's degree or a master's degree* |
| Degree Field | Architecture* |
| Licensure/Certification | All states require architects to be licensed; certification is voluntary* |
| Experience | A 1-3 year internship is usually required prior to licensure*; some employers prefer candidates with 5-10 years of experience*** |
| Key Skills | Visualization, analytical, critical-thinking, communication and organizational skills*; knowledge of engineering, technology, public safety, building and construction** |
| Computer Skills | Able to use computer-aided design, query, photo editing, graphics, document management and project management software programs** |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **O*NET OnLine, ***CareerBuilder.com job postings (November 2012).
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's or Master's Degree
All states require architects to be licensed. To become licensed, an individual must graduate from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Bachelor's and master's degree programs in interior architecture are available; however, these programs are usually not accredited by NAAB, and therefore can't prepare an individual for licensure.
Accredited bachelor's degree programs in architecture are commonly offered as a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) and last five years. Topics of study might include urban design, technology, interior architecture, physics, architectural math and the history of architecture. The curriculum of these programs often includes both lectures and design studios.
Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) programs require 1-2 years of study and are usually designed for students who possess a bachelor's degree in a field other than architecture. These programs might address environmental systems, computer-aided design and drafting, urban determinants and methods of construction. Instruction is often delivered through lectures and design studios. Some M.Arch. programs are combined with B.Arch. programs; these generally last 5-6 years.
Success Tip:
- Complete courses related to interior architecture. Students who plan to work as interior architects often can choose electives related to this specialty. These courses might explore topics like lighting or building materials.
Step 2: Complete an Internship
Most states require that applicants for architect licensure have completed the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Intern Development Program (IDP). This program mandates completion of a 5,600-hour paid internship.
Success Tip:
- Prepare for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). The NCARB offers study guides and practice exams to individuals intending to take the ARE. These materials might help an individual pass the ARE on his or her first try.
Step 3: Pass the Architect Registration Exam
Most states require that aspiring architects pass NCARB's ARE to become licensed. This exam can only be taken after an individual has completed the internship requirement. It consists of seven areas, including site planning and design, building systems and schematic design. Continuing education is required to renew architecture licensure. Depending on the state, renewal might be annual or biennial.
Step 4: Earn Professional Certification
Architects can apply for voluntary NCARB certification once they've earned state licensure. In addition to holding a license, candidates must have completed an NAAB-accredited bachelor's or master's degree program and the IDP and passed the ARE. NCARB certification must be renewed annually. The BLS notes that certification may ease the transition of licensing across states.
Architects with 'green' construction or design experience also might pursue one of the multiple Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications available through the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED credentials must be renewed every two years by completing 15 hours of continuing education.
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6 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
- Florida (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Non-Degree
-
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (4)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Massachusetts (1)
- Michigan (2)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- North Carolina (2)
- Nevada (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (3)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (5)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- Master in Interior Design
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Interior Design
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Associate
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- Associate in Interior Planning with AutoCAD
- Associate in Interior Design
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- Associate in Kitchen & Bath Design
- Associate in Drafting Technology & Design
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Non-Degree
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- Diploma in Residential Interiors
- Certificate in Residential Planning
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- Diploma in Residential Design
- Diploma in Residential Planning
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-
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (3 campuses)
- Arkansas (1)
- Arizona (3)
- California (14)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (12)
- Georgia (3)
- Iowa (2)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (5)
- Kansas (2)
- Kentucky (2)
- Louisiana (2)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (6)
- Minnesota (2)
- Missouri (4)
- Mississippi (1)
- North Carolina (4)
- Nebraska (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- Nevada (2)
- New York (3)
- Ohio (9)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (7)
- South Carolina (4)
- Tennessee (5)
- Texas (8)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (5)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (4)
- West Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
-
- Bachelor in Construction
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- Bachelor in Construction Management
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Associate
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- Associate in Computer Drafting and Design
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-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
- Non-Degree
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
Other Schools:
-
School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
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School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Syracuse University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
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School locations:
- Louisiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
