Interior Design Degree Programs
Interior Designers work in residential and commercial settings to design the interior spaces of a building. Interior design programs teach all the skills a professional will need to design for any setting, whether it is an office building, residential home, hospital or any other building. They learn about every aspect of making an interior space functional and attractive including space planning, building codes, drafting and furnishings as well as how to use design software.
The scope of an Interior Designer's work may include tasks such as deciding the placement and size of windows in a new structure, designing a kitchen for a handicapped person, choosing office furniture, or designing the interior layout of a residential home renovation. Interior Design is currently a popular major so jobs are competitive with those earning higher level degrees finding it easier to enter the field. About half of the 50 states require that interior designers become licensed after completing six years of education and experience combined.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree - Associate's degrees in Interior Design prepare students to become interior designer assistants, decorative product specialists and for other entry-level jobs.
- Bachelor's Degree - Bachelor's degree programs qualify graduates for apprenticeship programs and for interior design licensing that is required in some states. A bachelor's degree is often required for entry-level positions, regardless of licensing requirements.
- Master's Degree - A master's degree program will prepare students to supervise design teams or run a design firm.
Schools
Interior Design programs are available at art and design schools, some community colleges, universities and four-year colleges as well as a number of online schools.
Coursework
Interior Design curriculums include basic art classes such as drawing, 2D and 3D design, art history and color theory as well as more specialized courses such as those listed here:
- Interior Codes and Construction - Covers construction drawing techniques, elevation and sections, electrical plans and building codes, working with contractors and building officials' roles.
- Furniture and Detailing - Teaches students furniture design theory as well as about construction, material selection and finishing techniques. Students may create their own custom-designed piece.
- Kitchen and Bath Design - Focuses on special design issues of kitchens and baths including plumbing, space planning, lighting, ergonomics, materials and finishes and code compliance.
- Green Design & Sustainability - Topics include energy and water efficiency, health and environment, sustainable products, as well as governmental standards (LEED), professional organizations and use of local resources.
- Computer Aided Design - Students learn to use CAD software to draft their design and produce working documents. May also include cost estimating, specification writing and record-keeping.
- Universal Design - Covers design considerations for those living with special needs including the elderly and handicapped. Students learn about universal design as applied to residential and commercial spaces including codes and standards, safety issues and functionality.
Aptitudes and Interests
Interior design students should be creative, detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated and have strong communication skills. Although this profession overlaps that of an Interior Decorator, a person's interest in this field should go beyond surface decoration and include the broader, functional aspects of interior space design.
Career Options
Interior Designers often work for architectural firms, construction companies and furniture suppliers although many interior designers are self-employed and work on a project basis. They may work on designing the interior for any kind of building including office spaces, residences, nursing homes, hotel rooms or even airport terminals. In addition to designing, they sometimes take on a sales role or are given project management responsibilities. Entry-level designers often work in apprenticeship positions, especially in states where licensing is required.
Related Programs
Other programs that may interest someone considering a degree in Interior Design include:
- Interior Decorating - These programs focus on surface decoration and aesthetics including color, furniture, drapery and accessory selection.
- Fashion Design - Students learn visual design, illustration and pattermaking skills as well as about production, marketing and Computer-Aided Design for fashion.
- Graphic Design - Coursework teaches artistic, design and technical skills used to produce both printed and digital graphic communications. Students learn design software, illustration techniques and about aspects of branding, package design and website design, among other topics.
- Architecture - Curriculums in this field include architecture theory, design and technology. Master's level degrees are common in this field.
How to Evaluate Interior Design Degree Programs
When selecting an Interior Design degree program, the following factors should be considered:
- CAD Software - Computer Aided Design (CAD) software training needs to be an integral part of the curriculum since most positions require proficiency in using this software.
- Apprenticeships - In states where licensing is required, prospective students should find out the school's success rate in placing graduates in apprenticeships. Experience and schooling are both requirements for licensing.
- Accreditation - The program should be accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Resources
American Society of Interior Designers
International Interior Design Association
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