Interior Design Schools

Creating a space to be aesthetically pleasing is the hallmark of the interior design trade. Combining decorative elements, such as color, furniture and textiles, requires planning and training to bring together the “look” that clients are seeking.

Getting into Interior Design Schools

Several “career” schools, community colleges and traditional colleges offer courses in Interior Design. It is important when deciding upon a school to attend, that the facilities employ a quality design studio and up-to-date computer hardware and software. The program should also have established relationships with architectural or interior design firms that allow students to gain hands-on experience. There are only 130 accredited interior design schools in the U.S., but schools that are not accredited may have a narrower focus. A portfolio, transcripts and recommendations from previous teachers or employers can factor in when getting accepted to interior design school.

Interior Design Schools – Programs and Courses

A formal education in interior design may include classes in drawing, drafting, design history, furniture design, architecture, CAD software, project management, design and computer aided design. There are several specialties taught in interior design such as textiles, kitchen and bathroom design and colors, but the primary distinction in education is between students studying between residential design and contract/commercial design. Learning these skills helps students to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam which is required for state-certification. Two years of interior design education and some work experience is required to sit for the NCIDQ exam.

Interior design school programs range from 2 to 4 years with graduates of 2 or 3 year programs awarded a certificate or associate’s degree. Generally students who attain a certificate or associate’s degree work as assistants to interior designers after graduation, while bachelor’s degree candidates usually qualify for design apprenticeships prior to taking their NCIDQ exam. Joining a professional organization is an option to graduates who do not live in a state that mandates licensing. If graduates wish to specialize in a type of design certification is also available through training seminars. Growing interior design specialties are ergonomic design, elder design and “green” environmental design.

Top Interior Design Schools

The top schools according to the U.S. News and Weekly Report are the California College of the Arts, the New York School of Interior Design and the Rhode Island School of design. Other places to determine interior design school rankings are The Journal of Design Futures Council, Business Week or the Princeton Review. When considering schools, students need to decide on the focus of their career goals and the education necessary to attain those goals. Look at state-specific regulations and any association membership requirements. Factor in location, tuition costs, job placement opportunities and the quality of the design studio the college uses.

While a formal education is not necessary for a career in interior design, graduates of a formal program have a higher chance of achieving career success. Because the field of interior design is very competitive, find a quality interior design school that nurtures the passion for design.