Interior Design Schools

Interior design is a growing, dynamic field that centers on making spaces attractive and functional. While this highly creative occupation offers workers the chance to channel a passion for developing visually appealing spaces, it also requires intensive work experience and study. Coursework covers a wide variety of subjects, from technical to business and artistic arenas. Most interior design schools include general education courses along with industry-specific curricula. 

Because interior design is a highly regulated field, prospective interior designers need to be careful in choosing the right school to attend. Not all meet the high standards necessary to help their graduates be successful in the job field.

 

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) says that before students decide whether they should pursue a two- or four-year degree, they should first perform a quality assessment of educational institutions in which they are interested. Review the schools’ design specialties, accreditation credentials and particulars such as tuition and other fees.

 

One additional way interior designers can demonstrate their skills is by maintaining membership in a professional association such as ASID. A two-year degree and work experience are minimum requirements for association membership.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook¹, interior designers generally require at least a bachelor’s degree to secure an entry-level position in the work force. Associate degrees or other types of certification are also available, and graduates of those programs are most often eligible to work as assistants to interior designers.

 

A one- to three-year apprenticeship is required for interior design students who have finished their formal education. More than twenty states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, require those who have completed their apprenticeships to also successfully pass a licensing exam. A combined six years of education and experience (including at least two years of post-secondary training) is required before one is eligible to take the exam. Interior designers also take continuing education courses to maintain their licensure.

Interior design can be divided into two broad categories: residential and commercial. Commercial designers in particular must maintain great familiarity with their clients, and as a result, frequently tend to choose a subspecialty like restaurant design or even creating airplane interiors.

 

Interior designers must have an array of marketable qualities to be successful in their chosen field. In particular, top-notch time and project management skills are a must. Strict deadlines are common in this field, and the ability to continue to work on old projects while searching for new projects and clients is important. Communication skills are also an important part of maintaining good relationships with clients and vendors.

 

Learning how to perform these duties requires students to take courses in furniture design, ergonomics, color and fabrics, spatial planning, drawing, computer-aided design, and more. At typical interior design schools, students enroll in programs that include courses with topics such as residential interiors, commercial interiors, lighting, and design theory, along with general education classes.

 

To research Westwood College’s interior design bachelor’s degree more thoroughly and to explore course offerings, click here.²