Best colleges for interior design – If you are going to enter an interior design school, you need to study all your options first. The first step to choosing the best interior design program is to make sure it is properly accredited.
Programs accredited by the Interior Design Accreditation Board (CIDA) are voluntarily reviewed by Board volunteers to provide students with an education that will serve them as students and prepare them for future professional growth.
Students enrolled in an accredited interior design program can be assured that they will be prepared for the National Interior Design Council (NCIDQ exam) qualification and meet the quality standards recognized by the profession.
There are many colleges for interior design that focus only on learning this, but there are some things you need to know before becoming an interior designer. Interior design emerged as a multifaceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied in a structure to create an interior environment.
What do interior designers do?
Interior designers combine knowledge, creativity, problem-solving skills and aesthetic vision to create a safe, functional, aesthetically pleasing environment that meets customer needs. Special knowledge includes programming, design analysis, spatial planning, interior construction, building codes, materials, furniture and equipment.
Regardless of the career path of a novice designer and whether the goal is to obtain a license, these undergraduate programs in interior design or interior architecture will undoubtedly provide such rigorous training and access to internship opportunities that will prepare the student for success. These facilities and programs teach students how to consider the health, well-being and safety of people in the design process, as well as hone their creativity and improve their technical knowledge.
Must I go to school to become an interior designer?
If you like to decorate rooms and arrange furniture, and you are interested in learning more about space, colors and textiles, then you can consider getting an education in interior design. Interior design is not just about decorating a space, it also studies ergonomics, spatial concepts, computer drawing, psychology and much more. In addition, the interior designer also needs to have good interpersonal and communication skills and be human.
If you are aiming for a career in interior design, there are many star colleges for interior design to choose from. Here are some of the best ones to consider in the United States, many of which are recognized by the Interior Design Accreditation Board (CIDA), meaning they meet the highest standards of interior design education.
ALSO CHECK: 20 Free Colleges for disabled people in 2023 | Full List
15 Best colleges for interior design in 2023
· Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
FIT is constantly gaining international recognition for its programs in fashion, design, art, communications and business. The FIT Interior Design program has been preparing students for success for more than 50 years.
This rigorous multidisciplinary program combines the academic study of the history and theory of interior design with practical practical projects. Over the years, the school has achieved 7th place in design programs from Design School Hubs and 8th place from Design Intelligence.
His rigorous curriculum is imbued with his commitment to research, experiential learning, adapted academics and partnerships in the field.
· Cornell University
At Cornell, interior design is taught in the Design and Environmental Analysis program, which is part of the College of Human Ecology.
The STEM-certified program offers a flexible curriculum that requires students to take basic courses before focusing on elective subjects that support individual educational goals.
These specializations are organized around three main research topics: design and innovation strategy, sustainable future, and health and well-being. In addition to their chosen field of knowledge, students may also study a minor, honors degree or off-campus study.
The D + EA program boasts teachers from a wide range of disciplines and focuses on innovation.
· New York School of Interior Design
Through a comprehensive education in interior design and a focus on the liberal arts, NYSID produces accurate, critical thinkers with cultural, social, and historical information.
Students will learn about presentations, as well as business, legal and administrative needs, gaining effective communication skills and technical knowledge. The NYSID curriculum also meets the educational requirements for membership in industry associations and prepares them for the National Interior Design Council’s qualifying examination.
With the required internships, study abroad programs, and more than 100 practicing designers (with firms including Gensler, HOK, and Perkins + Will), NYSID prepares graduates for the real world of interior design.
· University of Cincinnati, Ohio
According to Design Intelligence, the program “Interior Design” ranks fourth in the country for 2017-2018 and is consistently in the top 10 from year to year.
The University of Cincinnati School of Architecture and Interior Design offers a 5-year program that focuses on the physical, psychological, and social needs of clients and customers; ends with a project that provides students with practical experience.
92% of students were employed within 3 months of graduation (71% with a starting salary above $ 40,000 per year) and are able to solve problems, think critically and use advanced technologies in the industry.
Coursework is done in the studio and also specializes in classes such as furniture / carpentry, communication skills, design science, business and lighting.
· Rhode Island School of Design
Known for its commitment to art education, the RISD Interior Architecture program has consistently been considered one of the best schools of interior design.
The RISD program is at the intersection of architecture, conservation and design. Adaptive reuse and transformation of existing buildings is central to the curriculum, which requires students to specialize in theatrical, exhibition, or retail design.
The program of interior architecture considers “less surface materials than understanding the design of buildings from the inside,” the school explains its holistic approach.
Many graduates continue to work in decoration design or retail or conservation.
· Drexel University
Drexel’s interior design program combines the study of interior design with the study of art and art history. Students explore the behavioral, technological, environmental, and aesthetic aspects of interior design in the context of complex design projects.
Combined with art and art history and general education requirements, the core of interior design courses creates a unique education at the forefront of design.
Drexel College of Westphalia offers an impressive selection of degrees; 19 only for the bachelor’s program. Building on a solid foundation of visual research, Westphal inspires a sense of experimentation and broadening visual horizons.
· Virginia Tech
Theory, research and practical knowledge combined with the tradition of iteration and creation are the main characteristics of the Virginia Tech interior design program.
Students will learn how to create facilities that take into account health, safety and well-being, as well as adhere to various codes and regulations.
As part of the School of Architecture and Design, Virginia Tech’s interior design students interact regularly with students and faculty. Several opportunities to study abroad in Europe also improve the academic experience.
· George Washington University
Recognized as one of the best schools of architecture and interior design, George Washington University is proud of its ability to help students connect and work on the ground.
The school in Washington, D.C., offers students opportunities for cross-collaboration, allowing them to work on studio projects to create new facilities across the university.
The school’s interior architecture program is CIDA accredited. The school describes the program as a program that promotes “creativity and pushes the boundaries of design with an emphasis on conceptual thinking and the design process.
· Pratt Institute
Offering one of the first interior design programs in the country, Pratt is known as the best school of interior design.
This architecturally-oriented program, which is part of the School of Design, emphasizes spatial design and surface decoration, always with sensitivity to the people who live in them.
Students begin studio classes that focus on collaborating in a competitive environment in the second year; research is completed on the basis of a research project of a senior thesis.
With a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility and professional ethics, the department prepares students for employment, professional development, professional associations and the National Interior Design Council (NCIDQ) exam. An option to study abroad in Copenhagen is also available.
· Auburn University
Auburn’s accredited CIDA interior design program focuses on critical and creative thinking.
The Alabama-based program prepares new professionals to search and organize information, solve problems, communicate with people, identify needs, and ultimately create an environment to improve the quality of life.
It includes design studios and basic business courses. In addition, the school encourages students to create a professional portfolio before graduation.
Colleges for interior design frequently asked questions and answers
Can I do interior design work without license?
In some states, only licensed designers can do interior design work. In other states, such work can be performed by both licensed and unlicensed designers; however, only licensed designers can use the title of interior designer. In other states, both licensed and unlicensed designers may call themselves interior designers and perform interior design work.
Is it hard to learn interior design?
YES, but although many interior design concepts are complex, by enrolling in an accredited interior design program, you can get help from your peers and teachers by working in the various areas of study that you will need to become a successful interior designer.
Do interior designers produce drawings for construction and installation?
Some interior designers make designs, plans and drawings for construction and installation. These may include construction and demolition plans, electrical diagrams and plans required to obtain building permits. Interior designers can make a sketch project into documents that can be as simple as sketches, or as inclusive as building documentation with graphics and applications.
Must I go to school to become an interior design
A bachelor’s degree remains the typical entry-level education expected by interior designers. This level of education informs employers that the person is familiar with the basic elements of interior design, including a basic understanding of color, composition, finishing and materials in addition to skills such as computer design or marketing communications.
