Interior Design Program

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Interior designers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos293.htm (visited January 27, 2006).

Consider pursuing a career as an interior designer.  Increasingly, business owners and homeowners are placing more emphasis on the form and function of places where they conduct business and live.  As this shift in attention occurs, the skills of the interior design professional as a spatial planner become even more pertinent.  Whether employed with a wholesale or retail showroom, a design firm, a home center chain or a facilities planning division for governmental or commercial entities, building a career as an interior designer holds a variety of possibilities for persons with the right skills, persistence, and a penchant for creativity.  Form.  Color. Function. Aesthetic appeal.

Being able to convincingly communicate visual ideas through written proposals as well as via oral presentations is another common characteristic of the interior designer. These professionals are expected to be well-versed in specialized areas as energy efficiency, interiors for the physically challenged and the elderly all while taking into consideration environmental safety. A working knowledge of computer aided-design is also a requisite skill.

Career opportunities are excellent for well-qualified interior designers. Bureau of Labor projections indicate employment of designers is expected to increase more than 36 percent now through 2010. As for salary, interior designers can earn $23,440 to more than $71,220 a year. Experiences interior designers who work hard and have been in the field for several years can earn up to $100,000 or more a year. If this career path of interest to you, academic preparation and training are critical first steps to professional success. Obtain training through the Interior Design Program at Lansing Community College.

The Interior Design Program provides a two-year associate degree in applied science. It features a desirable internship course that provides students with experience working under the direct supervision of a professional interior designer. This unique learning arrangement gives students the opportunity to apply design principles learned in the classroom, clarify career goals, as well as gain residual benefits of becoming acquainted with the professional practices of interior design.

Another unique feature of the program is it emphasis on computer-aided drafting design (CADD). Design firms and home improvement centers are looking for team members with CADD education and experience. Available through are program are courses in, CADD for interiors and space planning as well as a course in 3D interiors, computer-aided kitchen design. Students learn how to use, AutoCAD, Planit Fusion and 2020 Technologies software programs that are taught by our faculty members who, are experts—dedicated professionals committed to helping you achieve academic and career success. Instruction is based on established practices commonly used in the industry. Courses are offered throughout the year. Many are offered evenings and weekends, as well as days to accommodate your schedule.  Spring semester begins in January, summer semester begins in June, and fall classes begin in August.

In August, 2000 Lansing Community College became the first National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Endorsed College Program in the state of Michigan.  Endorsed Program status standardizes graphic standards and curriculum for the Kitchen and Bath.  This coveted honor also means that students will have exposure to internships and employment opportunities throughout North America, which will increase earning opportunities.  To promote professional development, students are encouraged to attend to the monthly NKBA Chapter Business Meetings at a subsidized rate.  They may choose any one of the five chapter locations in the state. 

We want you in our classroom next semester. If you need direction on how to begin at LCC, let us know what is on your mind and what you need to get started. We have a place waiting for you in the classroom that can lead you to a great career start. For more information about our Interior Design Program, contact us online.

Interior Design and Fashion Technology Programs
2007 Advisory Board

Curriculum Information
Interior Design Program

To view degree and certificate requirements click on the curriculum code below.
Code		Degrees , Certificates, Transfer
0267		Interior Design Technology - Associate in Applied Science Degree
0927		Interior Design Merchandising - Certificate of Completion
0926		Kitchen/Bath Design Specialist - Certificate of Achievement
1208		Kitchen and Bath Technology - Associate in Applied Science Degree
Course Offerings
Many of the courses listed below are offered at LCC throughout the academic year and can be taken to upgrade current skills or fulfill degree and certificate requirements.  Visit the Course Schedule and Registration page for information pertaining to courses available during a particular semester.  View Interior Design (INTR) Course Descriptions INTR 100     Interior Design Fundamentals INTR 101    Special Topics in Interior Design INTR 110    Applied Design/Color Theory INTR 151    Beginning Kitchen and Bath Design  INTR 170    Interior Design Principles INTR 185    Introduction to Textiles INTR 190    Interior/Materials/Equipment INTR 201    Cultural Diversity in Housing INTR 230    World Decorative Arts INTR 231    Period Interiors INTR 232    Twentieth Century Interiors INTR 251    Advanced Kitchen and Bath Design INTR 256    Interior Design Professional Practice INTR 261    Interior Design Project Laboratory INTR 263    Interior Design Internship INTR 265    Residential Interior Design INTR 270    Interior Design Portfolio INTR 275    Commercial Interior Design INTR 280    Interior Design Building Codes INTR 293    Kitchen and Bath Design Internship

 

Career Facts
Interior Design Program

What is an interior designer?
Interior design is an emerging profession, recognized by licensing in over 22 states and Canada. Professional interior designers confer with clients to determine needs, preferences, budget, types of construction, and equipment to be installed. They create logical interior environmental plans to meet a specific need, such as raising productivity or improving the lifestyle of the residents. They also advise clients on such interior design factors as space planning, layout of furnishing and equipment and color coordination. They plan and design interior environments of homes, offices, commercial and institutional facilities.

What types of skills are required?
Creative problem solving is the most important skills required for interior designers. In today's marketplace, interior designers also use computers for problem solving. They are expected to use word processing for contracts, specifications to computer-aided kitchen, and bath design to computer aided space planning to aid in the different phases of the design process. Interior designers are also expected to demonstrate creativity, visualize three- dimensional objects from plans, and sell ideas and products to others. This program provides these skills as the first step of eligibility for certification through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam or students may choose to become certified Kitchen and Bath Designers by taking the NKBA exams.

Where are they employed?
Beginning interior designers usually begin their career with an internship or trainee position. Interior designers may work for home center chains, commercial or residential furniture showrooms. Other interior designers may work for interior design studios or in the facility management departments of institutions.

What is the average salary?
Beginning interior designers may be paid hourly, straight salary, salary plus commissions or bonuses, or straight commission. According to a national survey in May 2004, the median annual earnings for interior designers were $40,670. Wages of interior designers averaged between $30,890 and $53,790.

Related Links
Interior Design Program

 

National Council for Interior Design Qualification

American Society for Interior Designers

Interior Design Society

National Kitchen and Bath Association

NKBA Student Center

20 20 Technologies

Planit

International Facility Management Association

Building Owners and Managers Association

National Apartment Association

International Interior Design Association

US Green Building Council

National Home Builders Association, Certified Aging in Place Specialist

International Association of Lighting Designers

International Furnishings Design Association

The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America