Interior Design Program

LCC > Environmental, Design and Building Technologies Department

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. Experienced 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 our 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.

Search Lansing Community College

Environmental, Design and Building Technologies Department

Interior Design Program