How to Choose an Interior Design School

By Sarah Clark
Career Colleges Columnist

There are hundreds of interior design schools in the U.S. How do you know which is best for you? Here’s some food for thought!

First things first – do your research. Two organizations that accredit interior design schools: the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the Foundation for Interior Design Research and Education. An institution must meet a minimum standard of academic integrity to earn accreditation, ensuring students get a quality education.

Interior Design Students: Your Top Resource
There are a few interior design schools deemed credible despite not yet having been accredited. So, what other measures determine the quality of an interior design school? Nothing tops word-of-mouth. A potential school’s advisor can put you in touch with current and former students. Talk with them; ask lots of questions. Where are the former students working? Did they feel that their education landed them their dream interior design jobs? Ask current students about their experience. In which areas is the school strongest? What are its weaknesses?

How Qualified are Instructors?
When selecting an interior design school, review its instructors’ credentials. Do they have professional interior design experience? If so, in what capacity? Did they work for a big design outfit, or a small, lesser-known firm of mediocre reputation? Did they attend one of the top design schools?

Architecture and Interior Design
Architecture is an important aspect of interior design. If you want to work on more sophisticated design projects requiring knowledge of architectural principals, you might want to attend a school that offers courses in both architecture and interior design. Ask the institution’s advisors what architecture courses are available. Some institutions even have a separate architecture school that welcomes design students in its classes, providing a true industry perspective.

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

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