15 Best Interior Design Schools In The World

The beauty of many corporate offices and residential apartments lies in the excellence of their interior designs.

Also, interior designing has become a lucrative business in the contemporary for the few who have mastered the art. It is a goldmine, the new normal, for smart entrepreneurs.

Interestingly, through apprenticeship, you too can master the art of interior design and study the program run by a host of schools around the world.

However, for easy access to these “goldmine” schools, here are the 15 Best Interior Design Schools in the World.

Once, when I moved into a new apartment, the space was scruffy and very indecent. As expected, I couldn’t deal; thus, I sought help from a friend. Transformation happened in less than a week.

Funny enough, the deco was done by a college student. He was such a master at the art. Of course, you heard me, a student! It was his side-hustle and course of study in college.

In this article, you’ll get to learn about interior design, its best schools, programs etc. In addition, this content will expose you to strategies that will help you make quicker and better choices.

However, before we talk about these schools, let’s answer some specific questions about interior designs.

What is Interior Design?

Interior design can be primarily defined as the process of upgrading or magnifying the beauty and arrangement of a particular place. Essentially, this organization uses diverse designs and beautiful items in a particular space.

Years ago, interior decorations were part of the architect’s work description. The hub of interior decoration lied in sculptures, frames and engraved writings.

Today, the story has changed as a lot of innovations have been introduced to increase available options.

Types of Interior Decoration

You might think that the same designs are not applied across all environments; you’re right. In essence, the same decorations used in schools will differ from those used in offices and residential areas.

Therefore let’s take a look at the types of designs;

Residential: This is a design used in housing apartments/private residences. In essence, these designs cut across different styles and patterns as individual tastes differ. Designers will face a big challenge when it comes to space management.

Commercial: These are the designs that are executed across a lot of areas. These include;
Corporate organizations
Educational institutions
Sport halls
Hospitals
Restaurants etc.

Interestingly, many designers face a bigger challenge here as these designs must suit the taste of many people.

Elements of Interior Design

According to collaborativepractice.com, certain elements are necessary for producing an astounding design. They outlined seven of them, which include;

Space

Space is an essential element which helps determine the structure of your decoration. Categorically, space has been divided into negative and positive space.

The difference beckons on negative space being a space while positive space contains objects.

The use of these spaces will vary according to the client’s taste and designers perspective. Consequently, proper use of space is one astounding skill that distinguishes excellent designers from average ones.

Line

Lines are a basic element that determines the aesthetic nature of a place. These lines cut across horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines.

Incorporating these lines will spark a certain sense of arrangement and can manipulate the spacing of the room.

Form

In interior decoration, forms refer to hard lines which are either geometric or natural. In addition, they can also be objects which are enclosed.

The inclusion of similar shapes will bring balance and improve aesthetic.

Light

Primarily, lighting rides at the top of the list when considering the style of decoration you should use. I believe no one would appreciate a space without enough light.

Most times, artificial lighting settings can be included; however, preference to natural light is considered.

Colour

Of course, colours give a soothing feeling to a room. Whether exhibited in painting or wallpapers, colours are actually determined by the type of activity that will be executed in that space.

In conclusion, research has shown that lighter colours are better preferred in residential areas than corporate offices.

Texture

Texture in design has to do with the impression that an environment expresses. In essence, it is how an individual can perceive what happens in the environment by looking at the design.

Designers understand this aspect of their work and pay attention to what’s missing in the space.

Pattern

Pattern is the totality of the arrangement that occurs within a space. It’s what distinguishes two designs used in similar environments.

Excellent designers never stick to one pattern as it can become boring. Therefore, versatility is critical in building a solid career in interior designing.

Who is an Interior Designer?

An interior designer is a trained individual who improves the beauty and nature of an environment. Moreso, they enhance an environment using different methods without destroying its natural elements.

Interior designers work in diverse environments, from museums, corporate offices, and schools to residential apartments.

For this reason, their importance cannot be overemphasized. And if you’re convinced it’s the path you wish to follow, let’s get you a list of some basic skills you need.

What Skills Do I Need to Become an Interior Designer?

You can become an excellent interior designer with a basic skill set.

Technically, your skill sets will increase your creativity and expand your eye for detail.

The necessary skill sets include;

• Artistry
• Combination of colours
• Creativity
• Organization
• Interpersonal skills
• Integrity

How much does an Interior Designer Earn?

We guess you would want to know how much money a designer collects as his paycheck and how often he does that.

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, an interior designer can earn as much as $53,370 per year.

However, your earnings will be affected by your country and area of specialization.

What are the available Interior Design programs?

You can pursue interior design as a field of study under diverse programs. These programs are sectioned into;

• Associate Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• Certificate & Diploma

Associate Degree

An associate degree program is a post-secondary education program. In essence, this is your first two years in a bachelor program.

Interior design students pursuing an associate degree must complete 60-64 hours of study. In addition, they must possess a minimum CGPA of 3.0.

Interestingly, you get qualified to work as a design assistant after you have completed this degree. But you need to possess a bachelor degree to meet entry-level positions.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor degree will give you the necessary technical skills used in designing. Moreso, you get to learn about business skills.

You can build codes, understand design theory and communication techniques under the bachelor degree program.

Master’s Degree

Funnily enough, individuals who are not designers can enter the field through this program.

Essentially, students get to write a project in a particular design area. They can specialize in their interested area of design.

Doctorate Degree

You are prepared to lecture interior design at this level. In addition, you get to conduct design research and study a lot of literature.

Conclusively, you can lecture interior design at the University or work in the Ministry.

Certificate Programs

It is important to note that certificate programs have diverse requirements. However, you must possess a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree.

Finally, many of these programs have two years of coursework in addition to 60 hours of classes.

How Do You Choose a Good Interior Design Program?

To choose an interior design program, you may need to consider certain factors.

These factors you’ll consider will revolve around your time, money and pursuit.

Your academic qualifications will play a more prominent role in influencing your decision.

You need a higher school diploma at the least to enter for an associate program. Similarly, it would be best if you had a higher school diploma and a minimum level of CGPA to get into a bachelor program.

A Master’s and PhD programs share similar requirements, such as thesis and coursework.

Check this out: How can I become an Interior Designer in 2024? Schools, Cost & Salary

15 Best Interior Design Schools in the World

As expected, many schools where you can study interior design are located in Europe and America. Most universities share similar courses, while others have a different outline.

Therefore, here are the top 15 interior design schools in the world;

• Converse College
• Florence Design Academy
• Salem College
• Interior Design School, London
• Marywood University
• Savannah College of Art and Design
• Auburn University
• Pratt Institute
• Taylor University
• Visual College of Art & Design
• New York School of Interior Design
• Rhode Island School of Design
• Purdue University
• Chelsea school of Arts
• Stanford University

Visit school site

Conclusion

As an interior designer, you’re in a highly competitive market space. For this cause, you have to up your game always.

In doing this, you don’t have to work yourself out; you only need to learn from more experienced individuals.

That being said, if you’re looking for flexibility in work, interior designing is an area that should interest you.

References

• collaborativepractice.com
• apartmenttherapy.com
• format.com
• guidestoonlineschools.com

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