To come up with a reliable list of the top 10 interior design schools, I aggregated common ranking lists from interior design industry experts (including DesignSchoolsHub and Design Intelligence). These lists compiled the rankings by surveying design professionals and asking which schools best prepare students' for a career in interior design.

1. Interior Design Schools In Southwest Florida

Combine function and beauty with creativity and organization to pursue a career in Interior DesignThe Interior Design BFA degree at The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, begins with a solid foundation in basic drafting, drawing, rendering, and perspective and then builds upon aesthetics, design theory, and problem-solving skills. You will have the opportunity to learn the different challenges associated with both residential and commercial design projects as well as the business skills needed to work successfully with wholesalers in the industry to help manage costs.As you learn alongside classmates who share your passion and drive, you’ll form professional connections that can benefit you down the road.

You will also have the opportunity to observe and participate in the operation of an Interior Design-related business in your capstone Internship course.Upon graduation from our Tampa interior design design degree program, you will have received hands-on training and instruction from our award-winning faculty. and organized a portfolio to display your accomplishments to prospective employers.Interior Designers can become licensed by the. The requirements for licensure include a combination of education, professional experience, and passage of an examination administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). The University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for certifications and licensure and are subject to change without notice to the University.Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors. If it was easy, anybody could do it.You have a unique vision—and a strong passion—for designing the spaces where people live and work.

Our program is all about turning that passion and vision into a career that's both challenging and rewarding. You'll have the opportunity to learn to design attractive environments that are safe, accessible, and sustainable, while meeting today’s demanding technical requirements and regulations. We’ll start by guiding you through basics like perspective, proportion, color, drafting, and rendering. Then you can to build skills in areas from textiles, furnishings, and lighting to traditional and computerized design and computer-aided drafting. You’ll explore residential, commercial, institutional, and office design with courses in materials and specifications, building and safety codes, sustainable building principles and practices, environmental design, and human factors. AJ MangasLine and Banquet Cook at Carlouel Yacht ClubAJ Mangas is working as a line and banquet cook at Carlouel Yacht Club in Clearwater, Florida. He is responsible for preparing stations and banquets, as well as creating dishes.

AJ says that his days are very fast paced. “We have a small staff in the kitchen, so it requires a lot of concentration and technique to ensure the food is prepared correctly and to the Head Chef’s standards,” he says.AJ is proud to have made a career change in his 30s, moving from a position as an auto technician to his current culinary career. “I love creating new dishes, or putting my own twist on classic dishes, using fresh ingredients.” AJ adds that the most satisfying part of being a chef is hearing that customers enjoy his creations. “The absolute best is when a server comes into the kitchen and tells me that the customer loved their dish. That makes all the stress and pressure worth it.”AJ, who in 2013 earned a Diploma in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Tampa, says that his education helped to prepare him for a culinary career.

“Everything from the classes to the kitchen labs were amazing. The instructors not only taught me basic skills, but what to expect in the field by teaching from their own experiences.

I use the techniques that I learned in school every single day.”See for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info.Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors. Joshua ZeffGraphic Designer for J&R BicyclesJoshua Zeff is working as the graphic designer for J&R Bicycles in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is responsible for marketing, print, and web applications for the company.

Joshua says that he enjoys the calm and chaotic combination that each day brings. “One day you’re doing nothing but the normal routine and then next day, eight products come in, two sales need promotional material done, and your boss is requesting design briefs. But that’s why I love what I do.”Joshua is inspired by intricate signage, theme park environments, bright and bold fonts, extreme textures, and unique packaging. “I’m drawn to interesting structures and art; anything that is unique or different fascinates me,” he says.Joshua, who in 2014 earned a in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Tampa, says that his education gave him a realistic sense of how the industry works. “Everything from the assignments to the deadlines and the critique sessions mentally prepared me to communicate my creations and gave me a sense of what it would really be like to work in the real world.” Joshua adds that current students should be humble as they transition into their careers.

“No matter how good you are or how good you think you are, you are just starting.”. Jenna MackSenior Graphic Designer for Triad Retail MediaJenna Mack is a senior graphic designer for Triad Retail Media, a marketing and content services company in St. Petersburg, Florida. She works with the sales, content, and marketing teams to concept strategies for leading brands, and aims to drive sales and enhance consumer experiences through digital retail platforms. Jenna says that her typical workday begins with coffee and emails.

She looks at what’s on her plate for the day and creates a project task list. She then attends kickoff meetings for new projects—brainstorming and sketching ideas. “We get anywhere from a couple of hours to a week to turn a project around, and that determines how much of the creative process we get to follow.”She admits that her career is demanding and recommends that when pressure sets in, it’s important to remember the end goal. “Remind yourself of how far you've come and know that soon enough you're going to look back on this moment and realize how much further you've gotten.

You will surprise yourself in what you accomplish and it makes the struggles worth it.” She adds that simply meeting job requirements is not enough, and takes pride in surrounding herself with information that helps her to grow professionally. This has allowed her to feel more confident in business meetings. “If you know what you're talking about it shows, and people start depending on you and looking at you as a go-to person for certain things. That's a great feeling.”Jenna cites a time when she felt stuck on a project—and says that while it is difficult, everyone goes through it. “I realized that if other people could get past it, then I could too.

I also changed how I looked at my current situation. Changing your perspective can make everything feel a lot better.” For a mental break, she takes the time to play a game, work on a puzzle, or share ideas with coworkers. “We also surround our work area with inspiring quotes and good design.”Her determination is rewarded when she receives compliments on her work.

“Seeing your work live, or people interacting with it, is pretty rewarding.” She did face a challenge after her manager left—she was given the opportunity to either step up and take the open position or to continue working under a new manager. “It was a little scary and a lot all at once, but I felt I deserved the chance to step up and I wanted to take the challenge. So far, it's gone more smoothly than I thought, and pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone. I've accomplished things I wouldn't have believed were possible for me a year ago.”Jenna, who in 2013 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Tampa, says that her instructors’ drive and passion in design was inspiring.

She adds that the school’s strict attendance policy prepared her for a real world work environment—she was early to every class, stayed late, and only missed class if she absolutely had too. “I became more responsible. I definitely didn't feel like the typical college student.”. Kirsten 'KJ' Mathers Head Chef at Resort on Island of St.

Kitts, Oversees Kitchen and Menu CreationKirsten Mathers’ first immersion into international cuisine took place when she traveled to Italy, while still a student, as a finalist in the Urbani Tartufi Truffle Competition. Today, she’s working as the head chef of a resort on the island of St. Kitts, in charge of a restaurant that recently re-opened. Kirsten oversees the menu, puts ServSafe procedures in place, standardizes menus, and manages inventory. “It was an unexpected opportunity, but one that I know will be pivotal in my professional career,” she says.While still a student, Kirsten earned the opportunity to cook New Year’s Eve dinner at the prestigious James Beard House and was selected for a two week trip to Italy to participate in the Urbani Tartufi Truffle Competition.

Upon completion of her degree, two of her Chef instructors helped to connect her with an internship at an Italian resort—and finally her job in St. Kitts.Her work day includes morning prep, then a quick break before she returns in the afternoon to get ready for dinner service. As the restaurants ramps up its staff, Kirsten hopes to turn over the prep work to new hires and devote more time to planning and record keeping—but will continue to work inside the kitchens for the dinner hours.Kirsten says that she’s currently facing a big challenge.

Interior Design Schools In Southwest Florida

“The executive chef of the resort where my restaurant is located resigned unexpectedly four days after I got here. I was left in charge of a restaurant that had re-opened just five days before his resignation.” She adds that her education immediately assisted her with stepping up to the challenge. “The well-rounded education that I got at The Art Institute of Tampa, as well as the support of my chef instructors and family/friends allowed me to face this challenge with confidence and excitement.”On St.

Kitts, there’s an existing framework to Island favorites—but growing tourism allows Kirsten to experiment and stretch the minds of her culinary staff. “It's always a conversation, but it's been fun to see the way that all of us are willing to try new things, or combine both the local heart and the tourists’ tastes.”While she tries to make room for downtime, she says that a chef's mind never stops. “Food never ends, so cooking never ends. Requisitions never end so tracking products never ends.

Restaurants cannot remain stagnant, so you must learn the taste of people around you to know what sorts of things you can create to put on the menu.” Kirsten spends time learning how to create foods and says that she’s always present and aware—watching everything going on in the kitchen. “On the flip side, to be a healthy chef, you must make sure to commit to stopping your chef brain and taking time to do what you need to do for yourself to keep you going as a chef.”Kirsten, who in 2016 earned an Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Tampa, says that she started her culinary education five years after earning a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry.

“I knew I needed to do something more.Up until then I had worked in a coffee shop, served in a restaurant, and did a quick stint as a bank teller, but never really considered culinary school until I realized that all of my free time was spent experimenting in the kitchen.” She says that the labs and in-kitchen classes challenged her and that her instructors pushed her to reach her potential. “The classroom curriculum enabled a more broad vision of what it is like to be a chef.

Without the full scope of the curriculum there, I would not be able to approach this job in the way that I am now.”She admits that life in the culinary industry is tough, requiring a hardworking, consistent attitude. “All chefs fail at some point or another, because food is a endless palate. The fact of the matter is that you will get out what you put in. I'm sure people have heard that over and over again, but we must rise to the challenges that are placed in front of us.” Kirsten mentions that her instructors wanted her to be successful and encouraged her to become a consistent, and curious culinary artist.“It’s been a wild ride, and I am excited to see the way things keep on unfolding. I do have to say though that as much as I have reaped rewards of hard work and determination, not one bit of any of it would be possible without the network of chefs teaching, guiding, helping, and encouraging me. One cannot be a chef alone.”. Ryan SullivanPromotions Producer for Sinclair Broadcast GroupRyan Sullivan is a promotions producer for Sinclair Broadcast Group.

He writes, edits, and films news talent to promote daily events for KEYE TV News in Austin, Texas. Ryan also produces spots to promote station branding. “My typical workday begins with me going over current events happening around our city. I will write and produce commercials.

And before the 10 o'clock news, I will sit in meetings to find the story we will promote for the newscast,” he says.Prior to working with Sinclair Broadcast Group, Ryan was a video editor for Americas Auction Network. He worked in promotions at Great 38 TV in Tampa and at FOX 29, WOAI NEWS 4, and the CW 35 in San Antonio, Texas.He says that there are daily challenges in his job, including breaking news and stories that don’t make the cut to the final broadcast. He adds that he’s currently facing the obstacle of finding time to pursue his passion of making movies. Ryan adds that he’s focused on providing innovative creative solutions that look good and reach the intended audience. “It is hard to reinvent the wheel. The same applies with creating a good commercial.

Using typography different ways proves difficult. There is a fine line between trying to be unique and not overdoing it.”To promote a positive and creative environment in his workplace, Ryan always enters the studio refreshed and happy. “News can be a struggle, between a short leash and contained creativity, you have to stay upbeat.

I think my coworkers can rely on me to keep things light and under control.” In addition to bringing positivity to the workplace, Ryan is proud to have been nominated for Emmy and National Promotional awards.Ryan, who in 2012 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production from The Art Institute of Tampa, says that his education provided a foundation for his career success. “The programs that I use and the equipment I use, were part of the curriculum during my four years at The Art Institute of Tampa.”. I know what I want. Now show me what I need.Creating living and working spaces isn’t just about color, light, and materials.

It’s about building codes, accessibility, and sustainability. Was there a defining moment when you knew you were destined to become a creative professional?I embraced creativity from a very early age. Working as an engineer, I made comics online – poking fun of technology and geek culture. A few of them were published on CNET, and that led to a regular paid gig with a tech magazine in Europe. Getting my first paycheck and seeing my work in print in a glossy magazine with a large circulation made me realize there were opportunities to make money with my art.How do you weave your professional background into the classroom experience?My clients have included Microsoft, Bandai Namco, and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Whether it’s designing a movie poster, pitching an idea, documenting process work, or knowing how to read and prepare a contract, I routinely bring my professional experiences and lessons learned into the classroom. It’s absolutely critical for students to understand that in today’s workforce, you have to wear many hats, work hard, ask questions, and have a can-do attitude.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you were destined to become a creative professional?It had to be when I was a little girl and my mother found me in the kitchen trying to make a 'peach cake,' which consisted of everything I could possibly find that had something to do with baking. That’s when I knew a 9-to-5 job just wasn't going to cut it. I needed more of an outlet.How do you weave your professional background into the classroom experience?My teaching style revolves around how the industry really works, based on my experience. And I make sure my students understand what employers will expect of them once they enter the work force.What class assignment exemplifies your approach to teaching and mentoring, and how do you inspire students to push themselves beyond their perceived limits?I feel that all my assignments inspire students to push themselves and move out of their comfort zones.

The more they go beyond their limits, the more they learn and grow as people and professionals.How does collaboration contribute to students’ success—particularly when students from various programs work together?Collaboration is very important to student success. In the culinary industry, you’re a member of a team that works together to accomplish a common objective. Buying into the team concept usually leads to positive results—not only in the classroom, but also in a professional kitchen.What’s the most important thing you impart to students to help them succeed in class and the real world?Gather all the information you can. Experience as much as possible.

And adapt to what life throws at you.What’s the most critical advice you would offer any student embarking on a creative career?Make sure this is the creative career you want, because this industry is hard. Not being absolutely sure just won’t cut it.Anything else you’d like to share?My position as a chef instructor lets me combine my passion for with the structure of higher education.GET INFO FOR.The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, is one of The Art Institutes, a system of private, non-profit schools throughout the United States. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, Parkside at Tampa Bay Park, 4401 North Himes Avenue, Suite 150, Tampa, FL © 2019 The Arts Institutes International LLC. All rights reserved.

Our email address isSee for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, alumni success, and other important info.Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors.

CoursesMajor studios cover residential and commercial space planning, analysis, and design.Students take courses in 2D and 3D drawing, history of interiors, interior detailing,materials, building systems, interior lighting, codes, and business practices. Visitthe to view and search offerings of Interior Design courses.The Interior Design Program at Palm Beach State College is housed in the TechnologyCenter at the Lake Worth campus. The program facilities consist of a large studioclassroom with drafting and computer stations, resource room, presentation room, andlibrary. Frequently Asked Questions. What is Interior Design?According to the Council for Interior Design Qualification, 'Interior Design is amulti-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied withina structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional,enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive.Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledgethe physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to codeand regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability.The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, includingresearch, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, wherebythe needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space thatfulfills the project goals.'

. Why do I need a degree to practice Interior Design?Over the years interior design has evolved into a separate and distinct disciplinerequiring expertise and skills different from other professions. Interior designershave become key participants in the total design process. Educating practitionersproviding interior design services contributes to the public health, safety and welfare.Without formal education and a degree, it will be difficult for you to attract clientsor obtain employment in the field. What kind of degree do I earn at Palm Beach State College?Palm Beach State College awards an Associate in Science Degree in Interior DesignTechnology. Palm Beach State is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges andSchools (SACS), the same agency that accredits UF, FSU, FAU, and the other state collegesand universities in this region. Our program also complies with the educational requirementsfor examination and licensing in the State of Florida.The Associate in Science Degree in Interior Design Technology program meets the educationalrequirements set forth in Rule 61G1-22 of the State of Florida Board of Architectureand Interior Design Administrative Code.

After completion of this program, four yearsof work experience under a registered interior designer or architect and passage ofthe National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination are required toapply for licensing. How long will it take me to earn this degree?For a full-time student, we recommend a minimum of 4 semesters and 2 summers to completethe program. Part-time and evening students will take longer.

What kind of instruction will I receive?All instructors in the program are hired on the basis of their educational credentialsand years of field experience. All are successful practitioners and respected membersof the design community.We are a learning-centered program.

Class time is spent almost entirely in instructionthrough lectures, demonstrations, audiovisual presentations, studio work, and studentwork critiques. You may be required to contribute an equal amount of time in homework,depending on how many project deadlines fall at any given time.

Good time managementand productive work habits are essential to student success.Internship (IND 2941) provides field experience and the opportunity to explore variousjob types within the profession before graduation. What does the program prepare me to do?The curriculum includes both theoretical knowledge and practical training that preparesyou for entry-level employment in the profession immediately upon graduation. How difficult is the program?We set high standards for performance and earning high grades requires your commitmentto a rigorous education. You can control your workload by the number of credits youtake each semester. For each hour of in-class time, you can expect, at a minimum,to invest 2 hours of time outside of class doing homework. How are the classes organized?Classes are organized sequentially: part one of a sequence (Fall semester) must betaken successfully to be able to take part two of the sequence (Spring semester).For example: IND1233C Design Studio 1 (Fall) will lead to IND1234C Design Studio 2(Spring). Also, some classes need to be taken together; specifically, IND1233C DesignStudio 1 and IND1401C Technical Design, and IND1234C Design Studio 2 and IND2460CCAD for Interiors 1.

Each class is only offered once a year and must be taken in sequencein order for a student to move onto the next semester classes. Can I begin the program in the Spring or Summer?Our main courses are designed to start in the Fall due to the sequential organizationof the program. However, students wishing to start the program in the Spring or Summercould take classes not having a prerequisite or any of the general education courserequirements. Which classes should I register for in the beginning?New students can start the program as early as the Summer term with IND2420 Materialsand general education courses (if not yet completed). This is followed by the Fallsemester course offerings: IND1233C Design Studio 1, IND1401C Technical Design, IND2461Building Systems, and IND2100 History of Interiors 1.

What would a typical full time student class schedule look like?On campus Interior Design classes are offered once a week, Monday through Friday.For example, IND1233C Design Studio 1 may be offered on a Tuesday, while IND1401CTechnical Design may be offered on a Friday. Students generally have 2 sections ofeach class to choose from, a day section or an evening section. Refer to the classschedule for specific days and times. A few classes are offered fully online, providingstudents with a flexible schedule.It is important to understand that we cannot guarantee specific schedules to studentsduring any of our terms. Class times can change every term as we schedule our classesbased on instructor and classroom availability. Therefore students need to maintainfairly flexible time schedules.

If students need to fit classes around a rigid jobschedule, they should perhaps consider attending as a part-time student to deter interferencewith work schedules. I work full-time. What are my options?Students with job or family commitments should consider joining our program as a part-timestudent. A part-time student only takes two or three of the required course sequencesper semester.

You must contact the Department Chair for recommended part-time sequences.By attending part-time, a student is adding at least a year or two to the programof study. However, by not having a heavy class load, students can maintain their GPAwith greater success and learn the material in greater depth. I enjoy colors and selecting materials and furniture. Is this what the program ismostly about?This is a good beginning. However, a successful interior designer must also have astrong awareness and understanding of art history, space planning, building codes,and a range of technical subjects such as construction materials and methods, lighting,and computer applications. Ensure you have researched the discipline of interior decoratingand interior design and understand the differences. Do I need an art or technical background?No.

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