Interior Design Programs in Little Rock, Arkansas

Becoming an Interior Designer in Little Rock, Arkansas

Interior Designers use their creativity and technical skills to transform spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. Prospective Interior Designers can choose from various education paths, including undergraduate degrees and specialized certification programs. Whether you pursue a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts, or an online certification like the Certified Residential Interior Designer, each pathway offers focused training in design principles, technical applications (such as CAD and space planning), and portfolio development.

This guide provides an in-depth look at becoming an Interior Designer in Little Rock, Arkansas, while outlining the local and near‑by Interior Design programs, regulatory resources, and employment opportunities.

About Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock, the state capital of Arkansas, is known for its rich history and well‑developed arts scene. The city features diverse neighborhoods such as the Downtown area and the River Market District, celebrated for their cultural landmarks and public art installations. For official information on Little Rock’s governance, visit the City of Little Rock’s official website.

Interior Design Programs in Little Rock, Arkansas

University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR)

  • Program: Certified Residential Interior Designer (online certification with RIDQC exam voucher)
  • Address: 600 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201 (Located in Downtown Little Rock)
  • Description: UALR offers an online certification program designed for those interested in residential design. The curriculum focuses on interior design fundamentals while providing exam preparation for the Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification.
  • Website: UALR Residential Interior Designer Program

University of Central Arkansas (UCA)

  • Programs: Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
  • Address: 310 N University St, Conway, AR 72032 (Situated in downtown Conway – approximately 25 miles from Little Rock)
  • Description: UCA’s Interior Design programs emphasize both technical and creative aspects of design. Students engage in core courses covering basic design principles, technical skills, business practices, and portfolio development, as well as mandatory internships.
  • Website: UCA Interior Design Program

Pulaski Technical College

  • Program: Certificate and short-term training courses in design fundamentals that complement an interior design education
  • Address: 1418 Cambridge Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72114 (Located in North Little Rock, approximately 5 miles from downtown Little Rock)
  • Description: Offering courses that cover design basics and essential technical skills, Pulaski Technical College provides a strong foundation for those looking to enhance their creative abilities before pursuing a full Interior Design degree.
  • Website: Pulaski Technical College

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Little Rock

Little Rock is home to a range of design firms and architecture companies that value innovative interior design skills. These organizations consistently seek creative talent with a strong educational background.

  • Wittenberg Delony & Davidson

    • Description: A prominent architectural and design firm located in downtown Little Rock that offers a range of interior design and architectural services.
    • Address: 333 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 (Downtown Little Rock)
    • Careers: Explore opportunities on their Careers page

  • Design Atelier Interiors

    • Description: Located in the River Market District, this firm specializes in custom interior design solutions for both residential and commercial projects.
    • Address: 200 River Market District, Little Rock, AR 72201 (River Market District)
    • Careers: Visit their Employment Opportunities page

For more details on the industry outlook, refer to the Interior Designer Job Outlook page on bls.gov.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Admission to Interior Design programs generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Undergraduate programs, such as those offered by UCA, typically request a minimum GPA of 2.5 and may require submission of a portfolio and attendance at an interview. Application deadlines vary; for instance, UCA’s fall deadline is August 1. These prerequisites ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and creative aptitude necessary for the rigorous study of interior design.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification plays a vital role in establishing professional credibility in the interior design field. In Arkansas, while there are no state‑specific licensure requirements, national certification such as the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) is required for professional practice. Additionally, UALR’s Certified Residential Interior Designer program prepares candidates for the RIDQC exam.

Key accreditation bodies to look for include:

  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

Candidates should verify that their chosen program is accredited by these organizations to ensure high educational standards.

Educational Regulatory and Resource Bodies

Prospective students should be aware of the following educational regulatory resources:

  • Little Rock Department of Education (oversees K‑12 education)

    • Website: lrsd.org
    • Contact: (501) 447‑1000

  • Pulaski County Special School District (manages county‑wide K‑12 education)

  • Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) (regulates and funds postsecondary education)

    • Website: adhe.edu
    • Contact: (501) 371‑2000

  • U.S. Department of Education (oversees national education standards and financial aid)

Additionally, potential Interior Design students may find further degree-specific details useful:

  • UCA Degrees: Bachelor programs focusing on technical and commercial design or residential and artistic aspects.
  • UALR Certification: An online certification program that integrates the RIDQC exam voucher and emphasizes fundamental design skills.

Get Started Today

Interior design offers a dynamic and multifaceted career pathway filled with creative opportunities and practical challenges. The array of programs—from comprehensive bachelor’s degrees to focused certification courses—ensures there is a path suited to your ambitions. Contact a school today through the information provided on their websites to begin your journey toward a rewarding career in interior design.