Interior Design Programs in Bakersfield, California

Becoming an Interior Designer in Bakersfield, California

This comprehensive guide provides insight into the process of becoming an Interior Designer in Bakersfield, California. An Interior Designer is a professional who combines creativity with technical training to plan, design, and coordinate interior spaces for residential, commercial, and public projects. There are multiple educational paths available, including certificate programs, associate degrees, and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs. For detailed labor market information, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics Interior Designers page.

To help you navigate your creative career in Bakersfield, note that official regulatory bodies play a role in educational oversight. At the city level, the Bakersfield City School District (https://www.bcsd.com/, phone: (661) 631-4663) manages K–12 education. County-wide coordination is handled by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (https://www.kern.org/, phone: (661) 636-4700), while statewide educational standards are set by the California Department of Education (https://www.cde.ca.gov/, phone: (916) 319-0800). At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Education (https://www.ed.gov/) and the National Center for Education Statistics (https://nces.ed.gov/) ensure national oversight.

About Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield is a dynamic city in Kern County known for its rich cultural heritage and strong ties to the energy and agricultural industries. With landmarks such as downtown revitalization areas and distinct neighborhoods like Stockdale and Rosedale, the city offers a welcoming environment for aspiring creative professionals. For more about the city’s initiatives and community events, visit the official Bakersfield city website at https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/.

Interior Design Programs in Bakersfield, California

While Bakersfield does not currently have a dedicated interior design program, there are several nearby options for aspiring interior designers:

  1. Bakersfield College

    • Program: Offers associate degrees in related fields such as architecture, providing foundational design training.
    • Address: 2211 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (located in the Rosedale neighborhood).
    • Highlights: In-state tuition is approximately $46 per unit (2024 data). This is a practical local option for students seeking entry-level design and technical coursework.

  2. Woodbury University (Los Angeles, CA)

    • Program: Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design with innovative features like VR lab access.
    • Address: 1201 N Victory Pl, Burbank, CA 91502 (located in the greater Los Angeles area).
    • Distance: Approximately 110 miles from Bakersfield.
    • Highlights: The program emphasizes both creative design and technical training, preparing students for diverse interior design career paths.

  3. Berkeley College (Online AAS/BFA Options)

    • Program: Provides online Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs in interior design.
    • Highlights: Although Berkeley College is based in NJ/NY, its online offerings allow Bakersfield residents to pursue its accredited design programs remotely. Be sure to verify admission requirements and deadlines, which may include portfolio submissions, standardized test scores, and application interviews.

In all these programs, candidates can expect curriculum components such as design fundamentals, AutoCAD, Revit, sustainability principles, and mandatory internships. Specializations in sustainability, healthcare design, and commercial interiors are common in California programs.

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Bakersfield

Bakersfield’s local economy supports a range of opportunities in interior design. Notable firms in the area include:

  • McCarthy & Associates Interiors

    • Description: A leading design firm specializing in both residential and commercial interior projects.
    • Address: 500 N Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, located in downtown Bakersfield.
    • Website: https://www.mccarthyassociates.com/

  • BAS Design Group

    • Description: Known for its tailored design solutions, BAS Design Group offers services in commercial and residential design.
    • Address: 250 Stockdale Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93304, situated in the Stockdale neighborhood.
    • Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basdg

These firms provide excellent career opportunities, where interior designers may start as Residential Designers, Commercial Interior Designers, or Exhibit Designers. Entry-level salaries typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year, while experienced professionals can earn between $80,000 and $120,000 annually.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Applicants to interior design programs should meet the following prerequisites:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Portfolio submission is highly recommended for BFA programs.
  • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) may be required.
  • Interviews or additional assessments could be part of the admission process.
    These requirements are aligned with many California interior design programs that stress both creative ability and technical aptitude.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

While there are no state-specific licensure requirements for interior designers in California, national certification is essential for establishing professional credibility. Key certification and accreditation details include:

  • National Certification: Eligibility for the NCIDQ Exam is often contingent on having a CIDA-accredited degree. Check accredited programs at https://cida.org/.
  • Professional Organizations: Membership in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) (https://www.asid.org/) is highly regarded. California ASID Chapters, which can be found at https://www.asid.org/chapter_sites/listing, offer local networking and continuing education options.
  • Additional Resources: The IIDA Southern California Chapter (https://www.iida.org/) provides further professional development opportunities.

Get Started Today

The path to becoming an accomplished Interior Designer in Bakersfield involves deliberate training, certification, and practical experience. Prospective students are encouraged to explore these educational programs and career resources, carefully consider admission prerequisites, and invest in professional certification. With diverse options from local associate degrees to online bachelor programs, there has never been a better time to pursue this creative career. Contact your preferred school today through the available inquiry forms and take the first step toward a rewarding future in interior design.