Interior Design Programs in Huntington Beach, California

Becoming an Interior Designer in Huntington Beach, California

Interior Designers plan, research, and execute interior layouts for commercial and residential spaces. They blend aesthetics with functionality to create spaces that maximize both beauty and utility. Various education paths exist for Interior Designers—including certificate programs, associate degrees, and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees—each offering distinct advantages depending on career goals and prior experience. For those in Huntington Beach looking to forge a career in Interior Design, a multitude of design programs, certification paths, and professional resources are available.

About Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is a coastal city in Orange County, California, known for its extensive beaches, thriving local art scene, and distinctive neighborhoods such as Downtown Huntington Beach and the Bolsa Chica area. For more details about the city, please visit the City of Huntington Beach official website.

Interior Design Programs in Huntington Beach, California

While Huntington Beach itself may not host a large number of dedicated interior design institutions, several nearby schools provide comprehensive Interior Design training. Below are three reputable options:

  1. Orange Coast College (OCC)

    • Location: 1111 W. Doheny Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (approximately 8 miles from Huntington Beach; situated in the Eastside Costa Mesa neighborhood).
    • Program: Offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Interior Design along with certificates in Interior Design Professional, Digital Design Communication, and Kitchen and Bath Advanced.
    • Program Details: Courses include design theory, color analysis, and CAD software applications such as ID A175: Applied Color and Design Theory.
    • Additional Information: Emphasis on hands-on projects and transferable credits to CSU/UC systems.
    • Website: Orange Coast College Interior Design Program

  2. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

    • Location: 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840 (approximately 20 miles from Huntington Beach; located near downtown Long Beach).
    • Program: Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design.
    • Program Details: Core curriculum includes graphic communication, space planning, and 3D design studios. Admission requires a portfolio review and foundational design coursework.
    • Accreditation: The program is accredited by NASAD, ensuring eligibility for the NCIDQ exam.
    • Website: CSULB BFA in Interior Design

  3. Fullerton College

    • Location: 1301 W. Chapman Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833 (approximately 15 miles from Huntington Beach; located in the heart of Fullerton).
    • Program: Offers design-related courses that can serve as a pathway into Interior Design. While not exclusively an interior design program, students can build transferable skills and potentially transfer credits to four-year institutions.
    • Program Details: Focus on creative design principles, technical drawing, and software proficiency.
    • Website: Fullerton College Design Courses

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach and its surrounding areas are home to several respected design firms and architecture companies that offer encouraging career prospects for Interior Designers. Some of these include:

  • Beachcomber Interiors

    • Location: Situated in Downtown Huntington Beach.
    • Overview: Specializing in residential and boutique commercial projects, this firm integrates modern design trends with classic aesthetics.
    • Website: Beachcomber Interiors

  • HB Design Group

    • Location: Located in Central Huntington Beach.
    • Overview: Known for its comprehensive approach to space planning and full-scale interior renovations, HB Design Group frequently seeks creative professionals to join its team.
    • Website: HB Design Group

For additional employment trends and detailed job outlook in the field of Interior Design, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page for Interior Designers.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Prospective students should expect typical prerequisites for Interior Design programs, which often include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Submission of a portfolio showcasing artistic skills and design aptitude.
  • Entrance examinations or interviews, as required by specific programs.
  • Completion of prerequisite courses such as foundational design or introductory art courses.

Program-specific requirements may vary; for example, CSULB requires a portfolio review for upper-division studio courses, while OCC mandates courses like ID A100 (Interior Design Foundation) and ID A105 (Interior Design Studio 1).

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification is a valuable asset for Interior Designers. In California, there are no state-specific licensure requirements; national certification is widely recognized:

  • NCIDQ Certification: Managed by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, this certification typically requires at least two years of post-graduate experience followed by a comprehensive exam. For more information, visit the NCIDQ official website.
  • LEED AP Certification: Available through the U.S. Green Building Council, this certification highlights expertise in sustainable design. Learn more at the U.S. Green Building Council LEED.

For further details on accredited programs and educational standards, refer to the resources provided by:

State-Specific Degree Requirements and Resources for Huntington Beach, Orange County, California

Students should be aware of the following details regarding degree options:

  • Types of Degrees Available:

    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Offered by CSULB with focus on critical design analysis, professional preparation, and NCIDQ-aligned curricula.
    • Associate of Science (AS): Provided at Orange Coast College with specializations in interior merchandising and digital design.
    • Certificates: OCC offers certificates in Interior Design Professional, Digital Design Communication, and Kitchen and Bath Advanced.

  • Admission and Curriculum Requirements:

    • CSULB BFA: Requires a portfolio review for upper-division courses alongside foundational design coursework.
    • OCC AS: Requires completion of courses such as ID A100 (Interior Design Foundation) and ID A105 (Interior Design Studio 1).
    • Core Curriculum: CSULB focuses on graphic communication, space planning, and 3D design studios; OCC covers design theory, color analysis, and computer-aided design (CAD) skills.

  • Accreditation:

    • CSULB’s BFA program is accredited by NASAD, meeting national standards.
    • Prospective students should verify program accreditation through NASAD or CIDA.

  • Professional Organizations: Joining groups like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) provides networking, continuing education, and career advancement opportunities.

  • Career Information:

    • Job Titles: Interior Designer, Space Planner, Kitchen/Bath Designer.
    • Salary Ranges: Entry-level positions typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year, while senior roles can earn between $80,000 and $110,000 annually.
    • Top Employers: Common employers include architectural firms, design studios, and construction companies throughout urban areas like Los Angeles.

For up-to-date details and verification, students are advised to check program websites for the 2024-2025 academic timelines.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career in Interior Design in Huntington Beach, California, is a promising and exciting endeavor. With various education pathways, certification options, and local and regional resources, aspiring Interior Designers have a solid foundation to build a successful career. Prospective students are encouraged to contact a school today through the available inquiry forms on their websites and begin the journey into a world of innovative design.