Interior Design Programs in San Bernardino, California

Becoming an Interior Designer in San Bernardino, California

Aspiring interior designers in San Bernardino, California, will discover a comprehensive guide to navigating the Interior Design field. An Interior Designer is a professional who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages enhancement projects to achieve sustainable and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. Education paths vary from Associate of Science (A.S.) programs, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees to shorter Certificate of Achievement programs. This guide outlines all available training options, certification information, and career resources to help you launch a successful interior design career.

About San Bernardino, California

San Bernardino is a dynamic city located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Known for its rich cultural history and iconic landmarks, this area offers a stimulating environment for creative professionals and art educators alike. For further city information and updates, visit the City of San Bernardino official website. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, including Downtown, Eastside, and Midtown, provide an inspiring backdrop for interior designers.

Interior Design Programs in San Bernardino, California

Local and nearby institutions offer a range of Interior Design programs designed to suit different academic and professional goals. Here are three notable options:

  1. San Bernardino Valley College – Interior Design Program

    • Programs Offered: Associate of Science (A.S.) in Interior Design and a Certificate of Achievement in Interior Design
    • Location & Address: 3110 South E St, San Bernardino, CA 92408 (located near the heart of San Bernardino)
    • Description: This program emphasizes design principles, space planning, and materials science, along with hands-on software training in AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Internship experience, typically 120+ hours, is integrated into the curriculum.
    • Official Website: San Bernardino Valley College

  2. California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) – B.F.A. in Interior Design

    • Programs Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Interior Design
    • Location & Address: 18111 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407 (situated in the University District)
    • Description: CSUSB offers a competitive interior design program that encourages a robust portfolio review during admissions. Core courses include design principles, advanced space planning, and material studies with an emphasis on sustainable design practices.
    • Official Website: California State University San Bernardino

  3. Crafton Hills College – Interior Design Courses

    • Programs Offered: Associate degrees and certificate courses in Interior Design
    • Location & Address: 17400 Colima Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
    • Distance: Approximately 25 miles from San Bernardino
    • Description: Although located outside San Bernardino, Crafton Hills College offers rigorous training in technical skills and design fundamentals, making it a viable option for those willing to commute.
    • Official Website: Crafton Hills College

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in San Bernardino

San Bernardino boasts several design firms and architecture companies that value fresh talent and innovative design approaches. Major local employers include:

  • Interior Concepts by Design

    • Location & Address: 100 N Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92415 (Downtown San Bernardino)
    • Description: Specializing in commercial and residential projects, this firm offers a collaborative environment that values creativity and precise design execution.
    • Official Website: Interior Concepts by Design

  • Design Innovations Group

    • Location & Address: 250 N Palm Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92401 (located in the Eastside district)
    • Description: Known for its modern approach and sustainability focus, Design Innovations Group works on diverse projects ranging from corporate offices to luxury residential spaces.
    • Official Website: Design Innovations Group

  • Modern Space Interiors

    • Location & Address: 500 S Mission Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92410 (Midtown district)
    • Description: This established firm brings together artistic vision and innovative technology to create spaces that merge functionality with aesthetic appeal.
    • Official Website: Modern Space Interiors

For additional career details and job outlook statistics, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Interior Designers job outlook page.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in an Interior Design program include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Completion of prerequisite courses in mathematics and art.
  • For A.S. programs: Submission of a design portfolio may be required, along with proof of academic readiness.
  • For B.F.A. programs: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is often required along with SAT/ACT scores and a competitive portfolio review.

These foundational steps ensure that candidates are prepared for the technical and creative rigors of interior design education.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification and licensure enhance professional credibility in the interior design industry. Although California does not mandate state licensure for Interior Designers, professional certification is highly recommended. Options include:

  • NCIDQ Certification

    • Aspiring interior designers are encouraged to pursue the NCIDQ Exam to demonstrate professional competence.
    • Official resource: NCIDQ

  • LEED AP Certification

    • This certification is ideal for those interested in sustainable design and energy-efficient practices.

National and state accrediting bodies, such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), provide further quality assurance for accredited programs.

Professional organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the Inland Empire Chapter of ASID offer resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs.

Comprehensive Educational Regulatory and Support Resources

To support your educational journey in Interior Design, refer to the following regulatory bodies:

  • San Bernardino City Unified School District

    • Role: Oversees K-12 education.
    • Website: sbcusd.k12.ca.us
    • Contact: (909) 381-1100

  • San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

    • Role: Manages county-wide educational initiatives, including career technical education programs.
    • Website: sbcss.k12.ca.us
    • Contact: (909) 888-0321

  • California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

    • Role: Governs the community college system in California, including San Bernardino institutions.
    • Website: cccco.edu
    • Contact: (916) 322-4000

  • U.S. Department of Education

Get Started Today

The path to becoming an Interior Designer in San Bernardino, California, is filled with diverse educational opportunities and supportive professional organizations. With programs ranging from associate degrees to bachelor’s level training and certification options like the NCIDQ Exam, the region offers robust support for emerging talent. Now is the perfect time to move forward—contact a school today through the inquiry forms on their websites and take the next step in your creative career.