Interior Design Programs in Santa Clarita, California

Becoming an Interior Designer in Santa Clarita, California

Interior Designers blend creativity with technical skills to transform spaces for residential, commercial, and institutional clients. There are multiple pathways in Interior Design education—from Associate degree programs, basic certificates focusing on foundational skills, to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. In Santa Clarita, educational opportunities are bolstered by state, county, and federal oversight—from the California Department of Education and the California State Board of Regents to the Los Angeles County Office of Education—ensuring that programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards. Prospective students should consider these diverse design programs and training opportunities while preparing their portfolios and meeting admission prerequisites.

About Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita is a dynamic city in Los Angeles County known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, scenic landscapes, and proximity to major cultural landmarks. The City of Santa Clarita Education Department, located at City Hall (23920 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355), collaborates with local institutions to promote educational excellence—even though its website is currently unavailable. Residents and visitors alike enjoy easy access to major attractions and thriving community resources while exploring creative careers, including Interior Design.

Interior Design Programs in Santa Clarita, California

Santa Clarita and its nearby communities offer several programs to launch a career in Interior Design:

  1. College of the Canyons – Santa Clarita

    • Program: AS in Interior Design and Basic Certificate options
    • Address/Neighborhood: 39200 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (located in the Magic Mountain area)
    • Details: This CIDA-accredited program emphasizes residential and commercial design, portfolio development, and includes courses such as Digital Illustration for Architecture and Interior Design, Space Planning, and Codes and Zoning Regulations. In-state tuition is approximately $46 per unit (2024).
    • Website: College of the Canyons Interior Design Program

  2. Otis College of Art and Design – Los Angeles

    • Program: Interior Architecture & Design
    • Address/Neighborhood: 9045 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (located in the Westchester neighborhood)
    • Distance: Approximately 30 miles from Santa Clarita
    • Details: Known for its rigorous creative curriculum, Otis integrates design theory with hands-on project experience. The program is ideal for students looking to blend fine arts with technical design skills.
    • Website: Otis College of Art and Design

  3. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona – Pomona

    • Program: Interior Design courses available through off-campus initiatives
    • Address/Neighborhood: 3801 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91766 (located in downtown Pomona)
    • Distance: Approximately 40 miles from Santa Clarita
    • Details: This institution offers advanced coursework for transfer students and aspiring designers seeking a comprehensive exploration of interior design principles, enhanced by state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative projects.
    • Website: Cal Poly Pomona

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Santa Clarita

Emerging Interior Designers in Santa Clarita can explore career opportunities with a range of design firms and architecture companies, both locally and in nearby Los Angeles:

  1. Stantec – Santa Clarita Office

    • Address/Neighborhood: A local office address in Santa Clarita (please contact for details)
    • Details: Stantec provides comprehensive design and consulting services and is known for its commitment to sustainable design practices. Their team often seeks fresh talent with innovative interior design ideas.
    • Website: Stantec

  2. Gensler – Los Angeles Office

    • Address/Neighborhood: 350 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA (located in downtown Los Angeles)
    • Distance: Approximately 30 miles from Santa Clarita
    • Details: As one of the world’s leading design firms, Gensler offers numerous career opportunities for Interior Designers interested in large-scale projects, collaborative environments, and cutting-edge design technology.
    • Website: Gensler

  3. HOK – Los Angeles Office

    • Address/Neighborhood: HOK’s Los Angeles office is positioned within a central Los Angeles location
    • Distance: Approximately 30 miles from Santa Clarita
    • Details: HOK is recognized for its innovative design solutions in architecture and interior design, offering career development and diverse project experiences to aspiring designers.
    • Website: HOK

For a detailed overview of job prospects and career trends for Interior Designers, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Typical enrollment prerequisites include:

  • Educational Background: A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Recommended Courses: High school courses in art, mathematics, and drafting are advisable.
  • Portfolio Submission: Many programs require a portfolio showcasing creative work.
  • Test Requirements: For Associate programs, SAT/ACT scores are generally not necessary; however, transfer programs may require a minimum GPA of 2.0 for admission to CSU/UC systems.
  • Additional Evaluations: Interviews or entrance exams might be part of the criteria at some institutions.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification enhances professional credibility and broadens career opportunities. In California:

  • National Certification: Designers may obtain NCIDQ certification—recognized across the nation—for added professional standing. More details are available at the NCIDQ Exam website.
  • State-Specific Options: While California does not require a specific state licensure for Interior Designers, aspiring professionals can pursue the Certified Interior Designer (CID) credential through the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) for state-specific recognition.
  • Accreditation: Programs are often accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); verify accredited programs using CIDA’s accredited programs list.

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, California

Prospective Interior Design students should be aware of several regulatory and supportive agencies:

  • City of Santa Clarita Education Department

    • Oversees local educational initiatives in partnership with institutions like College of the Canyons.
    • Contact at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

  • Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)

    • Manages county-wide educational programs, including career technical education and adult education.
    • Website: LACOE | Phone: (562) 922-6900 | Email: [email protected]

  • California Department of Education (CDE)

    • Sets statewide educational standards, including postsecondary programs.
    • Website: CDE | Phone: (916) 319-0800 | Email: [email protected]

  • California State Board of Regents

  • Federal Oversight:
    The U.S. Department of Education oversees federal student aid and accreditation standards. Visit the U.S. Department of Education and review their Accreditation and Innovation resources for more information.

Degree Types and Curriculum:

  • Associate of Science in Interior Design: Focuses on residential and commercial design fundamentals without SAT/ACT requirements.
  • Basic Certificate Programs: Short-term courses on foundational design skills.
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees: Offered through institutions including off-campus programs at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.
  • Key curriculum components include Digital Illustration for Architecture and Interior Design (2 units), Space Planning (3 units), Codes and Zoning Regulations (3 units), a mandatory portfolio (3 units), and an Internship/Practical Experience course (1 unit).

Accreditation and Professional Organizations:

Get Started Today

Santa Clarita offers a robust landscape of educational programs, regulatory support, and career opportunities for aspiring Interior Designers. Whether you are drawn to a comprehensive Associate degree or advanced Bachelor’s and Master’s coursework, the resources detailed above can guide your journey. Take the first step—contact local schools via their official forms and begin shaping a creative career in Interior Design.