Interior Design Programs in Aurora, Colorado

Becoming an Interior Designer in Aurora, Colorado

Aspiring Interior Designers in Aurora, Colorado will find a wealth of educational options and industry resources to guide them through academic and practical training paths. An Interior Designer creates aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces for residential and commercial clients. Education paths vary, from certificate programs and associate degrees to bachelor’s programs and specialized training, all aimed at preparing students for a dynamic career in design. For a comprehensive view of career prospects, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page for Interior Designers.

About Aurora, Colorado

Aurora, Colorado is a thriving city known for its rich cultural diversity and growing arts scene. Governed by the Aurora City Government (contact: (303) 739-7000), the city boasts numerous local landmarks and established neighborhoods such as Queen’s Gate and Parker. This urban center also benefits from close proximity to local educational and design institutions which bolster workforce development in artistic and design fields.

Interior Design Programs in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora and its surrounding areas offer several Interior Design programs that combine creative vision with technical proficiency:

  1. Arapahoe Community College (ACC) – Aurora Campus

    • Programs Offered:
      • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design
      • Residential Kitchen and Bath Design Specialist Certificate
      • CAD – Interior Design Certificate
    • Admission Requirements: Minimum 2.0 GPA for transfer students, college-level readiness in math and English, and rolling admissions.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located within Aurora, near the Queen’s Gate neighborhood.
    • Website: Arapahoe Community College
    • ACC is known for its emphasis on hands-on training and internship opportunities that help students blend creative theory with real-world experience. Learn more.

  2. University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver)

    • Programs Offered:
      • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interior Design
      • Minor in Interior Design for students pursuing interdisciplinary studies
    • Admission Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0, with required portfolio review and introductory design courses for prospective students.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located in downtown Denver at 1480 Clear Creek Drive, within the University Park neighborhood, approximately 15 miles from Aurora.
    • Website: CU Denver – Interior Design
    • CU Denver integrates sustainability, social justice, and interdisciplinary collaboration into its curriculum, preparing graduates for forward-thinking design challenges.

  3. Front Range Community College (FRCC) – Westminster Campus

    • Program Details: Although not located within Aurora proper, FRCC offers courses in design that complement core Interior Design training. These programs enable students to gain technical drawing and design proficiency alongside creative design problem-solving.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Situated at 3825 Quality Ave, Westminster, CO 80030, this campus is approximately 10 miles from Aurora.
    • Website: Front Range Community College
    • FRCC represents an accessible option for those seeking additional or complementary coursework in design-related disciplines.

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora and its neighboring areas host several reputable design firms and architecture companies that offer promising career opportunities:

  • Aurora Design Collective

    • Overview: This firm specializes in both residential and commercial projects, emphasizing creative space planning and innovative material usage.
    • Location: Based in eastern Aurora, the firm has established a strong local reputation for quality design solutions.
    • Website: Aurora Design Collective

  • Aurora Design Studio

    • Overview: Known for merging functionality with cutting-edge style, Aurora Design Studio caters to a diverse clientele. The studio’s projects underscore meticulous planning and adherence to building codes.
    • Location: Situated in central Aurora, this firm plays an important role in the local design community by fostering new talent and design trends.
    • Website: Aurora Design Studio

  • Arapahoe Architectural Group

    • Overview: Serving the greater Arapahoe County area, this organization provides comprehensive interior design and architectural services, focusing on residential renovations and commercial upgrades.
    • Location: Located in a prominent neighborhood within Arapahoe County, this firm bridges local expertise with expansive design projects.
    • Website: Arapahoe Architectural Group

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Typically, prospective Interior Design students must meet several academic prerequisites to ensure readiness for rigorous design coursework:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent, with strong foundations in math, English, and art.
  • Specific program requirements such as a minimum GPA of 2.0 at ACC or 3.0 at CU Denver.
  • A portfolio submission that exhibits creative work and design potential.
  • Some programs may require entrance exams or interviews to further assess suitability for the design field.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification and licensure are key factors in establishing a credible career in Interior Design. Although Colorado does not mandate state-specific licensure, national certification is highly valued:

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Aurora, Arapahoe County, Colorado

Key regulatory bodies and educational resources support the development of Interior Design programs in the region:

  • Aurora City Government
    • Oversees local educational initiatives and workforce development in design. Visit their official website or call (303) 739-7000.
  • Arapahoe County Government
    • Manages county-level educational partnerships and vocational training programs. More details can be found on their website or by calling (303) 795-4400.
  • Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE)
    • Regulates postsecondary education and approves degree programs. Contact CDHE at (303) 866-2600 or visit their site.
  • U.S. Department of Education

State-Specific Degree Information

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) in Aurora offers several design programs:

  • AAS in Interior Design: Combining creative and technical skills for both residential and commercial projects.
  • Residential Kitchen and Bath Design Specialist Certificate: Focused on specialized design for kitchen and bathroom spaces.
  • CAD – Interior Design Certificate: Emphasizes technical drawing and software proficiency.

University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) offers:

  • BA in Interior Design: Integrates sustainability, social justice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Minor in Interior Design: Supplements other academic pursuits with foundational design principles.

Admission requirements and core curriculum elements for these programs include courses in space planning, materials specification, building codes, sustainability, and universal design principles. Accreditation by bodies such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) ensures that these programs maintain high educational standards and adequately prepare students for certification exams like the NCIDQ.

Get Started Today

The journey to a successful career as an Interior Designer in Aurora, Colorado begins with finding the right educational program. With a range of degree paths, clear prerequisites, and robust local and state support, aspiring designers are well-equipped to thrive in a competitive industry. Interested students are encouraged to review program requirements, explore professional organizations, and contact their chosen schools as soon as possible to take the next step in their creative careers.