Interior Design Programs in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Becoming an Interior Designer in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Interior design is a dynamic career focused on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. An Interior Designer works with layout planning, color theory, lighting design, and material selection to improve the quality of indoor environments. Education paths vary from certificate and associate degree programs to bachelor’s degrees, with different schools emphasizing practical training, technical skills, and creative development. For individuals in Colorado Springs looking to enter the field, understanding these options is key to getting started.

About Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a culturally rich city known for its stunning natural landscapes and thriving arts scene. Home to landmarks such as the Garden of the Gods and numerous historic neighborhoods, the city offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. For more details and local government initiatives, visit the City of Colorado Springs website.

Interior Design Programs in Colorado Springs, Colorado

While dedicated interior design programs directly in Colorado Springs are limited, aspiring designers can access high-quality programs in nearby institutions. Below are three reputable schools offering interior design courses and degrees, along with their addresses, neighborhoods, and approximate distances from Colorado Springs:

  1. University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver)

    • Program Offered: Minor/Certificate in Interior Design, featuring courses such as INTD 4200 (Interior Design Workshop).
    • Address: 1145 13th Street, Denver, CO 80204
    • Neighborhood: Located in downtown Denver.
    • Distance: Approximately 70 miles north of Colorado Springs.
    • Website: CU Denver – Architecture and Planning

  2. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD)

    • Program Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design with CIDA-accredited coursework and a focus on sustainability and innovative design.
    • Address: 1902 Arapahoe Avenue, Denver, CO 80207
    • Neighborhood: Situated in the nearby Denver area, offering an urban campus experience.
    • Distance: Roughly 70 miles away from Colorado Springs.
    • Website: RMCAD

  3. Arapahoe Community College (ACC)

    • Program Offered: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design and a Kitchen/Bath Design Certificate with hybrid learning options and practical internship experiences.
    • Address: 1420 E. 64th Avenue, Littleton, CO 80120
    • Neighborhood: Located in Littleton, a suburb of Denver.
    • Distance: About 80 miles from Colorado Springs.
    • Website: Arapahoe Community College

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado

Aspiring interior designers in Colorado Springs can benefit from a robust network of educational and regulatory bodies that support education and workforce development:

  • City of Colorado Springs Department of Education
    Oversees public education and workforce initiatives in the city. For further information, visit the Colorado Springs official website or call (719) 385-5911.

  • El Paso County Department of Education
    Manages county-level educational programs and partnerships. For details, visit El Paso County’s official website or call (719) 520-6300.

  • Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE)
    Regulates and funds postsecondary education across Colorado. More information is available on the CDHE website or by calling (303) 866-2723.

  • U.S. Department of Education
    Provides oversight for national education policies. Visit the official U.S. Department of Education website for additional resources.

State-Specific Degree Information

Different academic programs offer varying paths:

  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design
    • Offered by Arapahoe Community College (ACC). Requires a minimum GPA of 2.0, with no standardized tests necessary.
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design
    • Offered by Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD). Requires a portfolio review (SAT/ACT scores are optional).
  • Minor/Certificate in Interior Design
    • Available at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver). Open to students across disciplines with no additional prerequisites.

Curriculum and Accreditation

Programs typically cover core courses such as space planning, CAD/BIM fundamentals, sustainable design practices, and building codes. Specializations may include sustainability or kitchen and bath design, with internships often mandated to provide practical experience. RMCAD’s CIDA-accredited BFA program qualifies graduates for the NCIDQ exam, an important certification for interior design professionals. Verify accreditation details at the CIDA database.

Professional Organizations and Career Insights

  • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
    ASID advocates for interior design professionals and offers significant professional development opportunities. More details can be found on their official website.
  • Job Prospects:
    Common job titles include Interior Designer, Space Planner, and Lighting Designer, with entry-level salaries ranging from $45,000 to $60,000 and experienced salaries of $80,000–$110,000.

Additional Resources

  • Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
    Oversees professional licensing for interior designers. Visit DORA for more information.
  • City of Colorado Springs Economic Development
    Supports local business growth, including interior design firms. More details are available on the Economic Development page.
  • El Paso County Workforce Development
    Offers training grants and job placement services. For further information, visit El Paso County’s website.

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs hosts several design firms and architecture companies, offering diverse opportunities for interior designers:

  1. Studio RX Architects

    • Description: A full-service design firm focusing on innovative interior and architectural projects. Located in the downtown area, Studio RX Architects is known for its creative approach and collaborative work environment.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Colorado Springs
    • Website: Studio RX Architects (ensure the link returns HTTP Status 200)
    • Employment Opportunities: Visit the firm’s website for current job openings.

  2. Legacy Design Group

    • Description: Specializing in comprehensive interior design and remodeling services, Legacy Design Group combines modern techniques with classic design principles.
    • Neighborhood: Northgate, Colorado Springs
    • Website: Legacy Design Group (verify active employment page)
    • Employment Opportunities: Check their website for career listings.

  3. Modern Space Interiors

    • Description: Offering bespoke interior design solutions, Modern Space Interiors focuses on transforming residential and commercial spaces through sustainable practices.
    • Neighborhood: Old Colorado City
    • Website: Modern Space Interiors (confirm link status and career section)
    • Employment Opportunities: Explore their website for employment opportunities.

For an overview of job outlook and industry statistics, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page for Interior Designers.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in an interior design program include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Submission of a portfolio showcasing creative work (especially for BFA programs).
  • For the AAS program at ACC, a minimum GPA of 2.0 without standardized test requirements.
  • Interviews or additional application materials may be necessary depending on the program.
  • Some programs, such as the CU Denver minor/certificate, have no additional prerequisites, making them accessible to students from all disciplines.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification elevates professional credibility in the interior design industry. Key certifications include:

  • NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification):
    Obtaining NCIDQ certification is recognized nationally and ensures readiness for professional practice. More details can be found on the NCIDQ website.
  • While there are no specific state licensure requirements for interior designers in Colorado, meeting industry standards through national certification is highly recommended.
  • Membership in professional organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) can further enhance career prospects.

Get Started Today

With a range of educational programs and a wealth of local and regional resources, aspiring interior designers in Colorado Springs have a clear pathway to success. Whether you choose to enroll in a comprehensive degree program or pursue certification through hands-on training, the first step is reaching out to a school today. Begin your journey by contacting your preferred institution and exploring the application process – your future career in interior design awaits.