Interior Design Programs in Denver, Colorado

Becoming an Interior Designer in Denver, Colorado

For individuals seeking a career as an Interior Designer in Denver, Colorado, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the educational pathways, program options, and career opportunities available in the area. An Interior Designer is a professional who creates functional and aesthetically pleasing indoor environments. Interior Design education paths include undergraduate degrees such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), minors and certificates, as well as continuing education courses designed to enhance technical skills like CAD/BIM, space planning, lighting design, and sustainable design.

About Denver

Denver, Colorado, is a dynamic metropolitan hub known for its rich cultural history and burgeoning creative scene. The city is home to diverse neighborhoods including Downtown, the Santa Fe Arts District, and Capitol Hill. For an official overview of Denver, visit the City of Denver’s official website. Local landmarks and thriving arts districts make Denver an inspiring location for aspiring Interior Designers.

Interior Design Programs in Denver, Colorado

Aspiring Interior Designers in Denver can pursue several academic pathways. Below is a list of current programs and courses available locally:

  1. University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) Interior Design Program

    • Program Options: Minor and Certificate in Interior Design
    • Unique Features: Focus on sustainability and adaptive reuse, open to all CU Denver students
    • Address & Neighborhood: 600 E 10th Ave, Denver, CO 80218 – Located in Downtown Denver
    • Website: CU Denver Interior Design Program

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

    • Program Options: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design
    • Unique Features: CIDA-accredited program with a strong emphasis on CAD/BIM training and internship opportunities
    • Address & Neighborhood: 2060 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222 – Situated in the South Denver area
    • Website: RMCAD Interior Design Program

  3. Front Range Community College – Westminster Campus

    • Program Options: Design programs and certificate courses related to Interior Design
    • Unique Features: Provides accessible training options with flexible scheduling
    • Address & Neighborhood: 2255 N Sperry Ave, Westminster, CO 80030 – Located approximately 10 miles from Denver
    • Website: Front Range Community College

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Denver

Denver offers a range of employment opportunities for Interior Designers at established design and architecture firms. Notable organizations include:

  • Stantec

    • Description: A multinational design and consulting firm with a significant presence in Denver’s Downtown area, offering substantial career opportunities in interior design and related fields.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Denver
    • Website (Careers): Stantec Careers

  • RNL (formerly Hixson)

    • Description: A respected design and architecture company known for innovative interior design solutions and collaborative projects, operating in the heart of Denver.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Denver
    • Website (Careers): RNL Careers

For additional statistics on job prospects, consult the Interior Designers Job Outlook on BLS.gov.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Applicants to Interior Design programs in Denver are typically required to meet the following prerequisites:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is mandatory for entry into undergraduate programs.
  • Portfolio Submission: Particularly for the Bachelor’s program at RMCAD, a portfolio review is a core element of the application process.
  • Entrance Exams: SAT/ACT scores may be required, with specific benchmarks varying by institution.
  • Interviews: Some programs may conduct interviews to evaluate an applicant’s readiness for the rigorous creative curriculum.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Aspiring Interior Designers should be aware of both national certification options and state-specific requirements:

  • National Certification:
    • NCIDQ: The National Council for Interior Design Qualification offers certification, which is vital for career advancement. More information is available at NCIDQ.
    • LEED AP: Certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is also advantageous for designers focused on sustainability.
  • State-Specific Information:
    • Colorado does not require a state-specific licensure for Interior Designers; instead, professionals should refer to the Colorado Interior Design Board for licensing and professional standards.

Additionally, professional organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) offer networking, professional development, and certification preparation resources.

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Denver, Denver County, Colorado

Official Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Denver Higher Education Commission

    • Oversees higher education policies and programs within Denver.
    • Website: URL currently unavailable
    • Contact: Denver City and County Government Office at 720-865-9000

  • Denver County School District

    • Focuses on K-12 education; higher education oversight is managed at the state level.
    • Website: URL currently unavailable
    • Contact: Denver Public Schools at 720-423-3200

  • Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE)

  • U.S. Department of Education

State-Specific Degree Information

  • Types of Degrees Available:

    • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (RMCAD)
    • Minor in Interior Design (CU Denver)
    • Certificate in Interior Design (CU Denver)

  • Admission Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s Program: Requires a portfolio review (especially at RMCAD) and may require SAT/ACT scores.
    • Minor/Certificate Programs: Open to all CU Denver students.

  • Curriculum Requirements:

    • Core courses include space planning, lighting design, and CAD/BIM training.
    • Courses in sustainability and human-centered design further enrich the curriculum.
    • Internships are a required component of RMCAD’s BFA program.

  • Accreditation:

Professional Organizations and Additional Resources

  • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID):

  • International Interior Design Association (IIDA):

  • Denver Design District:

  • Denver County Workforce Development:

    • Provides job training programs (for more details, contact the Denver Economic Development Office at 720-865-4500)

Get Started Today

Graduating from an Interior Design program in Denver opens many doors in the creative industry. Whether you choose CU Denver’s focused approach to sustainability and adaptive reuse or RMCAD’s comprehensive BFA program, your education is your first step toward a rewarding career. Prospective students are encouraged to contact a school today through the provided forms on their websites to learn more about program specifics, financial aid, portfolio requirements, and campus visit opportunities.