Interior Design Programs in Raleigh, North Carolina

Becoming an Interior Designer in Raleigh, North Carolina

Pursuing a career as an Interior Designer in Raleigh, North Carolina offers creative professionals and aspiring art educators diverse paths in Interior Design education. An Interior Designer plans and creates functional, aesthetically pleasing interior spaces by combining creative vision with technical expertise. Design programs in this field include certificate courses, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degree programs—each designed to equip students with skills in space planning, color theory, building codes, and technical software training such as AutoCAD and Revit. For more information on job outlooks for Interior Designers, visit the BLS Interior Designer Job Outlook page.

About Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh is the state capital and a bustling hub of cultural, educational, and economic activity in North Carolina. Its diverse neighborhoods, such as downtown Raleigh and North Hills, blend history with modern design, providing an inspiring setting for creative professionals. For official city information, please visit the City of Raleigh website.

Interior Design Programs in Raleigh, North Carolina

Several respected schools in and around Raleigh offer well-rounded Interior Design programs:

  1. Wake Technical Community College

    • Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design
    • Description: This program emphasizes technical training in AutoCAD, Revit, and other design software, preparing students for immediate entry into the industry. Students also benefit from access to the Wake Tech Interior Design Lab, which features cutting-edge CAD and 3D printing resources.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 5600 Jolly Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603 – Located in West Raleigh.
    • More Information: Wake Tech Interior Design

  2. Meredith College

    • Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design
    • Description: Accredited by CIDA, this program is known for its rigorous curriculum that includes a portfolio review, senior mentorship, and a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. The curriculum integrates sustainable design and universal accessibility principles, supplemented by opportunities for study abroad.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 303 E. Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601 – Situated in downtown Raleigh.
    • More Information: Meredith College Interior Design

  3. High Point University

    • Program: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design
    • Description: Although based in High Point, North Carolina, this program is a viable option for Raleigh residents willing to commute (approximately 90 miles away). It focuses on furniture design and sustainable practices, offering a blend of creative and technical coursework.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 700 University Pkwy, High Point, NC 27268 – Located in the heart of High Point.
    • More Information: High Point University Interior Design

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Raleigh

Raleigh boasts a variety of employment opportunities for Interior Designers through both independent design firms and larger organizations:

  1. Teal Interior Design

    • Description: A respected residential design firm based in downtown Raleigh, Teal Interior Design offers opportunities in both creative design development and project management.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Raleigh
    • More Information: Teal Interior Design

  2. Comprehensive Design Partners

    • Description: Located in North Raleigh, this multidisciplinary firm works on both commercial and residential projects while emphasizing sustainable practices and innovative design solutions.
    • Neighborhood: North Raleigh
    • More Information: Comprehensive Design Partners

  3. Innovative Interiors, LLC

    • Description: Based in Southeast Raleigh, Innovative Interiors, LLC focuses on modern interior solutions with an emphasis on functionality and aesthetics. Local government agencies also contribute opportunities for design professionals in the public sector.
    • Neighborhood: Southeast Raleigh
    • More Information: Innovative Interiors, LLC

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Enrollment in Interior Design programs typically requires the following:

  • A high school diploma or GED.
  • A minimum age requirement—usually 18 years old.
  • A portfolio submission showcasing creative projects, which is especially important for bachelor’s programs like the one at Meredith College.
  • Entrance exams such as the SAT or ACT for bachelor’s degree programs.
  • Interviews and/or mentorship may also be required, depending on the institution.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

While North Carolina does not mandate specific state licensure requirements for Interior Designers, obtaining a national certification, such as through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), is highly recommended. Organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the ASID Carolinas Chapter offer valuable professional development and networking opportunities. Accreditation by bodies like CIDA and recognition from the NC Board of Architecture further enhance professional credibility.

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina

Understanding local educational regulations and degree specifics is crucial for aspiring Interior Designers in Raleigh:

  • Official City Educational Regulatory Bodies:

  • Official County Educational Regulatory Bodies:

  • Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies:

  • Federal Oversight Resources:

    • U.S. Department of Education oversees federal education policies and funding. For program comparisons, consult the College Scorecard.

Types of Degrees and Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Programs:
    • Meredith College: Requires a portfolio review, senior mentorship, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
    • BS Programs (e.g., High Point University): Typically require SAT/ACT scores along with foundational art courses.
  • Associate’s Programs:
    • Wake Technical Community College: Offers open enrollment coupled with prerequisite math and English courses.

Curriculum and Accreditation

  • Core Courses:
    • Courses include space planning, color theory, and building codes, complemented by technical software training (AutoCAD, Revit).
  • Specializations:
    • Focus areas vary, with Meredith College emphasizing sustainable design, while High Point University emphasizes furniture design.
  • Accrediting Bodies:
    • Programs are verified through organizations such as CIDA and NASAD. Check the CIDA Accredited Programs list for current accreditation details.

Professional Organizations and Resources

  • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID): Provides networking, continuing education, and job listings. Visit ASID National.
  • ASID Carolinas Chapter: Offers regional events, including annual design awards and Raleigh-based workshops. See ASID Carolinas.
  • Additional Educational Resources:
    • The Wake Tech Interior Design Lab provides students access to innovative design tools including CAD software and 3D printing.

Get Started Today

The path to becoming an Interior Designer in Raleigh, North Carolina is both challenging and rewarding. With extensive programs, numerous employment opportunities, and comprehensive resources offered by local, county, state, and federal bodies, now is the ideal time to take the next step. Contact your chosen school using the forms on their website and begin your journey in shaping environments that make a difference.