Interior Design Programs in Portland, Oregon

Becoming an Interior Designer in Portland, Oregon

Aspiring interior designers in Portland, Oregon, will encounter several educational pathways that can lead to a rewarding career. An Interior Designer is a professional who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages such projects as renovations, interior design, and interior architecture. There are various Interior Design education paths available, including associate degrees, certificates, and specialized training programs offered by accredited local institutions.

About Portland

Portland is known for its creative spirit and sustainable urban planning. As the largest city in Oregon, it boasts diverse neighborhoods such as the Pearl District, Alberta Arts District, and Buckman. For more detailed local information, visit the official City of Portland website (HTTP Status 200).

Interior Design Programs in Portland, Oregon

Portland offers several strong options for Interior Design training, with programs designed for both beginners and experienced design professionals. Below are three notable institutions:

  1. Portland Community College (PCC)

    • Program Details: PCC offers an accredited Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design, focusing on residential design, technical proficiency, design drafting, building systems, textiles, and computer-aided design (AutoCAD, Chief Architect). The program also offers certificates in specialized areas such as Design for Accessibility and Aging in Place, Interior Furnishings, and Kitchen and Bath.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Multiple campuses available in Portland. Please refer to the official website for the nearest campus details.
    • Contact: (971) 722-8888 | ask@pcc.edu
    • Website: Portland Community College Interior Design Program (HTTP Status 200)

  2. Portland State University (PSU)

    • Program Details: Portland State University offers related courses in interior architecture and design that complement traditional Interior Design studies. These programs emphasize sustainability and creative problem-solving, helping students establish a strong foundation in design principles.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 700 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205 – Located in downtown Portland near the Lloyd District.
    • Website: Portland State University (HTTP Status 200)

  3. Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA)

    • Program Details: PNCA offers design courses that provide valuable insights into spatial design concepts and creative processes. While not exclusively an Interior Design program, its curriculum supports careers in creative industries and design, offering an enriching supplement to traditional interior design studies.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 1115 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210 – Situated in the Pearl District.
    • Website: Pacific Northwest College of Art (HTTP Status 200)

If additional program options are necessary, prospective students might also consider schools located just outside Portland. For example, programs in neighboring suburbs are within a 10–20 mile radius, offering similar curricula and training opportunities.

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Portland

Portland’s dynamic market hosts several top design firms and architecture companies that hire creative professionals. Below are three prominent organizations:

  1. Gensler

    • Description: A global design and architecture firm with a strong portfolio in interior design projects. Their Portland office provides opportunities for designers looking to engage with commercial, residential, and public space projects.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 919 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97205 – Located in downtown Portland.
    • Website: Gensler Careers (HTTP Status 200)

  2. ZGF Architects

    • Description: Known for its comprehensive approach to architecture and interior design, ZGF offers opportunities to work on large-scale projects that emphasize innovation and sustainable design.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Downtown Portland (exact address available on request).
    • Website: ZGF Careers (HTTP Status 200)

  3. Perkins+Will

    • Description: A leader in innovative design, Perkins+Will provides comprehensive interior design services. Their Portland office is noted for its strategic projects in commercial and residential design.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located in the Pearl District, Portland.
    • Website: Perkins+Will Careers (HTTP Status 200)

For industry employment outlook and statistics, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Interior Designers Job Outlook page (HTTP Status 200).

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Typically, prospective students must meet several prerequisites before enrolling in an Interior Design program:

  • Educational Requirements: College-level reading, writing, and math skills (e.g., WR 115, MTH 20).
  • Application Process: Applications often require portfolio submissions, entrance exams, and interviews. Many programs, including those at PCC, offer rolling admissions with term-based start dates.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification is a critical step for Interior Designers looking to establish credibility in the field:

  • National Certification: The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) offers a widely recognized certification. Visit the NCIDQ website (HTTP Status 200) for more information.
  • State Licensure: Currently, Oregon does not require specific state licensure for Interior Designers. As such, national certification and ongoing professional development through organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) (HTTP Status 200) remain essential.

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon

Portland and Multnomah County provide a robust educational framework to support Interior Design studies:

Official City Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Portland Community College (PCC)
    • Purpose: Offers accredited interior design programs with a focus on residential design and technical proficiency.
    • Website: PCC Interior Design Program (HTTP Status 200)
    • Contact: (971) 722-8888 | ask@pcc.edu

Official County Educational Regulatory Bodies

Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)
    • Purpose: Oversees post-secondary education, including program approval and accreditation.
    • Website: Oregon HECC (HTTP Status 200)
    • Contact: (503) 378-5690 | info@hecc.oregon.gov

Federal Education Oversight Agencies

State-Specific Degree Information

  • Types of Degrees Available:
    • Associate of Applied Science (AAS): For example, PCC’s two-year program focuses on interior design elements including residential design, kitchen/bath planning, and accessible design.
    • Certificates: Options include Design for Accessibility and Aging in Place (1 year), Interior Furnishings (less than 1 year), and Kitchen and Bath (less than 1 year).
  • Admission Requirements:
    • Core prerequisites in reading, writing, and mathematics.
    • Rolling admissions without the requirement for SAT/ACT scores.
  • Curriculum Requirements:
    • Core courses include design drafting, building systems, textiles, and computer-aided design (AutoCAD, Chief Architect).
    • Specializations such as Kitchen and Bath Planning and Accessible Design through advanced studio courses and cooperative education.
  • Accreditation:
    • Institutional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Professional Organizations and Career Information

  • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
    • Purpose: Advocates for professional standards and ethical practices.
    • Website: ASID (HTTP Status 200)
  • Career Prospects:
    • Common job titles include Interior Designer, Kitchen/Bath Designer, and Furniture Sales Representative.
    • Entry-level salaries typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year.
    • Key employers include residential design firms, home improvement retailers, and architecture/engineering firms.

Get Started Today

Portland offers a robust environment for apprentices of Interior Design, featuring competitive design programs and professional opportunities in creative firms. With resources available from local, county, state, and federal educational agencies, now is the perfect time to pursue education and training in this dynamic field. Prospective students are encouraged to contact their chosen school for program details and admissions through the provided forms.