Interior Design Programs in Nashville, Tennessee
Becoming an Interior Designer in Nashville, Tennessee
Interior Designers are professionals who create functional and aesthetically appealing interior spaces. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the educational paths, training requirements, and certification options available to individuals pursuing an Interior Design career in Nashville, Tennessee. Prospective students may choose from various design programs—including Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interior Architecture—to develop both creative and technical skills.
Interior Design education can take several paths:
- University degree programs that emphasize hands-on studio work and theoretical fundamentals.
- Technical courses and certificate programs designed for quick entry into the field.
- Career readiness initiatives overseen by local, county, and state educational regulatory bodies.
For further job outlook details, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Interior Designer page.
About Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee is a dynamic and culturally rich city known for its music heritage, thriving arts scene, and diverse neighborhoods such as Green Hills and East Nashville. The city is supported by robust educational and professional networks. For official city information and resources, visit the Nashville Department of Education and explore local landmarks that continue to influence the region’s creative spirit.
Interior Design Programs in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville offers several reputable design programs. Below are three options that provide comprehensive Interior Design education and training:
Belmont University – O’More College of Architecture & Design
- Program: BFA in Interior Design
- Key Features:
- CIDA-accredited program ensuring adherence to national standards.
- Emphasis on studio design, building systems, materials, and professional ethics.
- Internship opportunities (e.g., ITD 4270) that provide real-world experience.
- Admission Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Portfolio submission required
- SAT/ACT scores are optional
- Address & Neighborhood: 1100 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212 (situated centrally in Nashville)
- Website: Belmont University Interior Design
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
- Program: B.S. in Interior Architecture
- Key Features:
- Curriculum focusing on human-centered design, building systems, and business practices.
- NCIDQ exam eligibility provided upon completion of educational requirements.
- Core studio courses integrated with professional ethics.
- Admission Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- SAT/ACT scores required; no portfolio submission needed
- Address & Neighborhood: 1201 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37132 (approximately 30 miles from Nashville’s city center)
- Website: Middle Tennessee State University
Lipscomb University
- Program: Design courses geared toward creative professionals with an emphasis on art and design principles that can complement an Interior Design career path.
- Key Features:
- Courses that support foundational design skills and innovation in spatial planning.
- Opportunities for hands-on studio work in a collaborative environment.
- Address & Neighborhood: 6300 Lytle Parkway, Nashville, TN 37214 (located in the Green Hills district)
- Website: Lipscomb University
Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Nashville
Nashville is home to several dynamic interior design and architecture firms that offer promising career opportunities. Local employers often seek professionals with robust educational backgrounds and creative portfolios. Here are a few major organizations:
HKS Inc.
- Description: A national design firm with a Nashville office, HKS Inc. offers comprehensive design and planning services.
- Neighborhood & Address: Located in Midtown Nashville; specific office details can be found on their website.
- Website: HKS Inc.
Avroko Corporation
- Description: Avroko is an established architecture and planning firm in Nashville known for innovative interior solutions and creative project execution.
- Neighborhood & Address: Based in East Nashville with a focus on urban transformation projects.
- Website: Avroko Corporation
Prospective Interior Designers should visit these firms’ career pages for current job openings and employment opportunities.
Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs
Enrollment in Interior Design programs generally requires:
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), which may be optional for some programs (e.g., Belmont University) or required (e.g., MTSU).
- A portfolio submission is often necessary to demonstrate creative ability, particularly for programs like the BFA in Interior Design at Belmont University.
- Some institutions may also require interviews or additional entrance assessments.
Interior Design Certification and Licensure
Although Tennessee does not mandate state licensure for Interior Designers, national certification is highly recommended. Key certification details include:
- NCIDQ Certification:
- Administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), this certification validates professional competence.
- Both Belmont University’s BFA and MTSU’s B.S. programs meet the educational requirements for the NCIDQ Exam.
- For more information, visit the official NCIDQ website.
- Professional Organizations:
- The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) advocates for the profession by offering networking, continuing education, and job listings.
- The Nashville ASID Chapter hosts local events that connect designers and foster professional growth.
Educational Regulatory and Degree Resources in Nashville
For comprehensive guidance in pursuing an Interior Design degree in Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, the following regulatory bodies and educational resources are essential:
Official City Educational Regulatory Body:
- Nashville Department of Education
- Oversees public education and career readiness programs in Nashville.
- Website | Contact: (615) 862-5000
- Nashville Department of Education
Official County Educational Regulatory Body:
- Davidson County Board of Education
- Manages public schools and vocational training initiatives.
- Website | Contact: (615) 259-4636
- Davidson County Board of Education
Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies:
Federal Oversight:
- The U.S. Department of Education supports federal education policies and funding, with resources available on Accreditation and Innovation.
State-Specific Degree Information
In Tennessee, Interior Design degree options include:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design at Belmont University
- Emphasizes creative and technical skills.
- Admission: Minimum GPA 2.5, portfolio required, SAT/ACT scores optional.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interior Architecture at Middle Tennessee State University
- Focuses on human-centered design with a robust curriculum in studio design and business practices.
- Admission: Minimum GPA 2.5, SAT/ACT scores required.
Both programs meet the NCIDQ exam eligibility and are accredited by bodies such as CIDA and NASAD. Verification of accredited programs can be completed via Accredit-ID.
Professional Organizations and Additional Resources
- American Society of Interior Designers (ASID): Provides career development through continuing education, industry events, and job listings.
- Nashville ASID Chapter: Engages local designers through events and networking initiatives.
- Nashville Design Week: An annual event offering workshops and networking opportunities. Visit Nashville Design Week for more details.
- Davidson County Workforce Development: Assists with vocational training and job placement services. Explore opportunities at Davidson County Workforce Development.
Get Started Today
Pursuing an Interior Design degree in Nashville, Tennessee paves the way for a rewarding career in a dynamic creative market. With access to accredited programs, robust industry partnerships, and comprehensive regulatory support, aspiring Interior Designers are well-equipped to launch their careers. Prospective students are encouraged to contact schools today through the forms on their respective pages and start their journey in interior design.