Interior Design Programs in Fort Worth, Texas

Becoming an Interior Designer in Fort Worth, Texas

Interior Design is a creative and technical profession where professionals plan and design interior spaces that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. Whether you pursue a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (BS.INTD), a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), design programs in Fort Worth and surrounding areas emphasize hands-on training, conceptual thinking, and industry certification. This guide details the educational paths, prerequisites, and certification options needed to become an Interior Designer, while integrating resources from federal, state, county, and city educational regulatory bodies.

In addition to navigating interior design schools, prospective students in Fort Worth will benefit from understanding the broader educational oversight. For instance, the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) oversees K-12 education (FWISD Website, (817) 814-2000) and Tarrant County College District (TCCD) focuses on associate degrees (TCCD Website, (817) 515-8223). At the state level, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) (THECB Website, (512) 427-6100) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED.gov) provide guidance on higher education policies and financial aid.

Learn more about the growing career opportunities by checking the job outlook for Interior Designers on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Interior Designers).

About Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth is a dynamic urban center known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and energetic neighborhoods. The city is home to iconic sites such as the Fort Worth Stockyards and Sundance Square, and hosts a thriving arts community in its Cultural District and downtown areas. For more information on local initiatives, visit the official Fort Worth website (Fort Worth, TX Official Site).

Interior Design Programs in Fort Worth, Texas

Several institutions provide robust training and certification opportunities in Interior Design. In Fort Worth and nearby cities, aspiring Interior Designers can consider the following schools:

  1. Texas Christian University (TCU)

    • Program: BFA in Interior Design (CIDA-accredited; NCIDQ exam eligibility)
    • Description: TCU offers a comprehensive interior design program focusing on portfolio development, sustainable design, and professional practice. The curriculum integrates design studios, technical skills including computer-aided design (CAD), and required internships.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 2800 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76129 (located within Fort Worth)
    • Program Link: TCU BFA in Interior Design

  2. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

    • Program: BS.INTD in Interior Design (CIDA/NASAD-accredited)
    • Description: UTA’s curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency with CAD, building systems, and design studios. An internship component enriches practical knowledge and industry readiness.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 1 University Dr, Arlington, TX 76019 (approximately 20 miles from Fort Worth)
    • Program Link: UTA Interior Design Program

  3. University of North Texas (UNT)

    • Program: BFA and MFA in Interior Design
    • Description: UNT’s interior design programs offer specializations in sustainable design, lighting systems, and architectural collaboration. The MFA is designed for academic and advanced professional practice while the BFA focuses on foundational and technical design skills.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 1155 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76201 (approximately 35 miles from Fort Worth, located in Denton’s historic district)
    • Program Link: UNT Interior Design Programs

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Fort Worth

Fort Worth’s design industry is supported by several reputable interior design and architecture firms, offering practical opportunities for professional growth. Some of the prominent design firms in the area include:

  • Taylor Interiors

    • Description: Known for innovative solutions in commercial and residential projects, Taylor Interiors serves the downtown Fort Worth area with a focus on contemporary design and sustainable practices.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 101 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76102 (Downtown Fort Worth)
    • Website: Taylor Interiors

  • Turing & Currie Interiors

    • Description: Specializing in bespoke interior designs for corporate and private spaces, Turing & Currie Interiors is recognized for its detailed project management and creative excellence.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 2500 Cultural Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 (located in the Cultural District)
    • Website: Turing & Currie Interiors

  • Inspired Spaces Interior Design

    • Description: With a portfolio spanning residential renovations to large commercial installations, Inspired Spaces Interior Design is a key player in Fort Worth’s burgeoning design community.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 500 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102 (Downtown Fort Worth)
    • Website: Inspired Spaces Interior Design

Additionally, local networking opportunities can be found through the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and career resources at Tarrant County Workforce Solutions.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Applicants to Interior Design programs typically must meet certain prerequisites, which may include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • A minimum GPA requirements (e.g., 2.8 GPA for BS.INTD and 2.5 GPA in foundational courses for BFA programs).
  • A portfolio review or portfolio exam to assess creative and technical skills.
  • Entrance exams, interviews, and First Year Foundation Competency evaluations in some cases.

These foundational requirements ensure that prospective Interior Designers are prepared for the technical coursework in design studios, CAD, building systems, and professional practice.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification is a key step in establishing a professional Interior Design career. Texas does not impose specific state licensure for Interior Designers; however, national certification through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is widely recognized. Accredited programs at institutions like TCU, UTA, and UNT integrate curricula that prepare students for the NCIDQ Exam.

Additional certification and professional development opportunities are available through:

For those interested in state oversight and licensure issues related to architecture and related design disciplines, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) provides further guidance.

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas

Interior Design degrees in Texas offer various options including:

  • Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (BS.INTD): A 4-year program with 128 credit hours that integrates internships and technical courses.
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA): A 4-year program that requires 68 interior design credits, portfolio exams, and internship experiences.
  • Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design (MFA): A post-professional degree focusing on academic or advanced practice.

Admission Requirements:

  • BS.INTD generally requires a minimum 2.8 GPA along with portfolio reviews and First Year Foundation Competency evaluations.
  • BFA programs typically require a portfolio exam and a minimum of 2.5 GPA in foundational art and design courses.

Curriculum Highlights:

  • Core courses include design studios, technical skills (such as CAD and building system courses), and professional practice.
  • Specializations may include sustainable design, lighting systems, and architectural collaboration.
  • Practical experience is underscored by mandatory internships, as exemplified by UT Arlington’s 128-hour internship program and TCU’s summer internships.

Accreditation:

  • The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) (CIDA Accredited Programs) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) ensure that programs meet rigorous academic standards.

Professional Organizations & Career Information:

  • Organizations such as ASID and IIDA offer networking, continuing education, and career development and contribute to documented salary ranges ranging from $45,000–$60,000 per year for entry-level positions to $70,000–$100,000 per year for experienced professionals.

For additional educational oversight, refer to state and federal resources such as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the U.S. Department of Education.

Get Started Today

The journey toward a career in Interior Design is enriched by rigorous education, hands-on training, and professional certification. Design programs in Fort Worth and nearby areas offer comprehensive curricula that combine artistic vision with technical expertise. Prospective Interior Designers are encouraged to contact a school today through the forms on each page and begin transforming creative passion into a rewarding career.