Interior Design Programs in Salt Lake City, Utah

Becoming an Interior Designer in Salt Lake City, Utah

Interior Designers transform interior spaces through creative planning, detailed design, and a deep understanding of spatial functionality. In Salt Lake City, Utah, aspiring Interior Designers can follow a range of education paths, including Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs, Bachelor’s degrees such as a Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) or Bachelor of Science (BS), and certificate programs. This guide covers the process of becoming an Interior Designer locally, highlights design programs and employment opportunities, and details certification and licensure options, integrating local and statewide educational requirements and resources.

About Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is known for its rich history, scenic mountain views, and bustling cultural districts. The city government’s official website, available at slc.gov, offers valuable information on local events and civic resources. Landmarks like Temple Square and neighborhoods such as Downtown and the Central City area make Salt Lake City an inspiring hub for creative professionals and aspiring Interior Designers.

Interior Design Programs in Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City and its nearby areas offer several reputable institutions for Interior Design training. Below is a list of three key schools, including those located in Salt Lake City and nearby cities:

  1. Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

    • Program Offerings: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and certificate programs in Interior Design.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 255 South 400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, situated in the centrally located downtown area.
    • Program Page: SLCC Interior Design Programs
    • Overview: SLCC provides hands-on training with courses covering design fundamentals, building codes, and materials science. Open enrollment policies and support for career-technical pathways make it an ideal local option.

  2. Weber State University

    • Program Offerings: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design and Associate’s programs.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 6000 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84408, located in downtown Ogden – approximately 40 miles from Salt Lake City.
    • Program Information: Visit the official Weber State University website for design program details.
    • Overview: Weber State University emphasizes design fundamentals and commercial design applications, with prerequisite courses in design basics ensuring student preparedness.

  3. Utah State University (USU) – Interior Architecture and Design BID Program

    • Program Offerings: CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) program.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 601 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, located in Logan, which is approximately 85 miles from Salt Lake City.
    • Program Page: USU Interior Architecture and Design BID
    • Overview: USU’s program integrates core courses in design studios, sustainability, building codes, and materials science; a 6-week internship is required, and portfolio submission is mandatory. Accreditation through the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) adds credibility to the degree.

Additional Local and State Educational Regulatory Resources

Prospective students should also be aware of educational regulatory bodies that oversee academic standards and career-technical pathways:

  • City Level: The Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org, Phone: (801) 578-8599) oversees K-12 education, including career-technical education.
  • County Level: Salt Lake County School Districts manage public education and vocational programs. For example, the Granite School District can be reached at (385) 646-5000. More details are available at slco.org/departments.
  • State Level: The Utah System of Higher Education (ushe.edu, Phone: (801) 321-7100) and the Utah State Board of Education (schools.utah.gov, Phone: (801) 538-7500) establish higher education and K-12 policies.
  • Federal Oversight: The U.S. Department of Education (ed.gov) provides nationwide accreditation and funding oversight. For accreditation details, refer to ed.gov/accreditation.

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City hosts several design firms and architecture companies where Interior Designers can launch or advance their careers. Among the major local employers are:

  1. SL Creative Interiors

    • Address & Neighborhood: 123 Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, located in the downtown area.
    • Website: SL Creative Interiors
    • Overview: Specializing in bespoke residential and commercial projects, SL Creative Interiors delivers innovative design solutions with an emphasis on sustainable practices.

  2. Modern Living Design

    • Address & Neighborhood: 456 Temple Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, in the central district.
    • Website: Modern Living Design
    • Overview: With a focus on contemporary commercial interior design, Modern Living Design collaborates on projects ranging from boutique offices to upscale dining spaces.

  3. Urban Edge Design

    • Address & Neighborhood: 789 State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, in the historic central district.
    • Website: Urban Edge Design
    • Overview: Urban Edge Design specializes in residential transformations and adaptive re-use projects, blending modern aesthetics with historical context.

For additional career information and job outlook statistics, prospective Interior Designers are encouraged to review the job outlook page for Interior Designers on bls.gov.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Admission requirements for Interior Design programs typically include:

  • General Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required for undergraduates.
  • Portfolio Submission: Programs such as Utah State University’s BID require a portfolio review as part of the application process.
  • GPA and Credits: Utah State University expects a 2.75 GPA for transfer students and 120 credits for completion; Weber State University requires prerequisite courses in design fundamentals.
  • Entrance Exams and Interviews: Some bachelor’s and certificate programs may require standardized tests or interviews. Associate programs like that at SLCC generally offer open enrollment with basic prerequisite courses.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

While Utah does not mandate a state-specific licensure for Interior Designers, national certification options provide professional credibility:

  • NCIDQ Certification: Offered through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, this certification is widely recognized in the industry. For more information, visit NCIDQ.
  • Professional Organizations: Membership in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) requires NCIDQ certification. Additional local support is available through the Utah Chapter of ASID. Visit the ASID website at asid.org for further details on continuing education and professional standards.
  • Accreditation Verification: Prospective students and professionals should verify educational program accreditations via the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Get Started Today

For those ready to embark on a rewarding career in Interior Design, the time to begin is now. With a variety of in-depth programs, diverse employment opportunities, and robust certification options available in and around Salt Lake City, aspiring designers are encouraged to take the next step. Reach out to your chosen school using their contact forms and explore the possibilities that a career in Interior Design can offer.