Interior Design Programs in Arlington, Virginia
Becoming an Interior Designer in Arlington, Virginia
Aspiring Interior Designers in Arlington, Virginia, can choose from diverse education paths that include associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree options. An Interior Designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. Education paths range from two-year training programs to advanced degrees that emphasize sustainable design and global perspectives. Decisions on design programs, certification, and licensure should be guided by current research and industry standards, as well as local, state, and federal educational resources.
About Arlington, Virginia
Arlington, Virginia, is a dynamic urban community rich in history and modern amenities. Known for neighborhoods such as Ballston, Rosslyn, and Shirlington, the city offers an inspiring environment for creative professionals. Local government initiatives and educational partnerships are coordinated through the Arlington County Government, enhancing community support for educational and professional ventures. Visitors and residents alike admire local landmarks including the Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon.
Interior Design Programs in Arlington, Virginia
Local and Neighboring Institutions
Several institutions offer Interior Design training in or near Arlington:
Marymount University
- Program Offerings: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Interior Design (CIDA-accredited).
- Address & Neighborhood: Located in the heart of Arlington, near the Ballston district.
- Description: Marymount University emphasizes sustainable design and a global perspective. Admission typically requires SAT/ACT scores and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Website: Marymount University
Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC)
- Program Offerings: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design.
- Address & Neighborhood: The Annandale campus is approximately 10 miles from Arlington.
- Description: NVCC provides a hands-on training experience featuring courses in space planning, CAD software, and portfolio development. Current tuition is $146.50 per credit for the 2024 academic year.
- Program Page: NVCC Interior Design Program
- Contact: Visit their website for enrollment details.
George Washington University (GWU)
- Program Offerings: Bachelor’s degree options in Interior Design.
- Address & Neighborhood: Located in Washington, D.C., approximately 5 miles from Arlington, near the Foggy Bottom neighborhood.
- Description: GWU offers comprehensive design programs with an emphasis on combining theory and practical application. Prospective students should review admission requirements on the official site.
- Website: George Washington University
Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Arlington
Aspiring Interior Designers will find employment opportunities at well-regarded firms in and around Arlington. Major design firms include:
Gensler
- Office Location: Situated in the Rosslyn area of Arlington.
- Description: A global design and architecture firm, Gensler is recognized for innovative interior, architectural, and urban planning solutions.
- Employment Opportunities: Careers can be explored via their official careers page.
- Website: Gensler Careers
HOK
- Office Location: With an office in the greater Washington, D.C. area close to Arlington.
- Description: HOK is a prominent architectural and interior design firm known for sustainable and context-sensitive designs.
- Employment Opportunities: Find current openings and career information on their website.
- Website: HOK
Perkins+Will
- Office Location: Their regional office is located in Tysons Corner, approximately 8 miles from Arlington.
- Description: Perkins+Will is renowned for comprehensive interior design services that blend innovation and functionality.
- Employment Opportunities: Details can be found on the official Perkins+Will website.
- Website: Perkins+Will
These firms offer varied career paths that include roles as Interior Designer, Space Planner, or Kitchen/Bath Designer. For further insight into career prospects and salary ranges—typically between $45,000 and $80,000 annually for entry-level to senior positions—visit the BLS job outlook page for Interior Designers.
Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs
Prospective students can expect to meet several prerequisites, including:
- Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or GED for associate degree programs; bachelor’s degree requirements for advanced studies.
- Entrance Exams or Portfolio: Many programs require standardized test scores (e.g., SAT/ACT), a strong academic record (minimum GPA around 2.5), and a portfolio submission.
- Interviews: Some institutions may conduct interviews to assess creative aptitude.
Review individual school requirements for complete and accurate details.
Interior Design Certification and Licensure
For a successful career, obtaining certification and licensure is essential. Options include:
- National Certification: Many programs encourage certification through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). Visit the NCIDQ official website for details.
- State-Specific Requirements: In Virginia, there are no statewide licensure mandates for Interior Designers. However, professionals may refer to the Virginia Interior Designers Board for state-specific guidelines.
- Accreditation: Programs at institutions like Marymount University and GWU are CIDA-accredited. Additionally, NVCC’s accreditation is verified through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Professional organizations offer networking and further certification opportunities. Notable organizations include:
- American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) – for continuing education and job listings: ASID
- ASID Washington Metro Chapter – for local workshops and mentorship: ASID Washington Metro
- Arlington County Design Community – for supporting local design initiatives; find details by searching on the Arlington County Government website.
Interior Design Degree Requirements and Local Educational Resources
Arlington offers a range of regulatory resources to assist Interior Design students:
- City Level
- Arlington County Government
- Purpose: Oversees local education initiatives and partnerships.
- Website: Arlington County Government
- Contact: (703) 228-3000
- Arlington County Government
- County Level
- Arlington County Public Schools
- Purpose: Manages K-12 education and career technical programs.
- Website: Arlington County Public Schools
- Contact: (703) 228-6000
- Arlington County Public Schools
- State Level
- Federal Level
- U.S. Department of Education
- Jurisdiction: Oversees national education policy and funding.
- Website: U.S. Department of Education
- U.S. Department of Education
Degree-specific information includes:
- Types of Degrees:
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Offered at Marymount University and George Washington University.
- Associate Degrees: Available at NVCC.
- Master’s Degrees: Offered at Marymount University for advanced studies.
- Admission Requirements:
- Associate Degree: High school diploma/GED, no standardized tests required at NVCC.
- Bachelor’s Degree: SAT/ACT scores and a minimum GPA of 2.5 at Marymount University.
- Master’s Degree: Requires a related bachelor’s degree.
- Curriculum:
- Core Courses: Cover interior design principles, space planning, building codes, and CAD software.
- Specializations: Include residential/commercial design, kitchen/bath design, and sustainability.
- Accreditation: Check the Council for Interior Design Accreditation for current CIDA status.
Get Started Today
The comprehensive educational and career resources in Arlington, Virginia, provide a solid foundation for a successful career in Interior Design. Whether you are considering enrolling in a design program or exploring certification and professional development opportunities, now is the time to take the next step. Contact a school directly using the forms on their websites and begin the journey toward transforming interior spaces.