Interior Design Programs in Chesapeake, Virginia

Becoming an Interior Designer in Chesapeake, Virginia

A career as an Interior Designer involves creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. In Chesapeake, Virginia, aspiring designers can follow several education paths ranging from associate degrees and certificate programs to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Whether you plan to work in residential spaces, commercial settings, or specialize in green design, understanding the educational options available is essential.

Interior Design programs provide foundational training in space planning, color theory, materials selection, construction documentation, and software tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Programs may also offer specializations in areas like green design and kitchen & bath design, preparing students for national certifications and, if applicable, state licensure.

About Chesapeake

Chesapeake is a growing city located in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is known for its rich history, waterfront views, and diverse neighborhoods including Great Bridge and Bower’s Hill. For more information about the city and its community initiatives, visit the City of Chesapeake Education Page.

Interior Design Programs in Chesapeake, Virginia

Aspiring Interior Designers in Chesapeake have accessible educational opportunities locally as well as nearby. Here are three notable programs serving this region:

  • Tidewater Community College (TCC) – Chesapeake Campus

    • Program(s): Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design and various Career Studies Certificates (e.g., Associate Designer, Green Design for Interiors, and Kitchen & Bath Design).
    • Unique Features: Affordable tuition at $150 per credit (in-state), LEED certification preparation, and open enrollment with placement testing for math and English.
    • Location: Chesapeake, Virginia – locally accessible for residents.
    • Website: TCC Interior Design

  • Virginia Tech – Interior Design Program

    • Program: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design (CIDA-accredited)
    • Unique Features: Interdisciplinary collaboration with architecture and industrial design, competitive SAT/ACT score requirements (middle 50%: 1180–1370 SAT or 25–31 ACT), a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0, and a portfolio review requirement for transfer students.
    • Location: Blacksburg, Virginia – approximately 270 miles from Chesapeake.
    • Website: VT Interior Design

  • VCUarts – Interior Design Program

    • Program(s): Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design (Interior Environments) (both CIDA-accredited)
    • Unique Features: A studio-based curriculum with a focus on human-centered design and sustainability, with admission requirements including SAT/ACT scores (middle 50%: 1130–1290 SAT or 24–28 ACT) and a mandatory portfolio submission.
    • Location: Richmond, Virginia – approximately 85 miles from Chesapeake, situated in a dynamic urban neighborhood.
    • Website: VCUarts Interior Design

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Chesapeake

Chesapeake and its surrounding areas host a diverse range of design firms and architectural companies. Major employers often maintain local offices that offer employment opportunities tailored to Interior Designers. For instance:

  • HOK

    • Description: A globally recognized design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm with a local office in the Hampton Roads area near Norfolk.
    • Neighborhood: Norfolk (approximately 12 miles from Chesapeake).
    • Website: HOK

  • Perkins+Will

    • Description: An established design and architecture firm with a presence in Virginia Beach offering innovative interior design solutions for commercial, hospitality, and residential projects.
    • Neighborhood: Virginia Beach (approximately 15 miles from Chesapeake).
    • Website: Perkins+Will

  • CannonDesign

    • Description: Known for its collaborative design approach, CannonDesign has a local office that frequently seeks professionals skilled in modern interior design practices.
    • Neighborhood: Norfolk, Virginia (approximately 10 miles from Chesapeake).
    • Website: CannonDesign

For more detailed employment trends and job outlook information for Interior Designers, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics Interior Designers Job Outlook page.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Most Interior Design programs require applicants to demonstrate a solid foundation in English and mathematics. Typical prerequisites include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Placement testing or minimum grade requirements in math and English.
  • Entrance exams (SAT/ACT) for bachelor’s programs.
  • A portfolio submission showcasing creativity and design potential.
  • An interview process may be part of the admissions requirements.

These standards help ensure that students are prepared for the rigorous creative and technical elements of Interior Design studies.

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Chesapeake, Virginia

Aspiring Interior Designers in Chesapeake can benefit from a wealth of local, state, and federal educational resources and regulatory bodies. Key resources include:

  • Official City Educational Regulatory Bodies

    • Agency: City of Chesapeake Department of Education
    • Purpose: Oversees public education and career training programs within Chesapeake.
    • Website: City of Chesapeake Education Page
    • Contact: (757) 382-2489

  • Official County Educational Regulatory Bodies

    • Agency: Chesapeake Public Schools
    • Purpose: Manages K-12 education and vocational training in Chesapeake.
    • Website: Chesapeake Public Schools
    • Contact: (757) 547-0153

  • Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies

    • Agency: Virginia Department of Education
    • Agency: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
      • Website: SCHEV
      • Contact: (804) 225-2600

  • Federal Education Oversight Agencies

  • State-Specific Degree Information

    • Tidewater Community College (Chesapeake):
      • Programs: AAS in Interior Design and Career Studies Certificates, including Associate Designer, Green Design for Interiors, and Kitchen & Bath Design.
      • Admission: Open enrollment with placement testing; rolling applications for fall, spring, and summer terms.
    • Virginia Tech:
      • Program: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design (CIDA-accredited).
      • Admission: Requires SAT/ACT scores, a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0, and a portfolio review for transfer students.
    • VCUarts:
      • Programs: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design (Interior Environments).
      • Admission: Includes SAT/ACT scores, a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0, and a mandatory portfolio submission.

  • Professional Organizations

    • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID):
      • Purpose: Advocates for the profession and offers certifications.
      • Website: ASID
    • International Interior Design Association (IIDA):
      • Purpose: Promotes design excellence and professional development.
      • Website: IIDA

  • Career Information

    • Job Prospects:
      • Median salary for Interior Designers is approximately $61,480 per year, with senior designers earning between $80,000–$110,000 per year [BLS, 2024].
      • Top employers include architectural firms, retail and hospitality design consultancies, and specialized interior design firms.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification and licensure are critical steps in establishing a professional career in Interior Design. Key certification and accreditation resources include:

  • NCIDQ Certification:
    • The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam is required for licensure in Virginia.
  • CIDA Accreditation:
    • Many Interior Design programs, including those at Virginia Tech and VCUarts, are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, a necessity for NCIDQ eligibility and state licensure.
    • Verify accredited programs at the CIDA Accredited Programs page.
  • Additional Certifications:
    • Specialized certifications such as LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for green design and NKBA certification for kitchen and bath design enhance professional credentials.

Get Started Today

Chesapeake offers a range of educational resources and career opportunities for aspiring Interior Designers. With local options like Tidewater Community College and nearby programs at Virginia Tech and VCUarts, students have multiple pathways to build a successful career. Begin by researching each program further and complete the necessary admissions requirements. Contact a school today through the forms on their official websites and take the first step toward an enriching career in Interior Design.