Interior Design Programs in Spokane, Washington

Becoming an Interior Designer in Spokane, Washington

A career as an Interior Designer offers a unique blend of creativity and technical knowledge to transform interior spaces. Aspiring Interior Designers can pursue various education paths—from associate degrees that emphasize hands-on training to comprehensive bachelor’s programs that integrate theory, studio work, and real-world experience. In Spokane, Washington, options ranging from local community colleges to programs in nearby cities prepare students for certification, professional development, and long-term career success in the design industry.

For an in-depth view of employment trends, please visit the Interior Designers Job Outlook page on bls.gov.

About Spokane, Washington

Spokane is a dynamic city in eastern Washington known for its rich cultural scene and scenic vistas along the Spokane River. The city is home to well-established neighborhoods like Browne’s Addition and the downtown area, which hosts a mix of historic architecture and modern developments. For additional details about the city’s governance and services, interested readers should contact Spokane City Hall at 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201 or refer to local government resources.

Interior Design Programs in Spokane, Washington

Aspiring Interior Designers in Spokane have several options for enrolling in accredited design programs. Below are three institutions offering Interior Design or related design courses:

  1. Spokane Falls Community College – Interior Design Program

    • Address: 925 W Boone Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 (Downtown Spokane)
    • Program Details: This program offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) focused on residential and commercial design. Students gain hands-on experience in studio design, materials, lighting, and CAD/Revit techniques. In-state tuition is approximately $4,500 per year.
    • Website: Spokane Falls Community College Interior Design

  2. Washington State University – Bachelor of Interior Design

    • Address: 600 Union Ave, Pullman, WA 99164 (Downtown Pullman)
    • Program Details: WSU’s four-year Bachelor of Interior Design program is CIDA-accredited and emphasizes senior experiences such as internships and study abroad. The program requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 for transfer students along with the UCORE curriculum including humanities, quantitative reasoning, and equity courses.
    • Distance from Spokane: Approximately 280 miles.
    • Website: Washington State University Interior Design

  3. Seattle Central College – Design Courses Relevant to Interior Design

    • Address: 1701 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122 (Capitol Hill)
    • Program Details: Offering a range of design courses that cover the fundamentals of interior aesthetics, spatial planning, and material applications, Seattle Central College provides aspiring designers with a comprehensive foundation.
    • Distance from Spokane: Approximately 280 miles.
    • Note: Prospective students should verify current program offerings and course specifics directly with the institution.

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Spokane

Spokane’s local design industry features several reputable firms and architecture companies offering promising career opportunities for Interior Designers:

  • NAC Architecture

    • Address: 212 N Lipscomb St, Spokane, WA 99201 (Downtown Spokane)
    • Overview: NAC Architecture is known for innovative projects that blend aesthetic design with functional solutions. The firm frequently posts job openings and opportunities for professional growth through internships and direct employment.
    • Website: NAC Architecture

  • ALSC Architects

    • Address: 525 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 (Downtown Spokane)
    • Overview: Specializing in both commercial and residential projects, ALSC Architects integrates modern design trends with sustainable practices. Their employment opportunities are ideal for those seeking dynamic involvement in design projects.
    • Website: ALSC Architects

These organizations, along with other local design firms, provide a robust ecosystem for emerging Interior Designers to build their portfolios and gain real-world experience.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Typical prerequisites for Interior Design programs include a high school diploma or equivalent and evidence of strong academic skills in math and English. For example:

  • Spokane Falls Community College: Requires math/English placement tests; SAT/ACT scores are generally not required.
  • Washington State University: Transfer students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 along with completion of the UCORE requirements (including humanities, quantitative reasoning, and equity courses).
    Additional prerequisites often include portfolio submissions, interviews, or entrance exams, ensuring candidates possess both the creative vision and technical proficiency for the field.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification plays a key role in establishing professional credibility in Interior Design. While Washington state does not mandate specific licensure requirements for Interior Designers, national certification is highly recommended.

  • NCIDQ Certification: Offered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, this certification is recognized industry-wide and is a strong credential for advancing a design career. More information is available at the NCIDQ website.
  • Professional Organizations: Membership in bodies such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) can provide networking opportunities, resources, and continuing education to further enhance professional skills.

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Spokane, Spokane County, Washington

Understanding local and state educational regulatory bodies is crucial for navigating Interior Design degree programs:

  • Spokane City Education Office

    • Purpose: Oversees local educational initiatives and partnerships.
    • Contact: Spokane City Hall, 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201 (509-625-6000).

  • Spokane County Education Office

    • Purpose: Coordinates county-wide educational programs and workforce development.
    • Contact: Spokane County Commissioners, 1116 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260 (509-477-2000).

  • Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)

    • Purpose: Oversees community college programs, including interior design.
    • Website: https://www.sbctc.edu | Contact: (360-704-4400).

  • Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB)

    • Purpose: Manages state-level higher education policies and programs.
    • Website: https://www.wsac.wa.gov | Contact: (360-753-7800).

  • Federal Oversight – U.S. Department of Education

State-Specific Degree Information

  • Degrees Available:

    • Associate in Applied Science (AAS): Offered by Spokane Falls Community College with a focus on residential and commercial design.
    • Bachelor of Interior Design: Available at Washington State University, featuring a senior capstone, internships, and study abroad opportunities.
    • Transfer Options: SFCC’s AAS-T program allows transfers to WSU’s UCORE-compliant bachelor’s program.

  • Admission Requirements:

    • SFCC’s AAS: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the spring quarter with math/English placement assessments.
    • WSU’s Bachelor’s Program: Requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 from transfer applicants along with UCORE-related course completions.

  • Curriculum: Core courses include studio design, materials, lighting, and CAD/Revit, with options to specialize in sustainable design and historic preservation.

  • Accreditation:

    • WSU’s program is accredited by CIDA; verify accreditation via the Accredit-ID Database.
    • SFCC’s program is regionally accredited by NWCCU.

  • Professional Organizations:

    • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID): Offers professional development, networking, and advocacy opportunities. Membership may require NCIDQ certification.
    • Spokane ASID Chapter: For local networking and events, contact ASID’s national office for further details.

Get Started Today

Spokane offers comprehensive pathways to a rewarding career in Interior Design, from foundational courses at Spokane Falls Community College to advanced studies at Washington State University and other institutions. With strong local educational oversight and numerous professional resources, this is the time to explore your potential and engage with leading design programs. Take the next step by contacting your chosen school through their inquiry forms and begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in Interior Design.