Interior Design Schools in California

California is a top destination for aspiring interior designers, offering a range of renowned schools and exciting career opportunities.

Summary

– California offers some of the best opportunities for students pursuing a career in interior design. California’s strong design culture, diverse landscapes, and connections to top professionals provide interior design students with unique opportunities to innovate and excel.

– Renowned schools like California College of the Arts, Academy of Art University, and San Francisco State University offer hands-on, creative education, blending practical experience with industry insights.

– Programs cover fundamental topics such as space planning, CAD, color theory, and sustainable design, preparing graduates for careers in both residential and commercial design. Many schools, like San Jose State and Design Institute of San Diego, also emphasize connections with the growing design industry in key metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

California is a dream destination for anyone interested in architecture, art, and design. Throw in the beautiful beaches, amazing natural scenery, and a pleasant year-round climate and it becomes the ideal place to study interior design.

In fact, of all the states in America, California is the most amenable for students looking to pursue a career as an interior designer. The state is home to some of the best schools in the country for interior design, many of which are located in or near several major metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

California Interior Design Programs

Best Interior Design Schools in California

To qualify for this ranking list, a school must be recognized by the California Council for Interior Design Certification and offer an interior design program at the bachelor’s or master’s degree level.
California College of the Arts

1. California College of the Arts

1111 8th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Website
www.cca.edu
Enrollment
1,500
Details
California College of the Arts (CCA) offers a comprehensive interior design program that emphasizes creativity, sustainability, and technical proficiency. The program prepares students to tackle real-world design challenges through hands-on learning and project-based courses. A unique fact: CCA’s San Francisco campus is located near the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, offering students unique opportunities to collaborate with local designers and artists.
San Jose State University

2. San Jose State University

One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192
Website
www.sjsu.edu
Enrollment
40,000
Details
San Jose State University offers an interior design program that focuses on both the artistic and technical aspects of design, blending creativity with practical application. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the school provides students access to a cutting-edge design industry. A unique fact: SJSU has strong industry connections with major tech companies, making it a great option for students interested in smart and sustainable design solutions.

3. Interior Designers Institute

1061 Camelback Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Website
idi.edu
Enrollment
107
Details
Interior Designers Institute (IDI) is known for its focused, hands-on approach to interior design education, offering a curriculum that prepares students for immediate entry into the professional world. The program blends design theory, technical skills, and real-world experience. A unique fact: IDI’s proximity to the design-centric community of Newport Beach allows students to engage with luxury and high-end design, giving them a competitive edge in the interior design market.
Academy of Art University

4. Academy of Art University

79 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Website
www.academyart.edu
Enrollment
6,320
Details
The Academy of Art University offers a robust interior design program that encourages creativity, innovation, and technical expertise. Students benefit from the school’s access to cutting-edge technology and close-knit faculty support. A unique fact: Located in the heart of San Francisco, the Academy’s students are immersed in a city known for its unique architecture, which serves as a major influence on their design work.
San Francisco State University

5. San Francisco State University

1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132
Website
www.sfsu.edu
Enrollment
30,339
Details
San Francisco State University provides a dynamic interior design program that emphasizes sustainability, social responsibility, and creative expression. The program integrates interdisciplinary learning and prepares students for careers in residential, commercial, and institutional design. A unique fact: San Francisco’s rich architectural history and progressive design culture offer SFSU students a unique backdrop for their studies and creative projects.

6. Design Institute of San Diego

8555 Commerce Avenue, San Diego, CA 92121
Website
www.disd.edu
Enrollment
101
Details
Design Institute of San Diego focuses on providing an immersive interior design education with an emphasis on creativity, professional standards, and sustainability. The program allows students to work on real-world projects, preparing them for success in the competitive design field. A unique fact: Located in sunny San Diego, the institute’s campus fosters a collaborative, creative environment, offering students access to a growing design industry in Southern California.
California State University, Long Beach

7. California State University, Long Beach

1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840
Website
www.csulb.edu
Enrollment
42,355
Details
California State University, Long Beach offers a comprehensive and highly regarded interior design program that balances technical design education with hands-on learning. Students gain exposure to diverse design fields and career opportunities. A unique fact: CSULB’s proximity to Los Angeles allows students to engage with a vibrant arts and design scene, attending exhibitions and working with top industry professionals.

8. Fresno State

5241 N. Maple Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710
Website
www.fresnostate.edu
Enrollment
24,234
Details
Fresno State’s interior design program offers students a strong foundation in design principles, sustainability, and professional practices. The program prepares students for careers in both residential and commercial design. A unique fact: Fresno State’s central location in California provides students with opportunities to connect with the state’s growing design industry, particularly in Central Valley’s booming agricultural and commercial sectors.
Sacramento State

9. Sacramento State

6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
Website
www.csus.edu
Enrollment
30,164
Details
Sacramento State offers an interior design program that combines academic rigor with practical skills, preparing students for a variety of design careers. The program emphasizes sustainable design and creative problem-solving. A unique fact: Sacramento State’s location in California’s state capital allows students to engage with local and state government agencies, offering unique opportunities for students interested in civic and public sector design projects.

What You Will Learn in Interior Design School

Interior design schools in California teach students how to plan, design, and manage the built environment. Graduates of these programs will be able to identify user requirements and develop functional plans for spaces that meet those needs.

They will also have a good understanding of building materials, lighting, safety features, and even furniture elements that would be effective in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. Some interior design programs even place a significant emphasis on business skills, providing students with the opportunity to learn about financial planning and marketing. Other common course topics include:

  • Fundamentals of Design
  • Advanced Drawing and Rendering Techniques
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
  • Theory & Elements of Design and Color
  • Building Codes and Regulations
  • Professional Practices in Interior Design
  • Principles of Sustainable Design
  • Construction Methods and Materials
  • Environmental Control Systems

FAQ

There are several paths to becoming an interior designer in California, each of which requires a significant amount of education and work experience. The most common route is to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in interior design from an accredited school, followed by two years of work experience in the field under the supervision of a certified interior designer.

Other options include a) completing a three-year accredited interior design program and earning three years of work experience, b) completing a two-year degree and earning four years of experience, and c) acquiring a combination of eight years of interior design education and diversified interior design experience.

No, you do not need a license, nor is a license available, to practice interior design in California. However, state law provides for an optional certification that allows interior designers to use the title “Certified Interior Designer” or CID. You may not use any of the terms including “CID” or “registered”, or call yourself a Certified Interior Designer unless you are certified by the California Council for Interior Design Certification.

California is one of the top five highest-paying states for interior designers. According to the most recent data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for Interior Designers was $70,310 in 2020. This amount is equivalent to an hourly mean wage of $33.80, which is 13.5% higher than the national average. California interior designers in the top 90th percentile earned $112,070 or more in 2020.

With its great weather and beautiful landscapes, California is an ideal place to work as an interior designer. The state offers a wide variety of opportunities for designers in both the commercial and residential sectors, and the ever-growing population means that there is always demand for new and innovative interior design solutions. Additionally, California has a number of professional organizations and certification programs that provide support and resources to interior designers working in the state.

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